Need a Classical Mechanics book that covers these topics

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for a Classical Mechanics textbook suitable for a freshman Computer Engineering student. The topics of interest include Newton's laws, vector algebra, equilibrium of bodies, plane trusses, moments of area, virtual displacement, work-energy theorem, conservation of energy, momentum principles, and dynamics of rigid bodies. The participant seeks guidance on whether to choose a general college physics textbook or something more specialized, considering their background in physics and current calculus course.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recommend Ohanian's "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" as a suitable textbook.
  • Others suggest Savov's book, highlighting its relevance to the topics listed and providing a link for further exploration.
  • Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics" is mentioned as a highly regarded text, but some participants express doubt about its appropriateness for the OP's background and the course content.
  • Concerns are raised that Goldstein may be too advanced for someone with limited exposure to mechanics and high school-level math.
  • It is noted that certain topics, such as plane trusses and virtual displacement, may not be adequately covered by the recommended texts, suggesting the need for an "Engineering Mechanics"-type textbook.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability of Goldstein's text for the OP, with some agreeing that it may not be appropriate while others defend its value. There is no consensus on a single recommended textbook, as various suggestions are made based on differing interpretations of the OP's needs.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in coverage of specific topics by the suggested textbooks, indicating that some areas may require additional resources or different types of texts.

Fifty5
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I'm a freshman in Computer Engineering at a university. I have a Classical Mechanics course that will cover these topics:

Newton's law of motion
Vector Algebra
Equilibrium of bodies
Plane Trusses
First moment of area, centroid, etc.
Calculation of virtual displacement and virtual work
Work-energy theorem, principle of conservation of energy, principles of momentum, etc.
Dynamics of rigid bodies

My only other experience with physics is my honors physics class in high school around 3 years ago. Should I just be looking for a general college physics textbook or do I need something more specific? As far as math skills, I'm currently taking a Calculus 1 course.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Ohanian's "Physics for Scientists and engineers" 3rd edition covers it.
 
Thanks, I'll check it out.
 
Fifty5 said:
I'm a freshman in Computer Engineering at a university. I have a Classical Mechanics course that will cover these topics:

Newton's law of motion
Vector Algebra
Equilibrium of bodies
Plane Trusses
First moment of area, centroid, etc.
Calculation of virtual displacement and virtual work
Work-energy theorem, principle of conservation of energy, principles of momentum, etc.
Dynamics of rigid bodies

My only other experience with physics is my honors physics class in high school around 3 years ago. Should I just be looking for a general college physics textbook or do I need something more specific? As far as math skills, I'm currently taking a Calculus 1 course.

I highly recommend Savov for your purpose
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0992001005/?tag=pfamazon01-20

There is a good preview available here - I think you will like it. It is a great book.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Last edited by a moderator:
You can check Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics " its one of the best we got in classical mechanics!
 
Prasun-rick said:
You can check Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics " its one of the best we got in classical mechanics!
I doubt that Goldstein is the right book, given the list of topics and the OP's background.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: micromass and Prasun-rick
Krylov said:
I doubt that Goldstein is the right book, given the list of topics and the OP's background.
Well for some topics you are right it isn't!
 
Goldstein is a grad level text - one that is not very fun to read. For someone with just high school math, a bit of calculus, and very little exposure to mechanics, it would be virtually impossible to follow and benefit from Goldstein. I think Savov will be perfect for OP. For a second book, I would pick up the first volume of https://www.amazon.com/dp/0300192207/?tag=pfamazon01-20.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #10
I don't think "Plane trusses" is covered by Ohanian, Savov, or Goldstein.
I don't think "virtual displacement and virtual work" is covered by Ohanian or Savov.
These two topics, plus the rest of the listed topics, are treated in an "Engineering Mechanics"-type textbook.
If you are looking for a text that treats the other topics listed, then you could consider what has been suggested... although I agree with the other recent posts that Goldstein is probably not appropriate.
 

Similar threads

Advice on Resources -- A really good classical mechanics book?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Classical The best introductory mechanics textbook
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
10K
Classical Old mechanics book that describes the scientific method first
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Classical Searching for a book similar to physical Paradoxes and Sophisms
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Classical Undergrad book on Classical Mechanics
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Looking for good books explaining Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
5K
Classical Reading Goldstein's Classical Mechanics as an Undergraduate
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
8K
Classical Textbook for light, heat, waves
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Classical What are the best intermediate Newtonian mechanics textbooks?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
7K
Classical Source recommendation on Differential Geometry
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K