Need trustworthy, informative reading material

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the need for informative and comprehensive reading materials for beginners in physics, specifically in the areas of fundamental molecular physics, fundamental molecular interactions, and electricity and magnetism. Participants recommend Griffith's "Introduction to Electrodynamics" for those familiar with calculus, emphasizing the necessity of calculus for understanding electromagnetism. Additionally, it is noted that texts on molecular physics typically require prior knowledge of quantum mechanics, which is crucial for grasping the subject matter effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus for studying electricity and magnetism.
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics for molecular physics topics.
  • Basic knowledge of fundamental physics concepts.
  • Ability to critically evaluate educational resources and textbooks.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Griffith's "Introduction to Electrodynamics" for a solid foundation in electricity and magnetism.
  • Explore online resources for learning calculus to support physics studies.
  • Investigate introductory texts on quantum mechanics to prepare for molecular physics.
  • Look for comprehensive books on fundamental molecular interactions that bridge gaps in existing literature.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for beginner physics students, educators seeking quality resources, and anyone interested in a deeper understanding of molecular physics and electromagnetism.

Petyarazor
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I need some informative books for a beginner. However, I find most beginner textbooks too simple, vague and incomprehensive. I find it annoying that many texts are extremely vocabulary based, and fail to inform the reader of HOW particular physics mechanisms work. Instead, these texts vaguely explain only WHAT these mechanisms do. I am interested in all of the details, particularly in the HOW.

These are the subjects I am interested in.

Fundamental molecular physics
Fundamental molecular interactions
Electricity and magnetism

Any advice would be much appreciated! Would be great if these books could be ordered online!Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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How beginner? Do you know calculus? If so, Griffith's Introduction to electrodynamics is a good introductory text for electricity and magnetism.

If you don't know calculus, there are many excellent texts and online resources for learning calculus, that I'm sure others can direct you to, I don't have a particular favourite beginner text. (There is really no point trying to learn electromagnetism without calculus).

ETA: As for molecular physics, I've never seen a text for it that doesn't already assume quantum mechanics. Do you know quantum mechanics?
 
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