Physics Introduction book

[cosmicvoid]

Hi, I'm an undergraduate physics student and I'm currently in my second week of the first semester. I wonder if I should use Sears and Zemansky's University Physics or Halliday and Resnick's Fundamentals of Physics as my book reference. Which one do you guys think is the best? or if there's any better book out there please let me know! =)

 

[pines-demon]

Use both. The more the better.

 

[berkeman]

Hi, I'm an undergraduate physics student and I'm currently in my second week of the first semester. I wonder if I should use Sears and Zemansky's University Physics or Halliday and Resnick's Fundamentals of Physics as my book reference. Which one do you guys think is the best? or if there's any better book out there please let me know! =)

What textbook are you using in the class?

 

[cosmicvoid]

Halliday's book

 

[Vmax]

I agree with @pines-demon: the intelligent use of multiple sources is a core skill for a STEM student. These are two of the finest introductory physics books out there. I suggest you study a topic first on the one that is used in class, and then read the same topic on the other one looking for different explanations, viewpoints, and original excercises, instead of re-reading the first one.

 

[Frabjous]

Use both. The more the better.

While I in general believe this, I believe it is of limited utility for freshman books. Both of the books are good. Since it is chosen for your class, I would choose Halliday and Resnick. If you have additional time to devote to the topic, I would solve additional problems.

 

[MidgetDwarf]

If you can find a copy of Alonso and Finn Physics at the library. Its a great book but expensive. I would supplement the class book with this one.

If you can find Alonso and Finn: Fundamental University Physics Volume 1, which is even better but more harder to find. Than use that one in combination with the assigned text.

If you cannot find either at the library, check to see if you can do an inter library loan? Ie., where they request the book from libraries they are associated with.

If this is not possible. Than get a copy of Shankar Fundamental Physics Volume 1 to read along with the assigned textbook.

I find it pointless to own both Young and Resnik. Since these are run of the mill intro physics book and they are extremely similar, except for a few exemptions such as mentioned above.

 

[Vmax]

I fully agree with @MidgetDwarf , Shankar definitively has an original approach to introductory physics that I found very enjoyable and insightful, if you already had a first exposition to it on a more "conventional" text.

 

[TensorCalculus]

I love Halliday, but can I recommend Young and Freedman? I think I prefer the latter.

If you get Shankar, be sure to watch the course alongside it! Trust me when I say you won't be disappointed!

 

[Mamta25]

Hi, I'm an undergraduate physics student and I'm currently in my second week of the first semester. I wonder if I should use Sears and Zemansky's University Physics or Halliday and Resnick's Fundamentals of Physics as my book reference. Which one do you guys think is the best? or if there's any better book out there please let me know! =)

For you, I would recommend starting with Halliday and Resnick's Fundamentals of Physics because it explain concepts very clearly and provide plently of practice problems, while Sears and Zemansky's University Physics can be used for deeper understanding when needed.