Physics Textbooks for Self-Study: Mechanics, Electrodynamics & More

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hioj
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Self-study
AI Thread Summary
Interest in physics and math has led to a discussion on recommended texts across various topics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and special relativity. Key suggestions include "Introduction to Classical Mechanics" by David Morin for mechanics and "Electricity and Magnetism" by Edward M. Purcell for electricity and magnetism. The Feynman Lectures on Physics are highlighted as an engaging resource for classical mechanics, while "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman" offers insight into Richard Feynman's personality and thought process. Participants emphasize the importance of supplementing reading with problem-solving resources like college-level workbooks. Overall, the thread serves as a guide for those seeking to deepen their understanding of physics through recommended literature.
Hioj
Messages
16
Reaction score
2
I've recently taken a liking to physics and math, and I want to start reading some texts about the various physics topics. There are many books out there to choose from, I'll list the books next to the topic as I go along.

Mechanics

1. "Introduction to Classical Mechanics: With Problems and Solutions" by David Morin.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521876222/?tag=pfamazon01-20

2. "Newtonian Mechanics" by A.P. French.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393099709/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Electricity and magnetism/electrodynamics

1. "Electricity and Magnetism (Berkeley Physics Course, Vol. 2)", by Edward M. Purcell.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070049084/?tag=pfamazon01-20

2. "Introduction to Electrodynamics", by David J. Griffiths.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/013805326X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Quantum Mechanics

"Introduction to Quantum Mechanics", by David J. Griffiths.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0131118927/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thermodynamics

"Concepts in Thermal Physics", by Stephen J. Blundell and Katherine M. Blundell.
Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0199562105/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Special Relativity

"Special Relativity (MIT Introductory Physics)", by A.P. French.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0748744479/?tag=pfamazon01-20When helping me out with the following questions, keep in mind I've been through the whole University Physics book, but I feel it's insufficient and doesn't give me a solid understanding of the subject.Which book is better in mechanics and electricity and magnetism?

Any particular physics problem solving books you can recommend?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes madscientist_93
Physics news on Phys.org
Try Feynman Lectures
 
I will second The Feynman Lectures on Physics. I am working through volume 1 at the moment. It is a beautiful introduction to classical mechanics in a rather "unorthodox" sort of way that seems to read more like a "Book" than a "Textbook". Make sure you do supplement problems such as Tips on Physics or some other college level workbook.

I would also recommend reading Surely Your Joking Mr. Feynman as this is a very funny book and will give you some insight on the great mind of Richard Feynman.

Edit: There are also some of the problems that the students actually did in the recitation sessions, after Feynman gave his lectures, floating around on the Internet. However, most are without solutions.
 
Last edited:
By looking around, it seems like Dr. Hassani's books are great for studying "mathematical methods for the physicist/engineer." One is for the beginner physicist [Mathematical Methods: For Students of Physics and Related Fields] and the other is [Mathematical Physics: A Modern Introduction to Its Foundations] for the advanced undergraduate / grad student. I'm a sophomore undergrad and I have taken up the standard calculus sequence (~3sems) and ODEs. I want to self study ahead in mathematics...

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
21
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top