Possible textbook for Classical Mechanics

[physicswiz_1279]

Hi, I was wondering what textbooks I should be looking at to learn classical mechanics. I have spent a lot of time looking, but none of the ones I found had what I was looking for. For example, one book would cover all basic concepts in classical mechanics, but then it wouldn't cover more advanced topics like the Lagrangian or Hamiltonian formulations. Instead, they would jump ahead and start talking about special relativity, or thermodynamics. If anyone has any suggestions, I would be very grateful for some input. I should also mention that mathematical rigor doesn't matter, I know single, and multivariable calculus, along with differential equations.

 

[bcrowell]

Anything wrong with Goldstein? https://www.amazon.com/dp/8131758915/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[Dr Transport]

Marion and Thornton if you have not had a course in classical mechanics, Symon also is a good choice.

 

[Frimus]

Consider https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521534097/?tag=pfamazon01-20. Look into Contents. I believe you find there all you are looking for.

 

[Conformal Bear]

I like Goldstein's text, as mentioned above, as well ashttps://www.amazon.com/dp/189138922X/?tag=pfamazon01-20. The latter has a fairly extensive selection of problems on the topics presented. The text by https://www.amazon.com/dp/0750628960/?tag=pfamazon01-20 is a little more difficult to follow, but it jumps straight into the principle of least action and provides helpful insight, especially upon subsequent readings.

 

[Avimanyu Ray]

Anything wrong with Goldstein? https://www.amazon.com/dp/8131758915/?tag=pfamazon01-20

If Goldstein seems tough for introductory, then what book should I begin with?

 

[The Bill]

If Goldstein seems tough for introductory, then what book should I begin with?

I used Marion and Thornton 4e in university. My background was a standard three semester freshman/sophomore physics sequence, three semesters of calculus, a class in differential equations, and one intro linear/matrix algebra class.

 

[jtbell]

what book should I begin with?

How much math do you know?

 

[Avimanyu Ray]

How much math do you know?

I wouldn't prefer much mathematical, as I'm not a pro in that. Like, I prefer Griffith to r.Shankar in quantum mechanics..so you see...

 

[smodak]

Taylor
Kibble Berkshire
Morin
Scheck
Gregory

 

[alan2]

Old edition of Marion before they screwed it up. I also really like Barger and Olsson for a first course.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0124722520/?tag=pfamazon01-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/007003723X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[bacte2013]

Old edition of Marion before they screwed it up. I also really like Barger and Olsson for a first course.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0124722520/?tag=pfamazon01-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/007003723X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Just out of curiosity, I am curious what do you mean by Marion's screwing up? I am actually considering buying his latest edition to do more problems, which were lacking at Landau/Lifshitz.

The OP should also consider L/L's VOl. I, which is great book for first introduction to the mechanics assuming that the OP has strong math background.

 

[alan2]

Just out of curiosity, I am curious what do you mean by Marion's screwing up? I am actually considering buying his latest edition to do more problems, which were lacking at Landau/Lifshitz.

Sorry, that's probably personal bias. Marion is probably one of the least offensive new editions. The trend is to continue publishing good books long after the author dies. Someone's name gets added, they edit and alter in a style which is different and interrupts the flow, add white space and useless color pictures to justify new editions and outrageous prices, etc. Calculus texts are the worst offenders.

As I said, Marion hasn't changed much. But if you can pick up an original for next to nothing you should do that instead of paying $200 for a new one.

 

[smodak]

Sorry, that's probably personal bias. Marion is probably one of the least offensive new editions. The trend is to continue publishing good books long after the author dies. Someone's name gets added, they edit and alter in a style which is different and interrupts the flow, add white space and useless color pictures to justify new editions and outrageous prices, etc. Calculus texts are the worst offenders.

As I said, Marion hasn't changed much. But if you can pick up an original for next to nothing you should do that instead of paying $200 for a new one.

The international edition is available for $12.70

https://www.amazon.com/dp/8131518477/?tag=pfamazon01-20