Question about pre-university studies

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around pre-university studies in physics and mathematics, specifically focusing on what foundational knowledge and resources a new student should pursue before starting university-level physics courses. The scope includes recommendations for introductory physics books and considerations regarding the necessity of calculus in understanding physics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to improve their knowledge in physics and seeks recommendations for introductory physics books that do not require calculus.
  • Another participant questions the need for books without calculus and suggests that self-learning calculus might be beneficial, asserting that it is not difficult.
  • A subsequent reply indicates uncertainty about learning calculus in a short time frame while wanting to start reading physics immediately.
  • Another participant argues that if the individual cannot learn calculus quickly, they may also struggle to learn physics without calculus, suggesting that reviewing high school material might be a better approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of calculus for studying physics. Some advocate for learning calculus first, while others support the idea of starting with non-calculus resources. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the time available for learning calculus and physics, as well as the varying definitions of what constitutes a solid foundation in mathematics for physics studies.

strider
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Hello all, PF really is a great resource of physics, I'm glad to be part of the forum now. :approve:

I'm 17 years old and now I'm waiting the start of classes at my university (obviously I chose physics :-p), so now that I have free time for around 3-4 months I want to improve my knowledge to achieve better results in the future.
What should I focus on? I'm thinking about studying high school math because I haven't a good base yet but firstly I would like to see opinions from more experienced students.
What are the best "introduction to physics" books without use of calculus?

Thank you and sorry for my English mistakes, I'm not good with this language.
 
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strider said:
What are the best "introduction to physics" books without use of calculus?

Why do you want books without calculus?
If you don't know calculus,I think you should self-learn it,like me. Calculus is not so difficult. :wink:
 
adjacent said:
Why do you want books without calculus?
If you don't know calculus,I think you should self-learn it,like me. Calculus is not so difficult. :wink:

Because I would like to start reading now but I'm not sure if I can learn calculus in so little time.
 
If that's the case, you probably can't learn physics w/o calculus in the same time. Colleges consider these courses about the same amount of work.

I like the plan of reviewing what you learned in high school better.
 

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