Recommendations on Introductory physics and AP physics 1 books?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for introductory physics textbooks and resources for the AP Physics 1 exam. Participants are seeking books that provide clear explanations and are oriented towards problem-solving, while also considering the appropriateness of calculus-based texts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) is looking for textbooks that are clear and problem-oriented for introductory physics and AP Physics 1.
  • Some participants recommend "College Physics for the AP Physics 1 Course" by Stewart, Freedman, Ruskell, and Kesten as a relatively new and good option.
  • Others mention two established textbooks titled "College Physics" by Knight, Jones, and Field, and by Etkina, Gentile, and Van Heuvelen, which are favored by physics teachers.
  • There is a caution against using calculus-based physics textbooks, specifically those titled "Physics for Scientists and Engineers".
  • Some participants inquire about the OP's familiarity with calculus, indicating that the OP is studying for a non-calculus physics course.
  • A participant mentions "Shankar's books" without further elaboration on their relevance or suitability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the recommendation of specific textbooks for non-calculus physics, but there is no consensus on the best choice, and some participants question the OP's calculus knowledge.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations depend on the assumption that the OP is not studying calculus-based physics, which may limit the applicability of certain texts.

paulimerci
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Greetings to all.
I'm looking for the best textbook for introductory physics that has clear explanations and is problem-oriented. I'd also appreciate any recommendations for textbooks for the AP Physics 1 exam.
 
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Do you know calculus?
 
paulimerci said:
Greetings to all.
I'm looking for the best textbook for introductory physics that has clear explanations and is problem-oriented. I'd also appreciate any recommendations for textbooks for the AP Physics 1 exam.
A relatively new, and very good, book is:
"College Physics for the AP Physics 1 Course" by Stewart, Freedman, Ruskell, and Kesten

Physics teachers also tend to like the following two books, both titled "College Physics", which have been around quite a while.
One book is by Knight, Jones, and Field.
The other is by Etkina, Gentile, and Van Heuvelen.

p.s. you probably want to stay away from calculus-based physics textbooks, which tend to be titled "Physics for Scientists and Engineers"
 
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Frabjous said:
Do you know calculus?
Note that the OP is studying for a non-calc physics course.
 
Redbelly98 said:
A relatively new, and very good, book is:
"College Physics for the AP Physics 1 Course" by Stewart, Freedman, Ruskell, and Kesten

Physics teachers also tend to like the following two books, both titled "College Physics", which have been around quite a while.
One book is by Knight, Jones, and Field.
The other is by Etkina, Gentile, and Van Heuvelen.

p.s. you probably want to stay away from calculus-based physics textbooks, which tend to be titled "Physics for Scientists and Engineers"
Thank you!
 
Shankars books
 
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