Self-Taught Physics: Recommendations for Intermediate Classical Physics

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bayou Tiger
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on recommended self-taught resources for intermediate classical physics. Key texts include Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics" (2nd edition or earlier), Landau & Lifshitz's series, Zemansky's "Thermodynamics" (4th edition), and Kip's "Electricity and Magnetism." The Harvard intermediate classical mechanics course is also highlighted as a valuable resource. The consensus emphasizes the effectiveness of self-teaching over formal university courses for mastering physics concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts and terminology
  • Familiarity with calculus, including partial differentials and vector calculus
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
  • Experience with classical mechanics principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics" (2nd edition or earlier)
  • Explore Landau & Lifshitz's series for advanced topics
  • Read Zemansky's "Thermodynamics" (4th edition) for thermodynamic principles
  • Investigate Kip's "Electricity and Magnetism" for electrodynamics
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physics enthusiasts, and self-learners seeking to deepen their understanding of intermediate classical physics concepts and principles.

Bayou Tiger
Messages
19
Reaction score
0
Hey, everyone. I just found this board tonight, and I would definitely appreciate some insight on physics reference and learning materials.

Can anybody recommend a good self-taught book (or set of books) for physics? Recently I renewed an interest in physics (as kind of a hobby), and I am looking for something more rigorous than an introductory college text. For now, I would like to focus strictly on classical physics to review, reinforce, and fill in some of the gaps at an intermediate level. Hopefully there is something available with a good blend of conceptual and mathematical. Any ideas?

Backgroud
- Full-time engineer
- BS in Eng, currently working on MS
- Intro physics, circuits, materials, statics, dynamics in college (math up to partial differentials with some vector calc)
- Intuitive thinker but like to calibrate intuition with equations

Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Goldstein's Classical Mechanics and/or Mechanics by Landau & Lif****z
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mechanics: Goldstein Classical Mechanics (2nd edition or less), then Lanczos' Variational Principles.

Thermodynamics: Zemansky Thermodynamics (4th ed) and Howard Reiss' Methods of Thermodynamics

Statistical mechanics: Hill's introductory book

Electrodynamics: Arthur Kip's electricity and magnetism.

Quantum Mechanics: Resnick and Eisberg's Quantum mechanics of molecules, particles, etc.

Relativity: Hartle's relativity


After this intermediate stage, move on to the Landau's series.
 
Also, forget about enrolling in a physics course in the university.
Great minds learn best by self-teaching.

Universities serve little purpose beyond granting degrees and PhDs.
 
Dude, the post preceding yours in this thread was more than six years ago!
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 102 ·
4
Replies
102
Views
7K
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K