Self-teaching physics with calculus.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the utility of an older physics textbook, "The Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday and Resnick, for self-study purposes. Participants explore the relevance of the book's content in the context of modern physics education and the integration of calculus in learning physics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the usefulness of an outdated textbook and whether the fundamentals of physics have changed over the years.
  • Another participant suggests that the fundamentals have not changed significantly in the past 23 years, implying the book remains relevant.
  • Some participants assert that the textbook is a standard introduction to physics and should be adequate for self-study.
  • A participant raises a concern about the necessity of having taken a Calculus 3 course to effectively study the physics concepts presented in the book.
  • One participant emphasizes that self-teaching is not about rediscovering principles but rather learning from the material provided by the author.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the textbook can still be useful for self-study, but there is some debate regarding the necessity of advanced calculus knowledge for understanding the material.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the relevance of older texts and the evolution of physics education are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the necessity of advanced calculus for studying the textbook.

kaos86
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I have an old textbook titled: The fundamentals of Physics-3rd edition(Authors:Halliday and Resnick). It was published in 1988 and I want to know if an old outdated book can still be useful. I looked at the pages and some are bent or folded. Still, all the pages are there. I want to use this time to self study and "Buff-up" my physics. I finished community college and already turned in one application to university at Buffalo as a transfer for the fall semester 2011.
All I can do now is study and look for jobs to save up.
 
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Have the fundamentals of physics changed in the past 23 years?
 
General_Sax said:
Have the fundamentals of physics changed in the past 23 years?

I don't think so. I guess you answered my question.
 
That text is probably the most standard intro text used. It's age doesn't matter. It will be fine to use.
 
agreed. It is a good introduction to intro physics. All the best on your studies
 
With all the calculus involved in this book, I've never taken a Calc 3 course. Does it matter to study calc 3 while studying this physics book with calc involved?
 
Remember you are not "self-teaching" physics to yourself. You are not rediscovering physics principles.

The author is teaching you through a book or video.
 

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