Teaching myself introductory physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around self-teaching introductory physics, specifically using the extended third edition of Physics for Engineers and Scientists. Participants explore resources for assistance with problem-solving and the nature of help available in the Physics Forums community.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to teach themselves physics and seeks resources for help with challenging problems from their textbook.
  • Another participant suggests that the Physics Forums community can provide answers quickly, potentially faster than expected.
  • It is proposed that posting questions in the introductory physics subforum is sufficient, as many problems are solved within an hour.
  • Some participants emphasize that the community focuses on providing methods to solve problems rather than just answers, which they argue is more valuable.
  • A later reply questions the usefulness of methods if the individual cannot verify their execution, highlighting a concern about understanding and correctness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the Physics Forums community can be a helpful resource for problem-solving. However, there is disagreement regarding the importance of receiving direct answers versus understanding the methods to solve problems.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of confidence in the speed and quality of responses they might receive, as well as differing views on the value of methods versus answers in learning.

zoner7
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I actually just posted this in the physics subforum but realized that it is much more appropriate here.

So I've got a good deal of the summer in front of me, and I've realized that I've wasted all of my time doing nothing. As a result, I've decided to do something productive and teach myself introductory physics using the extended third edition of Physics for Engineers and Scientists.

Since I would like to attain a sound grasp of the material, I will attempt to solve the most challenging of the book's problems. I would like to know where I can find help when I will inevitably need it. Is there a site with answers and the work required to reach them? I looked on Cramster.com but discovered that the book isn't supported. I realize that I can post questions here, but I also realize that I won't receive answers immediately. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.
 
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Welcome, you will often get answers much faster than you might imagine.
 
I would think that posting here would suffice. Most problems posted in the introductory physics subforum are solved within an hour I would guess, and the PF community provides much more insight than any solutions manual.
 
And why do you want the answer anyway? PF users provide you the method to solve the problem, without telling you the answer, which is much more important.
 
What good are the methods if I never know if I am executing them properly?
 

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