Classical Trying to pinpoint the name of an old mechanics textbook

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A user seeks recommendations for a challenging series of mechanics textbooks that were beneficial during their first year of university. They specify that the first book is a Mechanics textbook, with subsequent volumes covering quantum mechanics, and that these books are more advanced than typical introductory texts like Sears & Zemansky or Halliday & Resnick. The discussion identifies several notable series, including the Berkeley Physics Course, Kittel Mechanics, the Manchester Physics Series, and the MIT Introductory Physics Series, as well as Alonso and Finn's three-volume set. While the latter is recognized as an excellent introductory resource, it is noted that the newer edition titled "Physics" has been criticized for being watered down compared to the original. Alternatives like Shankar's two-volume set are suggested for those looking for a more affordable option, emphasizing the importance of practicing problems from standard physics books alongside studying Shankar. The out-of-print series "Fundamental University Physics" is also mentioned as a valuable resource.
pines-demon
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I am trying to find a series of books that was very helpful for me during first year university. The first in the series is a Mechanics textbook. There are at least two others, one that introduces quantum mechanics. These books are known to be much more difficult that the usual Sears & Semanski, but are still considered introductory. It is neither the Halliday&Resnick or Serway. The books were probably made for engineers, but I am not totally sure. The books use imperial units. If anybody has a good list of mechanics books that would help, Google is not being very helpful.
 
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Frabjous said:
Berkeley Physics Course
Kittel Mechanics
No it was less "mainstream"
 
Manchester Physics Series
Dynamics and Relativity by Forshaw

MIT Introductory Physics Series
French Newtonian Mechanics

Alonso and Finn (3 vol)
 
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Frabjous said:
Alonso and Finn (3 vol)
That's the one. Thanks.
 
pines-demon said:
That's the one. Thanks.
To remember it if needed again, think of a law firm or another detective series on TV.
 
WWGD said:
To remember it if needed again, think of a law firm or another detective series on TV.
I guess I did not catch the reference. What do you mean?
 
pines-demon said:
I guess I did not catch the reference. What do you mean?
I meant as a heuristic. The name " Alonso and Finn" sound like one of those cop shows, or the name of a law firm. Yes, I guess an off-the-cuff comment. If you forget it at some later point that the name of the book sounded like the name of the show, or like the name of a law firm. ;).
 
WWGD said:
I meant as a heuristic. The name " Alonso and Finn" sound like one of those cop shows, or the name of a law firm. Yes, I guess an off-the-cuff comment. If you forget it at some later point that the name of the book sounded like the name of the show, or like the name of a law firm. ;).
– What was the name of the mechanics book again?
– Starsky & Hutch, Introduction to Classical Field Theory


Jokes aside, there are various author duos so it is easy to mix them up.
 
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pines-demon said:
That's the one. Thanks.
Those are pretty good books, and I believe the best intro physics book.

The issue is that they are out of print, and the newer edition, titled Physics, is watered down and removes the content of mainly the 2nd and hugely the third volume.

Physics titled book is still good, but yeah.

For a cheaper alternative. I also like shankars two volumes on intro physics. Get the 2nd ed? The one that has problems and a copy of a general physics book.

Read Shankar for the physics then do problems from a run of the mill physics book. Then attempt the problems in Shankar.

Total cost for this option would be no more than $60 usd.
 
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MidgetDwarf said:
The issue is that they are out of print, and the newer edition, titled Physics, is watered down and removes the content of mainly the 2nd and hugely the third volume.
What is the out of print good edition titled? "Fundamental University Physics"?
 
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Muu9 said:
What is the out of print good edition titled? "Fundamental University Physics"?
Yes, in three volumes.
 

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