What are some recommended textbooks for teaching myself physics?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on recommended textbooks for self-studying physics, specifically in classical mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. Key recommendations include "Lectures on Physics" by Richard Feynman, "Newtonian Mechanics" by French, "Principles of Electrodynamics" by Schwartz, and "Quantum Mechanics" by Sakurai. For statistical mechanics, Fermi's thermodynamics book is suggested, along with Kubo's "Statistical Physics I & II" for further exploration. These texts cater to individuals with a mathematical background but limited physics experience.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with graduate-level mathematical concepts
  • Basic understanding of classical mechanics
  • Knowledge of electrodynamics principles
  • Introductory exposure to statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Feynman Lectures on Physics" for foundational concepts
  • Study "Newtonian Mechanics" by French for classical mechanics
  • Explore "Principles of Electrodynamics" by Schwartz for electrodynamics
  • Investigate "Quantum Mechanics" by Sakurai for advanced quantum concepts
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for self-learners in physics, particularly those with a mathematical background seeking to understand classical mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics through recommended textbooks.

Excoriate
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I am looking for some textbooks in order to teach myself physics. My background in this area is rather limited. Many moons ago I did take a Physics C class as a junior in high school but beyond that I haven't really delved much into the subject.

The topics I am interested in are classical mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics. I am the kind of person who is comfortable reading graduate level mathematical texts (with limited prerequisites) who however isn't too comfortable physics.

Thanks in advance,

Excor.
 
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You'll find threads on all those subjects in the "Science Book Discussion" section. My own recs would be:

Feynman, Lectures on Physics

Mechanics: French, Newtonian Mechanics (and also Vibrations and Waves); Fowles, Analytical Mechanics; Landau & Lifschitz, Mechanics

E&M: Scwhartz, Principles of Electrodynamics. Why not start there I think, but at a slightly lower level and with many worked examples: Nayfeh & Brussel, Electricity and Magnetism.

Stat Mech: I have a block. I like Fermi's thermodynamics book.

QM: The https://www.amazon.com/dp/0710099622/?tag=pfamazon01-20 (not the expanded 2nd edition); Shankar; Sakurai.
 
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Thanks I will check a few of those out from the library and see how I do with them. Would something like statistic physics I & II by Kubo be good for stat. mech?
 

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