What are some textbooks and problem sets I can use to learn physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks and problem sets suitable for learning physics, particularly focusing on pre-calculus and calculus-based approaches. Participants explore the necessity of calculus in understanding physics concepts and the implications of using pre-calculus materials.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks rigorous pre-calculus physics textbooks and problem sets, indicating a preference for materials that are separate from the textbooks.
  • Another participant questions the rationale behind studying physics without calculus, suggesting that a solid understanding of calculus is essential for grasping physics concepts effectively.
  • A third participant argues against the use of pre-calculus physics, advocating for the simultaneous learning of calculus alongside physics to avoid misunderstandings and difficulties.
  • A suggestion is made for a specific calculus textbook, Thomas Calculus With Analytic Geometry 3rd edition, and a recommendation for Alonso and Finn's Fundamental University Physics after gaining some calculus knowledge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of calculus for studying physics. While some advocate for starting with calculus, others maintain a focus on pre-calculus materials. There is no consensus on the best approach to learning physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the potential limitations of pre-calculus physics in conveying the subject matter effectively, suggesting that reliance on non-calculus approaches may hinder understanding.

vadimuha
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I'm looking to pre-calculus physics textbooks with problems sets. I need something as rigorous as possible. Problem sets can be separate from textbooks
 
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If I may ask: what is your reason for studying physics. If you really want to understand you will need to know the calculus and so that is where one should start, along with calculus based physics.
 
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Indeed, instead of struggling with "pre-calculus physics" rather start learning calculus, which you can also do in parallel by learning physics. Restricting yourself to non-calculus math makes it rather much more difficult than simpler to understand and communicate about physics. It's an unfortunate wrong track by some physics didacts to avoid the adequate math. It's in fact a lie to students to claim you could understand physics without calculus.
 
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A simple calculus book to get you started in learning Calculus is Thomas Calculus With Analytic Geometry 3rd edition. Make sure it is the 3rd edition. Higher number editions are entirely different books.

Once you learn a bit of calculus, have a look at Alonso and Finn: Fundamental University Physics.
 
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