What Are the Best Books for Learning Basic Physics with No Prior Knowledge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books and resources suitable for learning basic physics without prior knowledge, particularly aimed at someone with a background in the arts. Participants explore various educational materials, including books and online resources, while emphasizing the importance of foundational mathematics in studying physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Nick, seeks recommendations for beginner-friendly physics books, expressing a lack of prior knowledge in mathematics and physics.
  • Another participant emphasizes the necessity of reviewing mathematics, particularly Algebra and Trigonometry, as essential for understanding physics.
  • Suggestions include using "Physics for Dummies" and exploring online resources such as free algebra textbooks and physics tutorials.
  • A third participant recommends Khan Academy as a valuable resource for introductory physics and mathematics, highlighting its engaging format of videos and exercises.
  • Nick acknowledges the usefulness of the Khan Academy videos and the provided PDFs, indicating a positive reception to the suggestions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of mathematics in learning physics and suggest various resources, but there is no consensus on a single best book or approach, as different preferences for learning styles are evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific mathematical prerequisites and resources, but the discussion does not resolve the best method or materials for learning physics, leaving it open to personal preference and learning style.

nickt
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Hi, I'm an arts student out of Canada looking into information about books suitable for teaching myself basic physics. I have absolutely no recollection of high school mathematics or physics so I'm looking for something to build a strong foundation on. I'm thinking of picking up Physics for Dummies or something similar, but I'd like to see if anyone here has any opinions on the subject.

Thanks,
Nick
 
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Okay, first you will have review or relearn some mathmatics: physics and math go hand in hand. Can't have one without the other.

Which Physics are you willing to study?
Based on your post you said wanted to learn "High School" physics. Automatically from this, you will want to learn/review Algebra and Trigonometry. If you want to be successful in your study of basic physics it necessary to learn this math.

Math
First will have to have learn/review your Algebra. (Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 from High School, or namely, Elementary and Intermediate Algebra). Here are some free online algebra textbooks:
Algebra (I) = http://www.babylon.k12.ny.us/PDF/integrated_algebra/Integrated_Algebra_1.pdf
Algebra (II) with Trig = http://www.babylon.k12.ny.us/PDF/algebra%202/Algebra%202%20and%20Trigonometry.pdf

Physics
Some online tutorials: http://www.hippocampus.org/ (Contains Algebra and Physics)
If you don't wish to learn/review math: then you may go for a Conceptual Physics book
If you do wish to learn/review math: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/FHSST_Physics
There's a lot of free info on the internet so do a quick Google search and see what comes up. Hint: if you want to locate free online pdf files then type something like this in the Google search bar:
+physics filetype:pdf (or)
algebra based physics filetype:pdf


*Note: check it out and see where you're at and how much time/effort you're willing to put in. Physics isn't something trivial to learn it will require much reading and pondering.

I hope I could help! Good Luck! ;)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
http://www.khanacademy.org/

For me, the best possible ressource for an intro to high school physics and maths. Not a book though, rather a collection of tutorial videos and assorted exercises, but to me this makes it much more interesting.
 
Thanks to the both of you. I've been watching Khan Academy videos for the last few hours and they're very easy to understand. The PDF's look very helpful as well.

Nick
 

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