What Are the Best E-Books for Engineering and Physics This Summer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for e-books in engineering and physics, particularly focusing on the suitability of various texts for a beginner's summer study plan. Participants explore the necessary mathematical background required to understand advanced topics in physics such as string theory and quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists a series of e-books they plan to read, including titles on quantum mechanics and string theory, and seeks advice on their reading order.
  • Another participant suggests that the first e-book is sufficient for a summer and emphasizes the need for a strong mathematical foundation before tackling more advanced texts.
  • Several participants discuss the specific mathematical topics necessary for understanding physics, including linear algebra, differential equations, and calculus.
  • One participant expresses concern about needing additional mathematical subjects like number theory and discrete mathematics.
  • Another participant recommends specific mathematics texts, suggesting that a comprehensive understanding of mathematics is crucial for studying physics.
  • Some participants argue that the suggested "handbook" may not be suitable for beginners and recommend more foundational texts instead.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of mastering basic physics concepts before advancing to more complex theories like string theory.
  • One participant shares their limited mathematical background and requests PDFs of recommended books due to financial constraints.
  • Another participant emphasizes that while it is not impossible to learn advanced topics, it typically takes years of study to build the necessary foundation.
  • Concerns are raised about the appropriateness of the chosen books for someone still in high school.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of a solid mathematical background for studying advanced physics topics, but there is disagreement on the specific books to read and the feasibility of learning advanced concepts without foundational knowledge. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's self-identified lack of sufficient mathematical knowledge and the varying opinions on the appropriateness of specific texts for beginners. The discussion also highlights the challenges of accessing recommended materials due to financial constraints.

  • #31
I'm not telling you to give up. If passing this "conquer" is the best way to get into a university then I suggest start studying for that, instead of self-studying physics. Remember it's not the end of the world if you fail, as there are other ways to higher education, but it's worth it to try.

Good luck!

p.s., Shyan check your PM.
 
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  • #34
Hey dragon in my country its the only way to enter the higher education.If you know another way,I would be extremely happy to know that.
 
  • #35
Go study at a university in another country.
 
  • #37
Try it
 
  • #38
Shyan said:
Hey its not that easy

If you really want to study physics, I'm sure you'll find a way.

I'd start by trying that "conquer". You'll never know.

BTW, did you receive that ebook I sent you?
 
  • #39
yeah...thank you
Do you have some others?
 
  • #40
Unfortunately no.

EDIT: Some of the "old" books on math you mentioned that are available at your library might just be as good as new ones. The math in an undergrad curriculum is is between 50 to 2000 years old.
 
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  • #41
Hey could you tell me what is Combinatorics or finite mathematics?
Is it just the discrete mathematics itself?
 
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  • #43
So what is finite mathematics and is the same as Combinatorics?if not,what Combinatorics?
 
  • #44
It doesn't matter what theorem you classify into what field. Call it whatever you want.
 
  • #45
I don't understand what you mean.please clarify it!
 
  • #46
It doesn't really matter what anyone chooses to call "combinatorics" or not. Why are you asking for a definition?
 
  • #47
Interesting thread.

Shyan, don't give up, stay ambitious. The people here all mean you well with their advice.
 
  • #48
Thanks equate(and them)
and you dragon,because I don't know what is combinatorics.
And please speak more clear.I really don't understand your meaning
 
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  • #50
Code: 
Abstract Algebra 428
Calculus_Made_Easy_Thompson 315
Complex Analysis 110
Differential Equations 187
discrete-mathematics-for-computing 316
Linear Algebra Done Right 261
Mathematical Logic 127
Multivariable Calculus 472
Real Analysis 85
Set Theory 99
Vector Calculus 222
These are some of my PDFs that I had before or I found in recent days and I think maybe useful.(with thanks to dragonfall).I want to ask you for a good topology PDF.
Another question is:what do I lack?
Another is:What's the order of reading them?
Another is:Because I love computers now and till now I learned 5 programming languages(c++,php,python,dark basic and visual basic)I think it will be useful to know more about the mathematics concepts related to computers.I want to ask you what are they?
And yeah dragonfall that's solved.
thanks a lot
 
  • #51
If you want to work in IT you should learn Java, as well as C. I don't what "dark basic" is, but that and visual basic are practically unused in practice. You don't need to know the mathematical concepts related to computers in order to be a programmer. You don't even need to know are low-level stuff, like how memory is accessed and how hard drives work.

What you do need to know are algorithms. Try reading http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Introduction-to-Algorithms-Second-Edition-Cormen-Leiserson-Rivest/9780262032933-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527introduction+to+algorithms+rivest%2527

You also need focus. It will be very hard for you to learn all of logic, set theory, discrete maths, linear algebra, differential geometry, vector calculus, analysis, relativity, quantum physics, string theory, data structures and algorithms at the same time. Pick ONE thing and focus on that.

Collecting PDFs or books doesn't mean you've actually learned anything.
 
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  • #52
Not at the same time.If you look at my last post you will see that I asked for the right order of reading them.
And about the link.Really thank you but but I can't buy things from online stores.But I really wish I could.
 
  • #53
"Calculus Made Easy" is probably a good starting point. A lot of the other stuff depends on basic calculus.
 
  • #54
Yeah...I guessed that will be the answer and I started it yesterday.what about the second,third and...
And one other thing
1-show that the series 1-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{3}-\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{5}-\frac{1}{6}+\frac{1}{7}... is convergent,and find its sum to 8 terms.
2-If \log_{\epsilon}(1+x)=x-\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{x^3}{3}+\frac{x^4}{4}+...,find \log_{\epsilon}1.3.
I couldn't understand how to solve these two problems.Could someone explain?
thanks
 
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  • #55
  • #56
Ok what about the question about the order of reading those books?
 
  • #57
I want to spend this summer on reading some Physics books but can't find any which I can begin and enjoy for the whole summer. So can anyone of you suggest some for me also.

I have had calculus upto differential equations, Fourier Analysis, vector calculus from my engineering course and I also know a bit of Complex numbers.
 
  • #58
PalashD said:
I want to spend this summer on reading some Physics books but can't find any which I can begin and enjoy for the whole summer. So can anyone of you suggest some for me also.

I have had calculus upto differential equations, Fourier Analysis, vector calculus from my engineering course and I also know a bit of Complex numbers.

If you want to enjoy it, try Feynman Lectures on Physics by Richard Feynman.
 
  • #59
Shyan said:
Ok what about the question about the order of reading those books?
Hey could you return my thread to me?
 
  • #60
Shyan said:
Ok what about the question about the order of reading those books?
Hey could you return my thread to me?
I still have a question.
 

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