What Are the Best Introductory Physics and Chemistry Textbooks for Self-Study?

[jbmiller]

Hey everyone,

What is a really good Physics textbook for one who has Geomerty, Alg II, and some Pre-Calc/Calc skills.

Also, what is a really good Chemistry textbook for one who has Geomerty, Alg II, and some Pre-Calc/Calc skills.

It would basically be an intro to classes, I'm just looking to have it over the summer so I can go through the book and basically self-teach myself all (most) the material.

Thanks!

 

[naele]

Hi there, since you have some calculus under your belt, I would recommend a typical freshman calculus based physics book. Most people agree that Halliday and Walker are the best. I would recommend getting 6th (it's in its 9th edition now) edition because the contents haven't changed amazon link. Alternatively if money isn't an issue then here's a link to the latest edition amazon link

Now, for chemistry you don't actually need calculus just some basic algebra. Anyway at the freshman level most books are the same. The two names that I know of off the top of my head are Zumdahl and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ML7A0U/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

Good luck OP, I hope this helps.

 

[jbmiller]

When you say freshman level, do you mean high school or college?

I'm currently a freshman in high school, going into my sophomore year.

 

[naele]

I meant college freshman, so if you're a high school freshman the physics book I linked might be a little too advanced but you seem to have the math pre-requisites so consider giving it a shot.

 

[jbmiller]

Well I'm learning Calc this summer, so I guess I probably wouldn't be able to do some of the things in the book intended for freshmen in college.

I should learn it (calc) pretty quickly though, the only pre-requisites required for our high schools physics course are Alg II and below, and Biology.

 

[naele]

Well in that case here's an algebra only physics book amazon link

 

[jbmiller]

Alright, thanks for the help!