What Are the Best Physics Books for Non-Physicists?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on recommendations for physics books suitable for non-physicists, particularly those with a background in mathematics. Participants suggest "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday as a viable option, highlighting its accessible explanations and manageable mathematical content. Additionally, they recommend supplementing reading with YouTube lectures and documentaries for a broader understanding of physics concepts. The focus is on popular science literature rather than traditional textbooks to accommodate readers with limited time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of multivariable calculus
  • Familiarity with linear algebra concepts
  • Interest in popular science literature
  • Ability to engage with mathematical explanations
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday for structured learning
  • Watch YouTube lectures on introductory physics topics
  • Research popular science books like "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking
  • Look into documentaries that explain key physics concepts visually
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for aspiring graduate students, individuals interested in physics without a formal background, and anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of physics through accessible literature and multimedia resources.

20Tauri
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I've always meant to take some physics courses and never had the time. I'm graduating this spring and going to grad school, so I won't really be able to squeeze them into my schedule, and I doubt I'll have the free time to teach myself. I would like to read up on it, though. Can you recommend any good physics books? I'm leaning towards pop sci rather than a textbook, although I've taken a fair bit of math (multivariable calc, linear algebra, etc., currently in diff eq) and can handle books with some rigor.
 
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What if you grab a book like "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, pick out the chapters that interest you and read through them, it's a textbook but it has pretty long explanations and the math involved is straight forward.

Or maybe if you just just want a general idea of concepts you could watch some youtube lectures or documentaries.
 

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