What High School Physics Textbook Complements Feynman Lectures Well?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable high school-level physics textbook that complements the Feynman Lectures on Physics. Participants explore various textbook recommendations and consider the appropriate mathematical background needed for engaging with these resources.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the Feynman Lectures are not a replacement for a good textbook and seeks recommendations for a high school-level physics textbook to read alongside it.
  • Another participant recommends against using a high school textbook, arguing that with a background in Calculus I and II, one could benefit more from a calculus-based introductory textbook like Tipler or Halliday & Resnick & Walker.
  • Some participants agree that a more advanced textbook would be appropriate, with one mentioning that Young & Freedman has been favorably reviewed in the community.
  • A later reply expresses appreciation for the recommendations and mentions downloading Halliday's Fundamentals of Physics to begin studying.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a more advanced textbook is preferable to a high school-level one, but there is no consensus on which specific textbook is the best complement to the Feynman Lectures.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the reader's familiarity with physics concepts and the level of mathematical rigor required for the recommended textbooks are present but not explicitly stated.

Bakatota
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I have read that Feynman Lectures on Physics is pretty good; however, I also read it isn't a replacement for a good textbook. So I wanted a good physics(high school level) textbook that I could read Feynman Lectures on Physics along beside it. Regarding mathematics, I have completed Calculus I and II. Are there any other courses I should take before getting started?
 
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I'd recommend not to waste your time with high-school textbook. If you have completed Calculus I and II (I guess that means you are familiar with real calculus of functions with one and multiple independent variables), you can as well read a calculus based introductory standard textbook like Tipler or Halliday&Resnick&Walker. The Feynman lectures are special. They are an introductory theoretical-physics book. I think it's is helpful to have first read an experimental-physics textbook like the mentioned ones first.
 
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I agree that is the type of book that you should use together with Feynman. Young & Freedman has also been mentioned favorably here many times, although I've never used it myself.
 
Thank you very much for the response. I do really appreciate it. I have read multiple amazing reviews on Halliday's book, so I downloaded Halliday - Fundamentals of Physics book. Can't wait to begin!
 

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