What is a best physics textbook?

In summary: This is a recommendation for a book for an international level Olympiad. It says that the extensive use of the calculus and the use of complex numbers or solving differential equations should not be required to solve the theoretical and practical problems. I don't know about the US physics olympiad, but I think the problems in Halliday and Resnick are too elementary at the international level (they are fine for learning physics, but olympiads are strange things).
  • #1
Aayam
18
0
what is the best textbook to learn physics. i need to learn physics really good(i want to test out usa physics olymipad, and i really want to perform well). so really looking for a book that is indepth and teaches things to a advanced leve.. if there is no such one book, and you want to suggest 2 books, in order for more advanced understanding, please list the(but tell me that i need the 2 books)

Also, recommend one with practice problems. A textbook with practice problems or a book dedicated to practice problems. thanks

(also, don't worry about math, don't let mathematics be the reason to not recommend someting, if it requires hard math(cal 3 or under) that's fine.

also, what level would you consider these books, will any of them work for me?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470469080/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0321696867/?tag=pfamazon01-20please list, from top priority to down.,, multiple recommendation is desired because it will allow me flexibility in terms of availability, prices, etc.

thanks for the help :)
 
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  • #3
fras, Aayam wants a book to prepare him for olympiads, I think Morin is too advanced for that. The standard introduction to physics is Physics by Halliday and Resnick (which should not be confused with Fundamentals of Physics).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/047134530X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

As for books with problems, I can't help you there. I just did a search for 'physics olympiad' on amazon.com, which is a start:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/047134530X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

There's also the book in the Schaum's series, but those books tend to be not-too-difficult, so it may not help with olympiads:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0071763465/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Edit: smiley in the link removed
 
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Likes galib20
  • #4
In case you're wondering, no that smiley isn't meant to be there. Replace it with a semi-colon and a 'p'.
 
  • #5
Oh, that's not a comment about the book? :D
 
  • #6
qspeechc said:
fras, Aayam wants a book to prepare him for olympiads, I think Morin is too advanced for that. The standard introduction to physics is Physics by Halliday and Resnick (which should not be confused with Fundamentals of Physics).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/047134530X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

As for books with problems, I can't help you there. I just did a search for 'physics olympiad' on amazon.com, which is a start:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/047134530X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

There's also the book in the Schaum's series, but those books tend to be not-too-difficult, so it may not help with olympiads:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0071763465/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I don't know about the US physics olympiad, but I think the problems in Halliday and Resnick are too elementary at the international level (they are fine for learning physics, but olympiads are strange things). The US usually does quite well, so I would be surprised if the standard in the US olympiad were much lower. I think one should try problems at the level of Kleppner and Kolenkow. From what I've heard, the problems in Morin are harder, so it would probably be ok.

From googling, here are some books recommended in 2011, and Morin is among them. Of course, if one is not ready for the problems in Morin, one should start with problems at the level of Halliday and Resnick. http://mpec.sc.mahidol.ac.th/ipho2011/node/158
 
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  • #7
I was under the impression Aayam wanted to start learning physics. For that, Morin is inappropriate, indeed that link puts it after a general physics book like Halliday and Resnick.

"The extensive use of the calculus (differentiation and integration) and the use of complex numbers or solving differential equations should not be required to solve the theoretical and practical problems."
http://www.jyu.fi/tdk/kastdk/olympiads/
 

1. What makes a physics textbook the "best"?

The best physics textbooks are those that effectively explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, have a well-organized structure, and include helpful examples and practice problems. They should also be up-to-date and accurately reflect the current state of the field.

2. Are there specific features to look for in a physics textbook?

Yes, some important features to consider when choosing a physics textbook include the level of difficulty, the quality and quantity of illustrations and diagrams, the inclusion of real-world applications and examples, and the availability of online resources such as practice quizzes and interactive simulations.

3. What are some highly recommended physics textbooks?

Some popular and highly recommended physics textbooks include "University Physics" by Young and Freedman, "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday and Resnick, and "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by Griffiths. It is also recommended to consult reviews and recommendations from professors and other students in the field.

4. Can a physics textbook be used as a standalone resource?

Yes, a good physics textbook should be able to provide all the necessary information and practice problems for a thorough understanding of the subject. However, it is also helpful to supplement with other resources such as lecture notes, online tutorials, and practice exams.

5. Is it important to choose a physics textbook that aligns with my specific course or curriculum?

Yes, it is important to choose a textbook that aligns with the specific course or curriculum you are studying. This ensures that the material covered in the textbook is relevant to your learning objectives and will help you succeed in your course. Additionally, some textbooks may have different approaches or variations on certain topics, so it is important to choose one that fits your needs and learning style.

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