What is the best book for a beginner to learn physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for beginner physics books, particularly for a community college student preparing for future physics courses. The context includes considerations of prior knowledge, motivation, and the relationship between mathematics and physics education.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their background and expresses a desire to prepare for physics courses while managing their current academic responsibilities.
  • Another participant advises focusing on current classes rather than worrying about future physics courses, suggesting that the subject will still be available later.
  • A different participant recommends using Khan Academy as a resource for familiarizing oneself with physics concepts without the need for a textbook at this stage.
  • One participant mentions that their college allows taking calculus alongside calculus-based physics, suggesting this as a potential option for others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether to prepare for physics in advance or to focus solely on current coursework. There is no consensus on the best approach to learning physics prior to taking the course.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of managing current academic responsibilities while others suggest early preparation. The discussion reflects varying opinions on the necessity and timing of learning physics concepts.

AntiMe
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So here it goes; pretty much I was searching up for "best book to learn physics from" and just so happen to come across this website. Before I go any further, I would like to explain my situation. I am currently a community college student, straight out of high school. I am not where I am due to finance or anything; I'm here because I was a below average student. Aside from that I am very interested in physics. I just never really had motivation, despite the fact that I would constantly find myself trying to research more and more on the subject. I do not consider myself an unintelligent person or incapable of comprehending many of the topics within this subject, more so I never had the drive or work ethic to excel beyond my insecurity. Despite being a failure in high school, I did take advance classes, honors and IB (Similar to AP).

As I said, currently I am attending a local community college and I've decided to take my education seriously. Not just for the sake of going somewhere without a definitive goal, but to accomplish my dream of being proficient in the fields of math and science. I plan on transferring to Georgia Tech, but right now I don't have the required classes to do so for this semester. Next semester, I plan on taking a Math Placement test in order to skip college algebra and head straight for Calculus 1/2. Before that I want to make up the times that I refused to stay focused on my school work. I've taken the liberty to buy 'Introducing Pure Mathematics' by Robert Smedley and I was wondering which physics book would be best for someone who has never taken the subject? Since right now I am an Engineer major I am required to take Physics 1/2 plus lab, but first I need Calculus 1/2 before I can even take the class. Not only that, but these are required classes if I want to go to Tech, and I really do.

Pretty much I just want to be prepared for the work load (in terms of math and science) -when- I get into Tech.
 
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worry about the classes you are taking now, worry about Physics when you get to it.

trying to think about the step your taking 5 steps from now will make you trip on your 2nd step.

I know this doesn't help your current situation but why take on more then you should?

when you get pass the prereqs to take physics, don't worry it will be there.
 
If I were you and were wanting to learn about a subject prior to taking the course, I'd just give Khan Academy a look-see. You don't need to work through a book unless you're preparing over the summer for a fall class or something like that. Familiarize yourself with the subject matter, but you don't have to master it until you take the class.
 
Thanks for the advice, guys. Checked out the website, really informative, and pretty much what I needed. And yeh, mainly what I was looking for was something to get me started on basic physics. I'll be spending some time on this.
 
In my college you can take calculus with calculus based physics together. See if your college has that option.
 

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