Classical What Lagrangian mechanics textbook should I use?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on recommendations for textbooks on Lagrangian mechanics suitable for a second-year physics student. The user appreciates the clarity of Landau and Lifshitz's volume 1 but seeks additional resources with more problems. Goldstein's textbook is dismissed due to its complexity, while Classical Mechanics by John Taylor is suggested for its detailed explanations, albeit noted for being verbose. Other mentioned resources include Marion & Thornton and Schaum’s Outline Series for problem-solving practice.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mechanics concepts
  • Familiarity with Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations
  • Knowledge of classical physics problem-solving techniques
  • Ability to interpret mathematical derivations in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore "Classical Mechanics" by John Taylor for detailed explanations
  • Review "Classical Dynamics" by Donald T. Greenwood for additional insights
  • Utilize Schaum’s Outline Series for practice problems in mechanics
  • Investigate alternative resources like Marion & Thornton for foundational concepts
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for second-year physics students, educators seeking supplemental materials, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Lagrangian mechanics through problem-solving resources.

jqmhelios
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I am currently taking a course on introductory Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics in year 2 in the UK.
I find the material easy but do not have access to a resource with a satisfying amount of problems.
Despite being (in)directly told this resource is not useful at my level, I have Landau and Lifshitz volume 1 and love it as the explanations are brilliantly clear and understandable to me. However, it contains a disappointingly small amount of problems!

Does anyone know a suitable textbook? For a year 2 physics student with lots of problems and worked examples?

I also should add that I do not like Goldstein's approach to the topic as I find his explanations too difficult for me at this stage. His derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equations was shockingly difficult to follow (unlike Landau's intuitive and easy approach)
 
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Likes DeBangis21, dextercioby and PhDeezNutz
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In my day, there was Marion or Symon.
 
My introduction to the topic was also Marion & Thornton
 
Schaum’s Outline Series offers down-to-the-point fully answered problems; beware, though, it’s supplemental text only.
 
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Likes George Jones and PhDeezNutz
As @apostolosdt has said, Schaum's Outline are valuable supplements of problems for standard text.

A text that provides detailed pedagogical explanations of concepts is Classical Mechanics by John Taylor. Some folks liked the detailed explanations; some folks find this text a little too wordy.
 
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Likes weirdoguy and dextercioby
If he likes Landau, Taylor is definitely way too wordy.

Landau's One can show" is missing some words. Like "with half a ream of paper and a free afternoon".
 
Landau & Lifshitz vol. 1!
 
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Likes apostolosdt
You can take a look at the first 3 chapters of Classical Dymamics by Donald. T. Greenwoord
 
I liked a combination of Taylor and Simon.
 

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