Which Physics Book Should High School Student Buy?

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SUMMARY

High school students preparing for university-level physics should consider purchasing "Serway Physics for Scientists and Engineers" (9th Edition) or "Sears and Zemansky's University Physics" (13th Edition) for foundational knowledge. Users recommend opting for older editions to save costs, as the content remains relevant. "Sears and Zemansky's" excels in modern physics, while "Serway" is praised for its clarity and is frequently recommended by physics professors. Additionally, the "Handbook of Physics" is noted as a useful reference, albeit challenging for high school students.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of precalculus concepts, including inverse functions.
  • Familiarity with high school-level physics principles.
  • Knowledge of mathematical techniques relevant to physical sciences.
  • Access to online mathematics courses covering linear and differential calculus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Serway Physics for Scientists and Engineers" (9th Edition) for comprehensive physics fundamentals.
  • Explore "Sears and Zemansky's University Physics" (13th Edition) for insights into modern physics topics.
  • Investigate the benefits of using older textbook editions to reduce costs while maintaining educational value.
  • Look into supplementary resources like the "Handbook of Physics" for advanced reference material.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for high school students planning to study physical-mathematics, educators advising students on physics resources, and anyone seeking foundational physics knowledge before entering university.

Ismael20d
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Hello,
I have been looking for a forum where they can help me with my decision, I am a high school student of 4 semester, currently mathematics course IV introduction to the precalculus (I am seeing reverse function) I would like to buy a book of physics to have the necessary fundamentals for when I enter To university (I plan to study physical-mathematics) and I want to buy a book among the following authors:
- Serway physics for scientists and engineers (9th Edition)
- Sears and Zemansky's university physics (13th Edition)
- Tipler physics for scientists and engineers (6th Edition)
- Tippens physics (7th Edition)
- Resnick physics (5th Edition)
I look forward to your help.

PS: I am from Mexico, I am 17 years old and in 1 year I go to university
PD2: It does not matter that the book has a precalculation, I will start some online courses on mathematics from the beginning to linear and differential calculus,I'm just looking for the fundamentals of physics that is fundamental to me, since practicing at the moment of seeing her at school always makes me very easy
 
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I don't know all of these books, but I don't think you can really go wrong with either. I do, however, strongly suggest that you don't waste your money buying the latest edition. Buy the cheapest older edition you can find.
 
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Sears and Zemansky's University Physics does modern physics really well.
 
i have Serway physics for scientists and engineers as real book
and both (Sears and Zemansky's - resnick) as pdfs . i think there is not much difference between them
i used serway and found it really helpfull for me and all of my physics professors was suggesting it
- i strongly advice you to buy a used older version i bought ( the third edition for 60$ )
serway.jpg

- another book i have is called (Handbook of physics ) is quite good as reference
but quite hard for a high school student (it contains the physical subject with very high level math)
not for the faint of hearts.
handbook-of-physics-by-b-yavorsky-and-a-detlaf-1975-p108936-02.JPG
 
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