Which classical mechanics textbook is best for me?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on selecting the best classical mechanics textbooks for undergraduate students, emphasizing key topics such as Euler-Lagrange equations, Noether's theorem, and Poisson's brackets. Participants recommend Arnold's 'Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics' for its depth, despite its complexity, and Kibble's 'Classical Mechanics' for its Newtonian focus. Landau and Lifshitz's 'Mechanics' is noted for its conciseness. Additionally, David Tong's lecture notes are highlighted as an excellent supplementary resource, praised for their clarity and comprehensive coverage of classical mechanics topics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with mathematical methods in physics
  • Knowledge of differential equations
  • Basic grasp of Hamiltonian and Lagrangian mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore David Tong's lecture notes on classical mechanics
  • Study the Euler-Lagrange equations in detail
  • Investigate Noether's theorem and its applications
  • Learn about Poisson's brackets and their significance in mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate physics students, educators in classical mechanics, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of advanced mechanics topics.

irycio
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Which one would you recommend for me?
Topics I'd like to have covered (most important ones):
-Euler-Lagrange's equations
-Lagrange's and Hamilton's approach to mechanics
-Noether's theorem
-KAM theorem
-Bertrand's theorem
-Poisson's brackets

Plenty of examples and exercises would be great too.

Now I have Arnold's 'Mathematical methods of classical mechanics', Kibble's 'Classical mechanics', I'm going to buy Landau's and Lifschitz's 'Mechanics'.
First one is obviously overcomplicated for an undergraduate, nevertheless nice to read. Kibble seems to concentrate on Newton's approach mostly, although I like the chapters I've read. Landau seems to be nice too, though it seems to be quite short.

Anything else you could recommend?
 
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irycio said:
Anything else you could recommend?

There are many good books, but I'm very impressed with David Tong's notes. I think they are as good as any of the classics, such as Landau and Lifgarbagez. Note that his notes begin with a list of recommended books.

http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/dynamics/clas.pdf
 
Oh, this seems to be nice.
I mean, the program of my lecture is nearly the same (as if it could differ, huh?) and I do actually attend those classes, I just prfere learning from books than from notes. And so, Tong's notes seem to be brilliant, guess I'll just have to have them printed so that I can learn from them in my bed.
Cheers :)
 

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