Which Goldstein Edition Is Better for a Classical Mechanics Course?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the choice between the 2nd and 3rd editions of Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics" for an upper undergraduate course. Participants agree that the 3rd edition is preferable due to its inclusion of new chapters, such as an introduction to non-linear dynamics, despite some chapters being removed from the 2nd edition. The consensus is that opting for the latest edition will provide more comprehensive material, making it a better investment for future studies.

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  • Familiarity with classical mechanics concepts
  • Understanding of non-linear dynamics and chaos theory
  • Knowledge of academic textbook editions and their relevance
  • Basic experience with higher education curriculum requirements
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  • Research the specific changes between Goldstein's 2nd and 3rd editions
  • Explore introductory resources on non-linear dynamics and chaos theory
  • Investigate other recommended classical mechanics textbooks for comparison
  • Review student feedback on Goldstein's editions on platforms like Amazon
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Students in upper undergraduate physics courses, educators selecting textbooks for classical mechanics, and anyone interested in the evolution of physics educational materials.

neutrino
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Hello all,
We are having a course on classical mechanics this year. I'm planning to buy Goldstein. There seems to be a quite a number of changes between the 2nd and 3rd eds. I think the 3rd has an intro' to non-linear dynamics. Even though that topic isn't included in the course, I am intrigued by the ideas behind fractals and chaos.

In your opinion, which edition is the better one?

Thanks in advance,
Navneeth
 
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Instead of creating a new thread and since my question is the same:
I'm also planning to buy Goldstein's book but I doubt about the editions. I've read on Amazon that the 3rd has new chapters but also some chapters in the 2nd edition got removed in the 3rd.
I need this book (I already have Landau's first tome) for an upper undergraduate course. I do not need to cover chaos theory in details.
So... which edition do you recommend and why?
Thanks.
 
How much am I bid for my first edition? :smile: No seriously, without having seen either the 2nd or 3rd the answer is obvious: go with the latest. Five years from now you'll be glad you did.
 
Bill_K said:
How much am I bid for my first edition? :smile: No seriously, without having seen either the 2nd or 3rd the answer is obvious: go with the latest. Five years from now you'll be glad you did.

Ok thanks. I'm going to follow your thoughts unless someone else makes me doubt.
 

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