Which Textbooks Should I Use to Self-Teach Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on recommendations for textbooks suitable for self-teaching physics, particularly for someone starting from a beginner level and aiming to progress to more advanced topics. Participants express a desire to learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of physics as taught in school and university settings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on which textbooks to purchase for self-teaching physics, emphasizing a preference for physical books over ebooks.
  • Another participant inquires about the original poster's mathematical background, specifically their knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
  • The original poster confirms familiarity with algebra and trigonometry but lacks knowledge of calculus, indicating a willingness to improve their math skills as needed.
  • One suggestion for a calculus textbook is "Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach" by Morris Kline, along with "Mathematics and the Physical World" by the same author.
  • Links to previous threads containing book listings are provided, although one participant notes that these listings do not adequately address where to start for a beginner.
  • A later reply recommends "Principles of Physics" by Frederick J. Bueche & David A. Jerde as a useful resource for progressing from basic to advanced physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on specific textbooks, and there are multiple suggestions offered. The discussion remains open-ended regarding the best starting point for a beginner.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of mathematical preparedness, which may influence their choice of textbooks. There is an acknowledgment of the need for foundational math skills, particularly calculus, which has not been fully addressed in the discussion.

tomaso88
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Hey everyone, I really do hope I'm posting in the right section new forums can be overwhelming sometimes so it's hard to know.

I'm looking to start learning physics, I have little to no experience in the subject and was wondering what textbooks I should buy, I want to self teach myself from a beginners level, to as far as I am able to at home, so basically from a year 11 level to as advance as I can possibly self teach, I know there are ebooks on this site but I'd rather learn out of a textbook, any help is greatly appreciated and I promise to become active on this forum once i start learning :). I don't want to just learn theories I actually want to learn what they teach at school and uni. I can to this forum after realising I should ask some experts what I should learn instead of buying random textbooks.
 
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How much mathematics do you know? Algebra? Trigonometry? Calculus?
 
jtbell said:
How much mathematics do you know? Algebra? Trigonometry? Calculus?

I know algebra and trigonometry, If I see the physics work though and I realize I need to work more on my maths as well I'll just get my old math textbooks and buy some if I have to :) but I don't know Calculus
 
This one is good for calculus Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach By MORRIS KLINE
Mathematics and the Physical World (Dover books explaining science) by Morris Kline
 
Maybe it's late, but this book is very interesting and useful (as u want from basic to advance)
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS by FREDERICK J. BUECHE & DAVID A. JERDE
 

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