LJP07 Posted August 23, 2006 Report Posted August 23, 2006 I was thinking of doing a degree primarily based on Experimental Physics, however, I don't have any formal grounding in this area, but I have an interest in it. Is there any physics textbook that fulfils the following criteria: 1. Usable for beginners who have never studied physics before.2. Broad enough to cover most topics in reasonable but understandable for the beginners detail.3. I have never done maths involving physics before. Also do you have to read the mathematical parts of the text, are they important. Is there any book that fulfils this criteria? Quote
InfiniteNow Posted August 23, 2006 Report Posted August 23, 2006 I would avoid textbooks and go to regular books by authors with a background in physics. Isaac Asimov, Kip Thorne, John Gribben. There are surely hundreds, those are just three that came to my mind immediately. Best of luck. :cup: Quote
cwes99_03 Posted August 23, 2006 Report Posted August 23, 2006 Search the forums. A couple of us have recommended the motion mountain free online physics textbook. motionmountain.org While I haven't looked it over completely yet, it seems to be pretty good for any and all levels of physics. Otherwise the most commonly used on is written by Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (not sure what version they are on now.) Check out half.com for used ones.http://product.half.ebay.com/Physics-for-Scientists-and-Engineers-With-Modern-Physics-With-Infotrac_W0QQprZ5917926QQtgZinfo Quote
Tarantism Posted August 23, 2006 Report Posted August 23, 2006 the best thing i ever did with an intrest in physics is get "a breif history of time" by stephen hawking. that book really got me started on the basic concepts. other than that, Brian Greene is a good author, too. by Greene i would suggest "the Eligant Universe" and "the Fabric of the Cosmos". have fun, Prolo, :cup: Quote
cwes99_03 Posted August 23, 2006 Report Posted August 23, 2006 the best thing i ever did with an intrest in physics is get "a breif history of time" by stephen hawking. other than that, Brian Greene is a good author, too. It is available on the web. You don't have to buy it. I have the address somewhere, but I got to run. Quote
LJP07 Posted August 24, 2006 Author Report Posted August 24, 2006 Although I do have the motion mountain book from ages ago, I find the maths part of it dificult to follow, will it always be this way reading for the first time? Quote
cwes99_03 Posted August 24, 2006 Report Posted August 24, 2006 Probably. There are additional books that discuss math for physicists. There is also a physics math for dummies book out there that I'm sure explains pretty well. Perhaps first you need to find a good math text that will teach advanced algebra, trig and calc, series, fourier analysis, ... Quote
Guest jamongo Posted August 28, 2006 Report Posted August 28, 2006 I would suggest you read Bill Bryson's book "A Short History Of Nearly Everything".:) Quote
learnin to learn Posted August 30, 2006 Report Posted August 30, 2006 I am partial to the demystified series! Their book Physics Demystified is a great book. It begins by going over math and that you need to be familiar with. Then it takes you step by step through physics. Another great book is " Great Ideas in Physics" by Alan Lightman. It breaks down the law of conservation of energy, The second law of thermodynamics, the theory of relativity, and quantum mechanics. Quote
LJP07 Posted August 30, 2006 Author Report Posted August 30, 2006 Is the level of math and Physics too high for a beginner? Quote
LJP07 Posted August 30, 2006 Author Report Posted August 30, 2006 I went to http://www.amazon.co.uk, and I found Physics Demystified and the review put me off the book: Amazon.co.uk: Physics Demystified: Amazon.co.uk:: Stan Gibilisco http://www.amazon.co.uk/Physics-Demystified-TAB-Electronics-Technical-Library/dp/0071382011/sr=8-3/qid=1156927400/ref=sr_1_3/026-0239519-3926871?ie=UTF8&s=gateway Quote
InfiniteNow Posted August 30, 2006 Report Posted August 30, 2006 Sometimes it's important to experience a bad idea so you can reinforce your own concept of a good idea. Also, don't always take the word of a critic. I can think of scores of movies that were very poorly received by the critics, but which I enjoyed immensely. Same with books. Just keep an eye out for BS claims, and you'll be okay. :) Oh, and don't worry too too much about the level of the book. The harder it is, the more you will learn. It's like practicing tennis. I'd rather play against Andre Agassi, getting my butt stomped, but get much better as a result of the incredible challange than to play against an uncordinated 2 year old who doesn't force me to try harder and improve. Sometimes an anchoring effect can be a good thing. :lol: Cheers. :eek2: Quote
learnin to learn Posted August 30, 2006 Report Posted August 30, 2006 I sort of agree with the review. It goes over the basics, and gives you a general idea of the harder stuff. But in my own personal opinion Demystified Physics does help some1 who wishes to further their education in physics. Quote
cwes99_03 Posted August 31, 2006 Report Posted August 31, 2006 sorry it took so long here's the address for an online view of Hawking's Brief History of Time. http://newton.physics.metu.edu.tr/%7Efizikt/html/hawking/A_Brief_History_in_Time.html Quote
learnin to learn Posted August 31, 2006 Report Posted August 31, 2006 Many kudos to you cwes99_03! Quote
Mercedes Benzene Posted September 4, 2006 Report Posted September 4, 2006 You could always get "Physics for Dummies". http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0764554336.html You could also try Jay-Qu's website: http://www.physicsguides.com/ It's still under construction, but you may want to check it out. Best of luck to you! Quote
Jay-qu Posted September 4, 2006 Report Posted September 4, 2006 One day I hope it could be as comprehensive as a physics textbook.. that day is a long way off, but not out of sight :D Quote
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