Progressing in Physics (book recommendations)

[Royston]

I've been hunting around for courses in physics. However, my local Uni fails to offer evening classes on the subject, and due to financial constraints I'm unable to afford those 'distance learning' courses which are available, so I'm basically tied to being self taught, until next year...but I'm eager to start now.

 

What I need is recommendations on a number of books that can guide me from basic equations on classical mechanics (I'm talking high school / A level) through to relativity and maybe quantum mechanics (if I feel I can tackle it.) I ideally need the books to follow on from the last...I realise it's a long haul being self taught, and I realise proper education in this discipline is far more beneficial but I'm going to give it a shot anyway, and see how I fair.

 

Please don't recommend 'Brief History...' 'Elegant Universe' books for the masses, I ideally need detailed explanation into equations / models and applications, from the very basics to advanced level. I really need to get a proper grasp on the subject, as I get to grips with one theory and get lost with another. I often think 'outside the box' but it's my lack of understanding in the field that lets me down.

 

I searched for book recommendations, but I couldn't trace anything for these particular needs. Suggestions please.

[5614]

Understanding Physics for Advance Level by Jim Breithaupt is often used to teach AS & Alevel physics.

 

It covers only small amounts of relativity and there's the basics of QM... if you're looking at learning relativity or QM then there's probably better books, but if you want a standard Alevel physics textbook that'd be one.

[CPL.Luke]

I would first go to your physics teacher and ask for either the AP book or any other book that the school may have. This might help you a bit more as you would at least have someone to go to in person for help

[albertlee]

So, what degree are you studying then? why you need to improove your calibre in physics??

[Royston]

Well I hope to at least get a diploma in physics, I've become fascinated with the subject, and I would like to learn for my own pleasure...i have no aspirations to go into that field of work.

[5614]

Same, although I'd like go into that field of work.

 

Try an AS or Alevel book, try asking your school. If not a library would have.

 

Also there is much content on the internet.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html is a good reliable source.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page is a good and mainly reliable source

http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/ good/reliable

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Physics/index.htm MIT opencourse (so obviously good/reliable!)

http://www.motionmountain.net/ The Physics Textbook (good/reliable)

[Royston]

Thanks everyone, that should keep me busy for a while...time to retire to the study.