Post: #1

Hello all,

I just started Einstein's relativity, which was written for people who don't understand much about physics, but are still curious.
Well, despite that, I don't understand anything from it at all. I kept pace with the first two three chapters and now I'm completely lost. Do you guys have any books to recommend on classical mechanics? That's really what's confusing the hell out of me.

Post: #2

Is this a book, or a class?

If I recall correctly, relativistic physics came about because it could explain phenomena that were unable to be resolved with the classical model. Since both relativistic and classical physics have to do with larger objects, you want to have a solid foundation in the latter before learning anything about the former. With no frame of reference (heh), relativistic physics won't make any sense.

I haven't read this book but it covers what you're looking for ->
http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Mechanic...0201657023

Post: #3

Yup, it's the book.

And awesome! Thanks

Post: #4

Well, if you are looking for modern in depth mathematically challenging book on classical mechanics, I would go with Taylor. It is surprisingly easy to read for a physics textbook.

http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Mechanic...+mechanics

But if you aren't a student of physics, pick up one of the dover books. They only put out past copyright classics so since classical physics hasn't changed much since they 50s, they are a go to option (in my opinion). Amazon search for a couple of them and see what you find interesting. For example http://www.amazon.com/Theoretical-Physic...al+physics

Relativity came out of the conclusion that the speed of light moves at the same speed regardless of reference frame and the implications of this.

Post: #5

Thanks man. I'll check both out. What math beyond algebra and calc should I learn?

Post: #6

(03-12-2015 07:30 AM)theoogabear Wrote:  Thanks man. I'll check both out. What math beyond algebra and calc should I learn?

You should be able to arse your way through classical mechanics on trig. With trig alone you will be able to find answers to problems but plugging in the appropriate formula might be a pain. Formulas are usually simplified so Chapter One's formulas might not apply to Chapter Two (for instance) as they set a certain constant to zero, and so on. Numerical answers will be easy to come by but as far as understanding the text goes you basically have to trust the source material.

If you're not familiar with algebra (?!) then you have a long way to go, but it's pretty easy to pick up.

You might think that calculus would unnecessarily complicate physics problems but that's absolutely not the case. Once you know how to derive and integrate then you no longer have to remember seemingly arbitrary formulas by rote, as they naturally conform to the rules of calculus. Having that holistic understanding of what's going on mathematically will make your text work significantly more enjoyable rather than the plug-and-play drudgery of finding and substituting formulas.

Once I knew calculus well I didn't even bother reading the chapters in class, at that point splitting up chapters had less to do with different concepts and more to do with organizing everybody's homework problems to make them easier to grade. You could learn all you had to know by figuring out conceptually what forces were at play and using calculus to derive or integrate your own formulas.

You might want to get a background in solving systems of differential equations as well, at least learning how to separate variables (which will solve like 80% of any introductory physics problem involving differential equations) and laplace transforms (the text will inform you when you would need those). Most physics books have something of a math primer in them so you might not have to worry too much, Paul's Online Math Notes should cover everything else.

Post: #7

Damn, thank you. In what order should I learn the maths? Algebra first (I would think), then ?

Post: #8

I thought this thread was going to be about El Mechanico.

Post: #9

(03-12-2015 12:04 PM)Tuthmosis Wrote:  I thought this thread was going to be about El Mechanico.

Yeah. Misleading thread title 7 day suspension.

Post: #10

(03-12-2015 11:34 AM)theoogabear Wrote:  Damn, thank you. In what order should I learn the maths? Algebra first (I would think), then ?

What kind of math background are you sitting at right now?
Yeah I would start with alegbra.

Post: #11

(03-12-2015 07:30 AM)theoogabear Wrote:  Thanks man. I'll check both out. What math beyond algebra and calc should I learn?

I would not invest in Taylor until you know 2nd order differential equations. It is a very math heavy (even though he tries to help out). I don't know about the other physics book.

If you don't know any math know, I would say algebra, trigonmetry, calc I and II. But as you are now, I would go here: http://iweb.tntech.edu/murdock/books.html and use Dr. Murdocks pre-study guide. He has the math as well as a brief overview of introductory algebra and calculus based physics.
If you email him I bet he will respond to questions, he enjoys teaching physics and helping students learn (thats why he has the material online for free) and will probably be delighted someone is using it.

Post: #12

If you want to polish up your math without buying a shit ton of books, http://www.khanacademy.org can help.

I do it when I'm bored instead of all the videogames I used to play, I'm planning on going back to school at some point so it helps to stay sharp.

Post: #13

@Hades, none. I didn't take it seriously at all during high school, but after reading about philosophers like Russell and Wittgenstein, I've become really curious and I want to learn it now.

Post: #14

I may recommend this: http://www.amazon.com/Theoretical-Minimu...465075681/

I've not read it myself but have heard good things about it.

Post: #15

(03-13-2015 03:44 PM)duedue Wrote:  I may recommend this: http://www.amazon.com/Theoretical-Minimu...465075681/

I've not read it myself but have heard good things about it.

You may also want to check out "Alice in Quantum Land" by Robert Gilmore. The author breaks down quantum theory and mechanics by retelling and reworking the passages from Alice in Wonderland.


http://www.amazon.com/Alice-Quantumland-...antum+land

Post: #16

(03-12-2015 12:04 PM)Tuthmosis Wrote:  I thought this thread was going to be about El Mechanico.

Me too. But emech isn't relative or classy.