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I've found Landau's book General Physics for a first course in physics (available from the Internet Archive as ark:/13960/t2q53vp6x); the book is freely and legally available, but it's from 1967. Is that OK, or is this material outdated?

More generally, what's the most recommended first course in physics? Which such books (or other resources) provide the best intuition, rigour, etc.?

Qmechanic
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Daniel Faust Montana
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2 Answers2

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Welcome to physics.SE!

There doesn't seem to be much in the book that is really outdated; mechanics hasn't changed much since 1967. However, I would not recommend this book for self-study. It doesn't have any homework problems, and has very few examples. For self-study, you really need a book with problems as well as answers and/or complete solutions (or at least answer checking on a computer).

I don't know what your background is, but the book seems to assume strong previous knowledge of vectors, including dot products, which most students in the US don't have. In general it looks like a book that's meant for people who have already taken a really solid high school course (i.e., something much more substantial than what is offered in the US except in an AP course).

As a matter of taste, I strongly dislike the way the principles are presented without motivation or connection to experiment, e.g., the definition of work without any physical motivation or interpretation.

What's the most recommended first course in physics?

It depends completely on your level. If you're at a level where you can make sense of the Landau book, then I would suggest Kleppner and Kolenkow. If you've got no money and no access to a university library, there are other free physics books online. I maintain a catalog of free books here: http://theassayer.org

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I would say read

1.) MIT introductory Physics series

2.) Berkeley Physics series (Purcell's E&M has 3ed with new problem-set and solution added by Morin!)

and watch

1.) MIT open course (It provides free textbook along with excellent problem-set & detailed solutions)

2.) Standford Theoretical physics (not for physics major, but I would say they are good)

and discuss Physics...

1.)Here! :D

Shing
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