Textbook Definition and 998 Threads

A textbook is a book containing a comprehensive compilation of content in a branch of study with the intention of explaining it. Textbook are produced to meet the needs of educators, usually at educational institutions. Schoolbooks are textbooks and other books used in schools. Today, many textbooks are published in both print and digital formats.

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  1. T

    What is a recommended textbook for solid mechanics?

    Summary: In need of a textbook on solid mechanics Hello, I was asked to teach a class in FE analysis (this is not the issue) for solid mechanics (and, specifically, plane stress and strain) The issue is that some students will be deficient in solid mechanics (long story, I will have the time...
  2. TGV320

    Calculus Are These Books Good for Self-Studying Calculus in College?

    Hi, I am going to be a 1st year college student in China this fall. I have a lot of interest for calculus and math in general, and I am wondering if the books I have in hand are good for self study. High school math here stopped the at the derivatives, didn't went further. The two books I...
  3. A

    Looking for an up-to-date cosmology textbook

    I know I should not study cosmology from books that are too dated. Can you recommend an up-to-date cosmology book? I am studying GR from Carroll's book. Do I need to study astrophysics first or other topics?
  4. T

    Engineering Aerodynamics textbook at the graduate physics level

    Hello, Can someone recommend me a good textbook to (self-)study aerodynamics, optimally with focus on aircrafts. I am a graduated student in physics and therefore familiar with all the basic concepts of fluiddynamics and calculus. But, apart from that, I have no further knowledge in the field...
  5. A

    Engineering Need Advice on Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics Textbook

    I would like to buy a Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics for Engineer textbook. I have 2 options, they are: 1. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0133521702/?tag=pfamazon01-20 2. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0132788128/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Can someone please tell me which one of above Fluid Mechanics textbook...
  6. bigmike94

    I Robert Adams textbook: Acceleration example

    I need a little guidance on how they got the last step to derive acceleration, I can follow up till there. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I find it hard to move on unless I have understood.
  7. M

    MacKay Textbook Example: Laplace Approximation

    Hi, I was attempting example 27.1 question from the book: 'Information Theory, Inference, and Learning Algorithms'. It is about the Laplace approximation. I was confused about part (b) of the question and wanted to check my method if possible. [EDIT]: The link to the book website (official) is...
  8. K

    Classical Looking for a physics textbook which shows how to develop theory

    I was wondering if there is any such textbook which shows how a real physicist actually goes about developing models and or theories to explain experimental observations. I want to see how it is done in practice. Is there such a book? At a level that an undergraduate can understand. It is great...
  9. W

    Solid State Textbook for Computational Solid-State Physics?

    I'm a graduate student and am interested in learning computational solid-state physics. Ideally, I'd like a textbook which covers solid-state physics and the time-dependent semiconductor Bloch equations from a computational perspective. Does anybody have any suggestions?
  10. A

    I My textbook is deriving wave speed on a string under tension

    My textbook is deriving wave speed on a string under tension with confusing thetas. It assumes ##\tan \theta_1 = \frac{-F_1}{F_T}## and ##\tan \theta_2 = \frac{F_2}{F_T}## which confuses me. I know for sure theta is the angle due to the position of y and x, ##\tan \theta = \frac{y}{x}##, but I...
  11. Amrator

    Other How Do You Guys Keep Up with New Textbook Releases?

    Like many of you, I love physics and math textbooks. I'm always on the look out for new textbooks that will aid in my understand of both subjects. But it's just not practical to scroll through Amazon all the time to find new textbooks. How do you guys go about it? For example, I really love the...
  12. D

    Engineering Overarching Intro Engineering Textbook

    Is there any sort of textbook that covers multiple engineering areas that is at an introductory level?
  13. D

    Ipad or classical textbook for notes?

    Hi, I want your opinion regarding modern notetaking technology. Is it better than using the classical pen & paper? As a physics student it would be an advantage to save my notes in the cloud.
  14. Jamestein Newton

    Particle Better Textbooks than Griffiths for Particle Physics 101

    Griffiths "introduction to elementary particles" serves a great introduction as a first course on particle physics for undergraduate students. But what are the possible alternatives of this textbook? Like being more beneficial in the long run, more time-consuming, for aspired students. But it...
  15. PhysTeacher88

    B Misleading Textbook Equation for vf^2=vi^2 + 2ad

    The textbook (Nelson 11) at my school lists the "big 5" equations for uniform acceleration. In all but one, they use vectors. For vf^2=vi^2 + 2ad, the opt not to use vectors. Is there a deep reason why we would not want to use the vectors? I understand that when you square the velocity, the...
  16. warhammer

    Classical Properties of Matter: A Modern Textbook

    Hi. This semester I have chosen "Properties of Matter" as my Physics Elective. The university syllabus generically prescribes texts by Newman & Searle to be studied in this regard but tbh I find them somewhat outdated. Below I have attached a small snippet of my course syllabus. I shall be...
  17. L

    Find the Best Zemax Textbook for Professional Optical Engineers

    Summary:: Hi all, does anyone know a good Zemax textbook? I’d like to learn. Hi all, does anyone know a good Zemax textbook? I’d like to learn. I am a professional looking to move into the optical engineering field.
  18. B

    I Elementary Ideas About Entropy -- Is this textbook example correct?

    Summary:: An elementary example calculation involving entropy in a textbook seems wrong I was reading an elementary introduction to entropy and the second law of thermodynamics. The book gave the example of a gas in a chamber suddenly allowed to expand into an additional portion of the...
  19. shivajikobardan

    MHB How to read research paper, textbook, long text content?

    I can read less text content easily. my way of reading it is to make slides of all those texts and learn from the slides. But I have issue with reading huge huge texts as you know in this case it will require too much time when I do this. Is there way to simplify this reading style? eg-: of...
  20. S

    Quantum Introductory quantum mechanics textbook for self-study

    Hi! I want to self study some of quantum mechanics so i need introductory textbook. I've taken courses on linear algebra that covers all "Linear algebra done right" by Sheldon Axler, multivariable calculus, two courses on general physics and the basics of differentials equations. I really like...
  21. M

    Number Theory Can anyone recommend me a textbook for Number Theory (Undergraduate)?

    So far, I've taken Ordinary Differential Equations and Introduction to Mathematical Proof. My plan is to take "Introduction To Number Theory" for next semester in Spring 2022. But my professor told me that she won't use a textbook for this class. I was wondering what are some of the good...
  22. Falgun

    I A Question on Spinors in a High school textbook

    While revising Rotational motion, I came across a qualitative question which blew me away. Meaning I couldn't even understand the question let alone answer it😅. It has to do with these objects called spinors which as I understand are evoked in quantum mechanics and Relativity. I am attaching the...
  23. warhammer

    Other Need guidance please for purchasing a textbook on Math Physics

    (EDIT: I have also added 2 snippets of the syllabus of the entire Math Physics course in my curriculum as reference). I am currently in the 3rd Semester of my 3 year UG Physics degree from where the subject of Math Physics has been separately included. I need extensive guidance from someone...
  24. M

    Algebra What's a good first textbook on Quaternions?

    Thanks to another thread I created, I already know what pre-requisite math subjects to study, and in what order to study them, before I'm ready to start studying Quaternions. I'm just very curious about what specific textbook, would you folks on this forum recommend that I get to study...
  25. M

    Algebra Looking for my first textbook on Linear Algebra Need suggestions

    First of all, I attached pictures of the very last algebra textbook that I have finished studying. I'm going the self taught route. I really loved this book because it had lots of examples, practice exercises, quizzes and even tests! It also had answers in the back. It's currently my favorite...
  26. mcastillo356

    Calculus Where did my textbook say clearly what it states at this point?

    Hi, PF I left reading for a while, and now I must revisit a quote from Spanish 6th edition of "Calculus", by Robert A. Adams. The quote is " 4.2 Extreme values problems (...) As we've seen, the sign of ##f'## shows if ##f## is increasing or decreasing". Obvious, I shouldn't care and...
  27. F

    Cosmology Dark Matter Textbooks: Learn Core Topics in Astrophysics & Cosmology

    Hello, could you please recommend some good introductory textbooks for studying core topics in astrophysics/cosmology, and especially dark matter? I know that 'An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics' by Caroll and Ostlie is a good book, but I 'm looking for something more concise, so to speak...
  28. M

    Engineering Solving a Moment Vector Direction Problem: An Example from Statics Textbook

    This isn’t a HW problem per say, but it’s an example shown in my statics textbook that is used to try an explain that you need to add a couple moment to move a force to a point not on the line of action, and I’m just not seeing how the direction of the couple moment is correct. See the image...
  29. MathematicalPhysicist

    I A computation of an integral on page 344 of Schutz's textbook

    On page 344 of "A First Course in GR" he writes the following: When I do the integration I get the following: ##\int_0^{\chi^2}d\chi^2= \int_0^{r^2}\frac{dr^2}{1-r^2}= \chi^2 = -\ln (1-r^2)##, after I invert the last relation I get: ##r=\sqrt{1-\exp(-\chi^2)}##, where did I go wrong in my...
  30. K

    A Non holonomic constraints in classical mechanics textbook

    I want to learn about the non holonomic case in lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. I've seen that many people say that Goldstein 3rd ed is wrong there. Where should I go to learn it. My mathematics level is at the level Goldstein uses. Please help
  31. A

    Calculus Textbook for Integration using Hyperbolic substitution

    Can someone please tell me the book that contain integration using hyperbolic substitution for beginner? I know that hyperbolic functions is taught in Calculus book but most of them is only some identities and inverses of hyperbolic functions.
  32. MathematicalPhysicist

    A Some algebra in Schutz's textbook

    Until I understand how to use maple for my steps by steps algebra manipulation feature (which I learned it has), I'll use PF for some help in the algebra. I want to derive the expression for ##D=-\Delta \sin^2 \theta## on page 313 in Equation (11.89). Attachments of printscreen below. I wrote...
  33. ergospherical

    My Favorite Textbook: STEM Books that Inspire

    What's your (single) favourite textbook, and why? Not limited to Physics, but keep it STEM. :smile: Maybe some relevant criteria: - nostalgia factor - scientific accuracy - writing style - level of insight / new perspective? etc.
  34. Leo Liu

    Why is this equation from Purcell's EM textbook correct?

    I saw the following equation on page 31 in Purcell's EM textbook. $$F=\epsilon_0\int_{E_1}^{E_2} E\, dE=\frac 2 {\epsilon_0} (E_2^2-E_1^2)$$ Here, F is the force on a unit area. And then he claims that since ##E_2-E_1=\sigma/\epsilon_0##, the equation can be further simplified to $$F=\frac 1...
  35. Leo Liu

    Is Mankiw's Principles of Economics a good textbook for beginners?

    I want to teach myself the basics of economics and see that many people recommend this book to absolute beginners. What's your take on it, and is it a book suitable for noobs? If not, what are some decent alternatives of it? Thanks in advance.
  36. Cutter Ketch

    Intro Physics Searching for a Classic Physics Textbook with Autostereograms

    Perhaps this is a fever dream, but I seem to recall a classic Physics textbook that had illustrations of 3D vectors using autostereograms. However, I can't remember which one (or find any evidence that I'm not making this up). I also have the notion that this was very early, well before the...
  37. Falgun

    Prob/Stats Looking for a probability and statistics textbook

    I want to learn some probability & statistics on my own. I am well versed in Calc 1-3 , elementary ODEs and very little linear algebra. I want a comprehensive , introductory textbook which is NOT COOKBOOK STYLE. I might be self studying AP statistics next term so if the book covers everything I...
  38. mcastillo356

    Calculus Sentence in English in textbook "Calculus", by Robert A. Adams

    Hi, PF I've got a translation into spanish of the sixth edition of "Calculus", by Robert A. Adams. At the second chapter, "Differentiation", eleventh section, I would like to know: the title of the section (Could it be "Velocity and Acceleration"?); and a sentence of the Example 2 ("A point P...
  39. vibha_ganji

    Calculus Calculus Textbook: Courant vs Apostol

    Hi! I was looking for a Calculus textbook to buy and was debating between Courant and Apostol. I was planning on reading Spivak parallel to one of these. My question is does Apostol cover more material than Courant does or are they practically the same. Sorry if this has already been asked, I...
  40. N

    Computational Looking for a Geometry Proofs Textbook?

    I am seeking a geometry proofs textbook. In other words, I seek a textbook that shows all geometric proofs from start to finish. There are books that show proofs worked out as a reference book for students. Can someone provide me with a good geometry book for this purpose? I am particularly...
  41. R

    Quantum Modern Physics Textbook Recommendations for Top-Tier Universities

    I seek current textbook recommendations for Modern Physics (Relativity, Quantum, Nuclear, Particles), upper undergraduate and graduate level, preferably that which are used at top-tier universities. Suggestions appreciated.
  42. AndreasC

    Classical Problems for Born-Wolf Optics textbook

    I decided to go through Born and Wolf's bible of optics but... Um... The book has no problems. Which kinda sucks. Does anyone know if there's some kind of resource to supplement that?
  43. AdvaitDhingra

    Calculus What are some affordable textbooks for learning math concepts for physics?

    Hey guys, so I was on this thread on tips for self studding physics as a high schooler with the aim to become a theoretical (quantum) physicist in the future. I myself am a 15 year old who wants to become a theoretical physicist in the future. A lot of people in the thread were saying that...
  44. GrimGuy

    Lagrangian of system of bodies in PN approximation [Landau Textbook]

    Hey guy, I'm having problems to understand the final part of this section. The book says we have the lagrangian from one particle (106.16), then we have some explanation and then the total lagrangian is given(106.17). For me is everything fine until the 106.16, then i couldn't get what is going...
  45. AdvaitDhingra

    Best (or at least good) GR and SR textbook for a 15-year-old highschool student

    Hi, I'm a 15-year-old high school student and I was wondering what textbook you guys recommend for Special- and General Relativity. I'm familiar with the concept of the Metric Tensor and Christoffel Symbols, but I wanted a good textbook where I can really learn derive it all and gain a deeper...
  46. GrimGuy

    A Difficulties with derivative of a vector [Landau Textbook]

    Hi guys, I'm having trouble computing a pass 1 to 106.15. It's in the pictures. So, what a have to do is the derivative of ##f## with respect to time and coordinates. Then I need to rearrange the terms to find the equation 106.15. I am using the following conditions. ##r## vector varies in...
  47. M

    Find Your Ideal Physics Textbook: Exercises Included

    Hi Does anyone know a book of general physics (which covers the subjects of physics as a whole) with complete exercises?
  48. E

    Intro Math Arithmetic/pre-algebra/basic geometry textbook recommendations

    Hi, My name is Cam and I've just literally joined so wanted to say hi first 🙂 I'm self studying Maths and Physics and wanted to know a good textbook that deals with arithmetic/pre-algebra/basic geometry? I know Physics mainly used Applied Maths, but I'm wanting to educate myself as thoroughly...
  49. AdvaitDhingra

    Quantum Is "Quantum Physics for Dummies" a good textbook for starting QP?

    I've been reading about Quantum Mechanics for years now and I think it's time I bought a textbook and really learned the math. I'm 15 y.o. and have a working understanding of Derivitives, Integrals and Vectors. Is this textbook a good one to start with or is it too complex? Which one would you...
  50. W

    Does any classical mechanics textbook solve Kepler's Problem?

    I have several* classical physics and mechanics texts, and none solve the Kepler problem (as far as I can tell), succinctly, solving the Kepler equation, M = E - e*sin(E), for E given M and e, or more generally determining the equations of motion for an orbiting object. In fact none even...
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