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. jojoj

    Intro Physics A good physics textbook with clear and concise explanations?

    I'm currently in my first year in a physics with med physics degree and I find the textbook we are using not helpful (physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th Edition) by Randall D. Knight). I find the textbook too wordy. So I am looking for a more clear and concise...
  2. K

    Calculus Best Calculus of variations (Sturm Liouville Theory) textbook?

    Hi, I have a course on calculus of variations and Sturm Liouville theory and was wondering if anyone had any good textbook suggestions? If they had questions and solutions it would be a bonus! I have put all the subtopics of the course below. Calculus of variations Variation subject to...
  3. K

    Classical Best undergraduate electromagnetics textbook

    Hi I am looking for a textbook that covers most of the topics in a general undergraduate electromagnetics course. It would be great if the topics below are covered. I don't mind getting a few but would like to find a good explanation of these topics. thanks Gauge invariance Lorenz gauge Greens...
  4. DartomicTech

    Prerequisites for the textbook "Linear Algebra" (2nd Edition)?

    Summary:: What pre-requisites are required in order to learn the textbook "Linear Algebra (2nd Edition) 2nd Edition by Kenneth M Hoffman (Author), Ray Kunze (Author)" Sorry if this is the wrong section to ask what the title and subject state. I read some of chapter 1 already, and that all...
  5. E

    Other Textbook Recommendations for Thermodynamics

    Hello there, Can anybody recommend me a good thermodynamics textbook? I prefer the ones that have a deep or complete (if possible) discussion about the theoretical aspect of thermodynamics, and the mathematical aspect as well. Thank you
  6. C

    Intro Physics Best textbook for properties of matter and fluid mechanics

    I am a First Year Undergraduate Physics student. Which will be the best textbook for me to study properties of matter (Elasticity) and fluid mechanics? I prefer a better theoretical understanding.
  7. PeterDonis

    Errors in Ballentine (QM Textbook)?

    This thread is to get more specifics and start discussion regarding two recent claims in other QM forum threads, in a separate thread to avoid clutter in other discussions: @atyy, can you give specific quotes and references (chapter/page) in Ballentine that these quotes are talking about?
  8. Mondayman

    Intro Physics Textbook on Electronics and Circuit Analysis

    Hi folks, I'm looking for a solid introductory book on electronics and circuit analysis. I have seen The Art of Electronics highly recommended. I will likely get it but as a supplement. Does anyone know of any other good electronics textbooks? I don't mind old textbooks. Some of the newer...
  9. S

    Linear Algebra I need textbook recommendations to learn linear algebra by myself

    Hi PF community, recently i learned about Calculus in one variables and several, so now i'd like to study linear algebra by myself in a undergraduate level, in order to do that i need some textbooks recommendations. I'll be waiting for your recommendations :).
  10. P

    Bohr's model and a statement in my textbook

    In satellite motion around a planet, if the satellite is in orbit, it experiences only the gravitational force and its energy in orbit is constant (see 'https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/13-4-satellite-orbits-and-energy'): It's not radiating energy, is it? Its...
  11. G

    Textbook: "Special Relativity For the Enthusiastic Beginner" question....

    Special Relativity: For the Enthusiastic Beginner on page 49 1.8 Exercises I can't find the answers to the questions? I apologize if this is a dumb question.
  12. James2020

    Intro Physics Roger Muncaster A-Level Physics Textbook (4th edition + more)

    Hello, This is an invaluable textbook which I regularly use to self-educate myself before teaching students however something that would be particularly useful would be answers to all the end of chapter questions. I know numerical answers are given but that it. I know it’s unlikely due to the...
  13. N

    Integration by parts on ##S^3## in Coleman's textbook

    I'm reading Coleman's "Aspects of symmetry" chap 7. On the topic of the SU(2) winding number on ##S^3##on page 288, three parameters on ##S^3## are defined ##\theta_1,\theta_2,\theta_3##. Afterwards, it defines the winding number and to show it's invariant under continuous deformation of gauge...
  14. A

    Looking for a textbook for Advanced Limits

    As I can't find it in my basic calculus book, can someone please tell me what book that taught a limit theory and problem like these? Thank you
  15. I

    Expectation Value Notation in Griffiths QM Textbook Third Edition

    In the 3rd edition of the Introduction to Quantum Mechanics textbook by Griffiths, he normally does the notation of the expectation value as <x> for example. But, in Chapter 3 when he derives the uncertainity principle, he keeps the operator notation in the expectation value. See the pasted...
  16. jamalkoiyess

    How do you guys read a textbook?

    I am always trying to read textbooks (physics, in courses, or independently), and every time I end up in one of these situations: The book gets too technical for me to understand, or mentions something I do not know. The book goes on for too long and gets boring after the introductory chapters...
  17. E

    Other Math Textbooks for Physics Students

    Hello there, do you guys have recommendations for math textbooks that i should have? The math is of course related to physics, I mean the maths that a physics student must know.
  18. F

    A Don't understand this function, s(cosξ + j sinξ) in my textbook

    My textbook for Advanced Electomagnetics, by Balinas has this identity. cos θ = se^(jξ) = s( cos ξ + j sin ξ ). I have no idea what they are saying. Is there an S funtion I'm not aware of? I've looked back and forth, and he doesn't seem to explain it's use. I've inserted a picture of the...
  19. jtbell

    Other Old but good C++ textbook available for free

    Today I found out that the textbook that I taught C++ out of for several years in the late 1990s and early 2000s is now available online for free. After it went out of print, the author (Owen Astrachan at Duke University) decided to make it freely available. A Computer Science Tapestry, second...
  20. MidgetDwarf

    Help with this inequality needed for a proof in a textbook

    Note that if we prove problem 4, the proof for problem 5 follows directly. We use properties of logarithms to combine the right hand side of ln into a single logarithm. Then we raise both side of the inequality to a power of e. Which leads us to the desired inequality. But, when I try to be...
  21. D

    How do I reconcile the biochemistry textbook descriptions of protons?

    One of the main lessons from general and organic chemistry was excess protons in aqueous solutions exist in the form of hydronium ions. However, in biochemistry textbooks, protons are individual in descriptions, for example, of the pumps in the electron transport chain, photosynthetic complexes...
  22. xyz_1965

    MHB Michael Sullivan Precalculus Textbook Arrived Today

    I finally got my Michael Sullivan Precalculus 5th Edition textbook today. I have decided to part ways with my David Cohen book. It makes no sense to keep it. It is truly over my head. By this I don't mean that Sullivan's book is a walk in the park. It can be intense depending on the topic...
  23. xyz_1965

    MHB Why Did You Choose Michael Sullivan's Precalculus Textbook Over David Cohen's?

    Last week, I purchased the Michael Sullivan Precalculus textbook 5th Edition, a book I had in my collection in 2006. I will use this book to continue my precalculus journey as I make my way to calculus 1. Anxiously waiting for the textbook to arrive in the mail. I will stop by the post office...
  24. archaic

    Prob/Stats Introductory textbook for Probability and Statistics

    Hello! I'll be taking a probability and statistics course this semester. Does anyone know of any good textbook? I have access to an extensive catalogue of books on springer, so it would be extremely preferable for me if you could recommend something from there. Thanks.
  25. R

    Intro Math Suggestions for an Intro to Proofs Math textbook for Self Study

    Hi everyone. I'll be taking a course in the fall called "Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning", which is basically and introduction to proof-based mathematics. The syllabus says we will be covering the first seven chapters of Smith, Eggen, and St. Andre's "Transition to Advanced...
  26. K

    Geometry Modern Differential Geometry Textbook Recommendation

    Could you provide recommendations for a good modern introductory textbook on differential geometry, geared towards physicists. I know physicists and mathematicians do mathematics differently and I would like to see how it is done by a physicists standard. I have heard Chris Ishams “Modern Diff...
  27. Phylosopher

    Quantum Is Zuber's Quantum Field Theory textbook any good?

    Hi, I have been studying Quantum Field Theory this semester! It seems that Shwartz and Peskin are the most popular choices when it comes to studying QFT. But apparently my professor have another "old" preference. He strongly suggested that we learn QFT from Zuber's book. I have looked at the...
  28. rxh140630

    Should you read a textbook more than once for mastery?

    One of my professors is a very smart man and has done a lot of very important work/research. He says to obtain mastery you want to read a book front to back about 3 times. Is this an accurate statement in your experience? I feel that it may be.
  29. K

    A Differential Forms or Tensors for Theoretical Physics Today

    There are a few different textbooks out there on differential geometry geared towards physics applications and also theoretical physics books which use a geometric approach. Yet they use different approaches sometimes. For example kip thrones book “modern classical physics” uses a tensor...
  30. rjurga

    Intro Physics Concise textbook for undergrad physics to be used as a reference

    I don't own undergraduate textbooks. I'm looking for a single one that works well as a reference or a refresher for various basic topics. Specifically, I'm thinking of a textbook that I could pick up when I forget some detail in an elementary topic and quickly check it out. So I don't mean one...
  31. kellys

    Help with this quantum circuit textbook problem about controlled gates

    Summary:: My skills are very very basic and I'm more a networking major but i had to take a quantum mechanics class, i have trouble with this xcercise from textbook quantum mechanics a general introduction [Mentor Note -- Thread moved from the Technical forums so no Homework Template is shown]...
  32. I

    Help please differentiating this equation from a mechanics textbook

    I tried doing it a few times and this is all I get: c(˙f1+˙f2)=a˙a2+a2˙a−3ca2+˙ha2+2ha+2˙af′2+2a˙f′2c(f1˙+f2˙)=aa˙2+a2a˙−3ca2+h˙a2+2ha+2a˙f2′+2af2′˙ Please let me know where I'm going wrong. Thanks
  33. V

    Classical Textbook for light, heat, waves

    There's an undergraduate physics course at my uni that covers these topics and the course description is: Mathematical descriptions for classical physics: oscillations, mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves, physical optics and thermodynamics. Are there any good studying materials/textbooks I...
  34. J

    Calculus What is the best textbook for understanding differentials?

    Hi, I am an undergrad looking to purchase a good textbook on differentials for my course which I will be taking soon, and the textbook listed for the differentials course is this one (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118531779/?tag=pfamazon01-20) which apparently is not very good. So can...
  35. F

    Textbook to Precede Physics of Semiconductor Devices (Sze)

    I was recommended to read Physics of Semiconductor Devices by Sze which I was told was the standard textbook for the subject. My background is Electronic Engineering and not physics. After reading the first few pages of the first chapter I am completely overwelmed. I can't make sense of the...
  36. N

    Are difficult textbook problems enough to "think like a physicist"?

    So I made a previous post regarding developing sufficient quantitative background to go into a field that's effectively applied physics (or "theoretical biophysics" but that just sounds a bit ridiculous).I think I can rephrase my issue as not one of choosing a better major, but lacking a certain...
  37. U

    Question on a textbook statment on Rutherford Scattering

    The experimental observation of finding very few alpha particles scattered through large angles (>90) - I thought this would have inferred that the positive charge of the core of the atom (which we now come to know as the nuclei) must have been great in order greatly deflect alpha particles...
  38. SEYED2001

    What is the best QM textbook for me?

    Summary:: I am a last year high school student. I haven't chosed physics for my course, but I am very interested in QM, because I believe it act lik a gateway to the meaning of existence, and so the nature of mind, my particular interest. I want to know which textbook is the best for me. I am...
  39. Prez Cannady

    Looking for a textbook introduction to integrals of the following form

    Summary:: Pretty sure they have something to do with path integrals, or what not. But obviously it's hard to *search* for this stuff. Basically, I'm looking for a textbook, any textbook--physics, mathematics, etc.--that deals with integrals that look something like this (mistakes are mine): S...
  40. U

    Other Is Richard Courant's Intro to Calculus Enough for the USAPhO Physics Exam?

    Hello, I am preparing for a physics exam which takes place next year. The scope of this test is mechanics, e&m, thermodynamics, relativity, waves, and modern physics. The exam doesn't require anything farther than Calculus 1, but it is still a rigorous exam. So I am looking for a calc 1 textbook...
  41. LittleRookie

    B Elementary analytic geometry textbook recommendation

    Every explanation about scaling a 2D vector, or equivalently having a line segment PQ on cartesian plane and then find a point R on the line PQ satisfying PR/PQ = r (fixed given r) starts with that one specific case in the picture. A formula for the coordinates of R is then given for that case...
  42. aiswariya

    Quantum Video lecture suggestion for Sakurai quantum mechanics Textbook

    hello! I've been trying to read through Sakurai's Modern quantum mechanics textbook ( My goal is to finish the first 3 chapters and understand the Dirac formulation of QM specifically) but I find myself stumbling at many places. Are there any video lectures on the internet that follows this text...
  43. dRic2

    Evaluate the following integral from a physics textbook

    Using spherical coordinates I can write ##d^3 k = 2\pi k^2 \sin \phi dk d \phi## (where I've already preformed the integration along the azimuthal angle, yielding the factor ##2 \pi##). Btw I'm sorry for my unfortunate notation: usually ##\phi## is the azimuthal angle, but here it is the polar...
  44. H

    Quantum Mechanics B.H. Bransden Textbook- Solutions Manual

    I'd really appreciate it if someone could tell me where to obtain the solutions manual for Bransden and Joachin QM as I've been having a go at the problems.
  45. F

    Classical Textbook Suggestions for a Physics Student with Little Experience

    Hello everyone! Before I begin, I would like to thank you for helping me by responding or just being intrigued by this. I’m a high school student who wants to basically have a very deep understanding of classical mechanics (for f=ma exam and ultimately my dream). My only experience with physics...
  46. B

    Intro Physics Calculus based intro physics textbook recommendations?

    Hi, I'm a first year physics student who still hasn't found a textbook for his class. Our professor mentioned that any calculus based book is okay, but I can't seem to find anything! He suggested Halliday and Resnick's Fundamentals of Physics (extended edition), and although it covers the...
  47. nsypgorz

    Quantum Alternative Undergraduate Quantum Mechanics book

    Hi everyone, was just wondering what people think is a good undergraduate QM book is as opposed to Griffiths. I've read through it, and I have looked and many people say it is good for people who've never been exposed to QM before, but when it comes to solving problems I struggle a lot, and...
  48. AlmX

    Analysis Is Baby Rudin a good choice for first my Real Analysis textbook?

    Summary: Is Baby Rudin a good choice for first Real Analysis textbook for someone without strong pure math background? I've completed 2 semesters of college calculus, but not "pure math" calculus which is taught to math students. I'm looking for introductory text on Real Analysis and I've...
  49. MathematicalPhysicist

    Derivation of equation (9.117) on Schutz's textbook

    On page 238 of his second edition of Schutz's he writes the following: Where Eq. (9.107) is: $$\bar{h}^{TT}_{xx}=A\cos (\Omega (z-t)) , \bar{h}_{yy}^{TT}=-\bar{h}^{TT}_{xx}$$ and ##\delta \bar{h}^{TT}_{xx}=2\pi \sigma m \Omega \ell_0 R \sin [\Omega (z-t)-\phi]##. Here's what I tried: $$A\tan...
  50. Feynstein100

    Classical What Are the Best Introductory Textbooks for a Self-Studying Physics Enthusiast?

    I'm a layperson who loves physics. Unfortunately studying it in a university is not an option for me right now. So I've decided to study it myself. My knowledge so far is upto high school physics. I do know some special relativity but mostly in a conceptual manner, not a rigorous mathematical...
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