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. Z

    Classical How good is this Thermo textbook?

    Thermodynamics (Yunus Cengel Michael Boles , 8) I'm taking Thermodynamics right now at my community college and if you saw my last post about my physics teacher, you know I have the right to be paranoid about not learning enough in my classes. I've always heard Thermo for mechanical engineers...
  2. J

    What is the textbook for optical waveguide theory using matrix notation?

    I remember using matrix notation in my course on optical waveguide theory many years ago. The lecturer was using a textbook which I cannot remember. I have since misplaced my course notes. I was wondering if anyone could direct me to the source textbook? The notation (Eq. 2.20) is attached...
  3. D

    Quantum Additional textbook to Sakurai and Ballentine

    Hi. I already have Sakurai and Ballentine. I am looking for another textbook at a similar level. I am considering Gottfried & Yan , "Quantum Physics" by Bellac , "Quantum Mechanics" by Auletta. Any thoughts on these textbooks or any other suitable alternatives ? I do like textbooks that have...
  4. TheCapacitor

    Classical Best analytical mechanics textbook recommandation

    Hello, I'm a second year physics student. We are going to use "hand and finch analytical mechanics", however the reviews I saw about this book are bad. I've already taken calculus for mathematicians, linear algebra, classical mechanics, special relativity, and electromagnetism. The topics it...
  5. B

    Classical What High School Physics Textbook Complements Feynman Lectures Well?

    I have read that Feynman Lectures on Physics is pretty good; however, I also read it isn't a replacement for a good textbook. So I wanted a good physics(high school level) textbook that I could read Feynman Lectures on Physics along beside it. Regarding mathematics, I have completed Calculus I...
  6. W

    Is the derivative in my textbook correct here?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations d/dx The Attempt at a Solution d/dx (T) = d/dx(1/2mx'2) = mx'' d/dx(U) = d/dx(1/2kx2) = kx' ≠ kx It's probably me who made an error because I know that that equation (2.3) is the one I should be getting, but I don't understand how they did it because...
  7. August

    Density Functional Theory (DFT) textbooks

    I'm starting out on DFT right now. I'm an experimental Physics student, so I'm not very familiar with theories. Can you recommend any good textbooks or resources that I can utilize for my study?? Thanks in advance.
  8. Mr Davis 97

    Newton's Third Law textbook -- question about the sign of a force

    Imagine that I am pushing on a wall. Then my textbook says that by Newton's third law, ##F_{AB} = F_{BA}##, where I am B and the wall is A. Isn't this wrong? Shouldn't it be that ##F_{AB} = -F_{BA}##?
  9. K

    MHB Galois Theory: Textbook recommendations?

    I have been working my way through the book "A book of Abstract Algebra" by Charles C. Pinter. By the time I get to the end it will have taken me 2 years of self study, solving every exercise during my daily commute. A great little book! The last two chapters are titled: Chapter 32: Galois...
  10. Experience111

    Engineering Where Can I Find an Introductory Mining Engineering Course at the BSc Level?

    Hi everyone, I am a student in engineering specializing in materials science and engineering currently pursuing the equivalent of a Master's Degree in France. I am interested in mining engineering and I love to learn things myself. What is a good introductory course to mining engineering...
  11. A

    Classical Searching for an Advanced Textbook on Alternating Current

    As the title implies, I'm looking for a textbook on alternating current (not necessarily containing only about this topic). I'm looking for such a book with the following things in mind: - Is not just some introductory thing, but a book that treats the subject in an advanced manner using at...
  12. T

    Intro Physics Seeking a good Undergraduate physics textbook

    First off, sorry for posting yet another one of these threads. I've scavenged through this forum for undergrad textbook recommendations and have been somewhat overwhelmed. I'm beginning first year soon and would like a textbook that I can rely on as either my main textbook, or at least a...
  13. B

    Solid Mechanics Q: Textbook source for image?

    Hi everyone, Does someone know from which textbook the question below was taken from? The only given data the i found is q1=π*sin(πx/2). Thanks:)
  14. F

    Classical Need a Classical Mechanics book that covers these topics

    I'm a freshman in Computer Engineering at a university. I have a Classical Mechanics course that will cover these topics: Newton's law of motion Vector Algebra Equilibrium of bodies Plane Trusses First moment of area, centroid, etc. Calculation of virtual displacement and virtual work...
  15. Chandler

    Other Intermediate Optics (including nonlinear optics)?

    Hey everyone. I'm currently in a new research lab that focuses on optics. One thing I'm currently tasked with is handling the femtosecond laser we have. However, to do this, I need a stronger background in optics than I currently have (which is a few years of undergrad optics, some quantum...
  16. I

    Potential divider textbook example. Confused.

    Hi, I am just going through a textbook on electronics and have come across an explanation that uses potential dividers to work out potential values for resistors. I was wondering if anyone is able to explain how the author got the bit after "which can be written as": R1=(4.9/10.1)*R2 How did...
  17. Bennyp85

    One of those 'think about' problems in textbook

    Homework Statement A water tanker on a railroad has a plug that is opened. The tanker is moving at 5.0m/s Will the tanker speed up when the water is being drained? Homework Equations m1*v1 = m2*v2 The Attempt at a Solution My original thought was yes it will speed up But after looking at the...
  18. W

    Intro Physics Does this physics textbook include these topics?

    Hey guys. I was wondering if this physics book linked below includes these following topics: mechanics, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and modern physics https://www.amazon.com/dp/0321625927/?tag=pfamazon01-20 You can view the table of contents...
  19. parshyaa

    Intro Math "The art of problem solving" textbook series

    I am a 12th grade student. I am new to this series and i know that these are great books. i am going to buy 3 books. the basics , introduction to algebra, introduction to geometry is it necessary to buy solution manual. is it ok to buy these three books for the beginners what about concept...
  20. W

    Intro Physics Recommended Textbooks for AP Physics 1/2: Non-Calculus Based Options

    I'm currently in high school and I'm looking to buy/rent a textbook so I can prepare myself for next year's AP Physics 1/2 class and so I can do well on the AP test. I'm pretty sure the course isn't calculus based. I know for sure my physics class will cover: mechanics, kinetic theory and...
  21. D

    Classical The best physics books to build theoretical knowledge

    Could you name your best picks of books that expand on the high school knowledge. Example is the Goldsteins Classical Mechanics which is a classic. What do you recommend for Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, Relativity and Quantum Mechanics? Also what would be the same criteria for some Math...
  22. J

    Relativity On Sean Carroll's General Relativity textbook

    I have heard/read that Carroll's Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity is one of the best books on General Relativity but its price is insanely high! Does anybody know any place which sells it at a lower price than, say, Amazon? If not, what are other books that cover...
  23. MidgetDwarf

    Studying Can schools make you buy the newest edition of a textbook?

    So, I did not receive transfer credit for my DE course. The instructor sent out an email that we would be dropped from the course, if we did not have the current edition of Boyce Di Prima DE. I would not mind purchasing an older edition from amazon, but to spend $100 on a textbook that I will...
  24. J

    Recommend a Statistical Mechanics Textbook

    Hi, Although I'll be taking a course on statistical mechanics next term, I'm looking to work through the details of statistical mechanics on my own in the summer. Which textbook would one recommended. I have heard that Schrdoder's and Kerson Huang's books are good. Any suggestions? And how do...
  25. DeathbyGreen

    Solid State No Love for Kittel: An Alternative Textbook for Solid State Physics?

    I wasn't sure if I should post this in general discussion or in solid state section, but am I the only one who finds the Kittel textbook horrible? It seems full of semi-empirical, basic math, and boring, surface level observations written as dryly as possible. I really like solid state physics...
  26. Jianphys17

    Which Complex Analysis Textbook Should I Use?

    Hi, i need advice, I'm studying complex analysis on which book would you recommend to do it on that of Ahlfors or T.W.Gamelin's book?
  27. B

    Testing Using Irodov's Problems in general physics for PGRE

    Hello , I'm preparing for the GRE subject test in Physics. I have Irodov's Problems in general physics. I think that this book contains a large number of very interesting and somewhat challenging collection of problems. Is this book suitable for GRE study ? My goal is to get 900+ on the test.
  28. J

    Intro Physics Textbook recommendations for someone new to physics?

    Here's the issue: I am a junior chemistry major and the time has come for me to take a physics class called "Physics for Scientists". I have never taken a physics class before and I hear from my peers that not only is this particular subject extremely difficult, but so is the ONLY PROFESSOR...
  29. G

    B How to Read the Index of a Calculus Textbook?

    What does "ff" mean (please see image below)?
  30. R

    Physics Will people buy a physics textbook writed by a 18 years old ?

    If I writed a physics textbook at 18 that countain all physics equations laws texts and facts from grade 9 to the first year of undergrad (freshman) and I will put in the book from where and how was derived each equation . Will people buy my textbook as a 18 years old ? And can I find a publisher ?
  31. L

    Cosmology Cosmology&particles astrophysics textbook

    Could you recommend me some good textbooks on cosmology, please? I'm looking for something that covers both general relativity topics and, which is more important for me, particles astrophysics stuff. I like the structure of Bergström&Goobar's book but it's a little bit sketchy. Something with...
  32. SuperDaniel

    Digital Control Systems Textbook

    Hi Guys, I need some material to update, or, better said, to reinforce my skills in Digital Control Systems. In the very beginning I thought on "Digital Control Systems by Benjamin C. Kuo", but, after think about this, I realized that, maybe, this is an oldie for this subject. Do you have any...
  33. T

    Other Junior-level Modern Physics textbook suggestions

    Hello All, I am looking for suggestions for a junior-level Modern Physics textbook to read over the summer for the purpose of preparing me to take senior-level Quantum Mechanics in the fall. I have a solid Math background so a text that would possesses some level of mathematical rigorousness...
  34. N

    MHB Word Problem: Application Of Linear Equations (Typo In Textbook?)

    Is there a difference between the following statement "The number of dimes is 5 times more than twice the number of nickels" and "The number of dimes is 5 more than twice number of nickels"? The 5 times more... and the 5 more than... confuses me. Please clarify this for me. Thanks!
  35. Parsifal1

    Foundations of Mechanical Engineering (textbook)

    I'm hoping to do a foundation year for mechanical engineering next year, can anyone recommend to get this book in preparation for it?: https://www.waterstones.com/book/foundations-of-mechanical-engineering/anthony-johnson/keith-sherwin/9780412616006 Thanks
  36. Erebus_Oneiros

    Studying How do you effectively self-study physics using a textbook?

    How do you effectively self-study physics using a textbook? Defining "effective" (in decreasing order of priority): - Understand the topics more at the conceptual level than "standard problem solving/plug n chug" level. Think final goal being to prepare for research in the field or like a...
  37. O

    Calculus PDE: Haberman vs Bleecker vs Asmar

    Is there anyone who has read some of the mentioned texts and can say a few words about how they differ?
  38. P

    Chemistry Can you synthesize any chemical just by looking at its equation?

    Hi, I would like to learn chemistry, and I am self taught. I would like to learn chemistry to the point, where if i see a chemical equation, I then know exactly what I need to do to synthesize it, and was wondering if anyone could provide any resources for me to do that. Thank you very much...
  39. G

    Chemistry Organic Chemistry backup textbook

    Hello, I will be taking Organic Chemistry 1 in the fall. I've been reading some sections of organic chemistry 8th edition by john e. mcmurry. This book is required and I was wondering if there's any other chemistry books. When I read it, it makes it hard for me to understand what it's saying...
  40. S

    A question from Warren Siegel's textbook 'Fields'

    The following is taken from pages 99 and 100 of Warren Siegel's textbook 'Fields'.We begin by reviewing some general properties of symmetries, including as an example the symmetry group of nonrelativistic physics. Symmetries are the result of a redundant, but useful, description of a theory...
  41. T

    Other What Are the Best Textbooks for Self-Studying HSC Biology and Chemistry?

    So I am in the area in between years 10-11. I am currently on exchange and I have a lot of time so I thought I would study for year 11's topics so that the next few years would be easier. The main subjects I wan't to focus on are Biology and Chemistry. I had bought a book without doing any real...
  42. J

    Help with textbook question -- Where did the factor of 2 come from?

    From "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Randall D. Knight page 1006. A 1 m long, 1.0 mm diameter nichrome heater wire is connected to a 12 V battery. Find the magnetic field strength 1 cm away from the wire. This problem is solved in the book, but they calculate the magnetic field with...
  43. Alpharup

    B Using multiple calculus books at the same time......

    Many people advise that we should learn concepts from only one book as using too many books lead to confusion. I have Spivak, Apostol and Kuratowski for Rigorous calculus. When I first read Apostol, I had a hard time understanding. After doing some problems in Spivak, I find the same in apostol...
  44. P

    Other Which textbooks can help me achieve my goal of mastering all forms of physics?

    Hey Physics Forums! I am a self taught individual, who would like to learn more about physics. My goal in life is to virtually understand every physics principal we know, and become extremely good at all forms of physics. I will be reading physics books over the next 30 years, so that i can...
  45. grandpa2390

    Classical Best Textbook for thermodynamics and statistical mechanics

    ok so I am in this class... but my professor is not very helpful. I'm not really caring for the assigned textbook, I want to try a different one. One of the issues is that my professor just threw the textbook away and is doing his own thing, so it is difficult to try and study from the textbook...
  46. E

    Calculus Really need to read the textbook?

    Hello everybody, I am taking a calculus 1 course at my local community college this summer. I was wondering if it is absolutely necessary to read the textbook in math because I see it that the professor teaches the theory and techniques in lecture, and covers the same exact material. Right? What...
  47. P

    Series resistors' output voltage

    In my electrical engineering textbook, in the section with voltage dividers, it says that after you combine two series resistors, then the output voltage can no longer be defined. It then said that thus the equivalence was made strictly from a voltage source standpoint. I do not understand why...
  48. CJ2116

    Relativity Is Gravitation by MTW Out of Print?

    Hi everyone, When I graduated college about 4 years ago I had to, regrettably, sell off many of my math/physics books to pay back my student loans. One of my favorites was Gravitation. For the past few months I have been looking to buy it again, but it looks like all of the major sellers...
  49. P

    Analog Signal of Noncontinuous Variables

    In my electrical engineering Textbook, In the beginning of it, when they were introducing analog and digit signals, they said an analog signal was a signal that depends on some sort of changing continuous variable such as time. The later went on to say that Analog signals can be depending on...
  50. A

    Solid State Best solid state physics textbook that can replace Kittel

    Hello I am having a really bad semester with solid state physics material, the book "introduction to solid state physics" by kittel is hard to follow and vague also it doesn't provide good explanations, always brief and fast. More than that my prof. is really good but have problems in...
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