Recommendations on Introductory physics and AP physics 1 books?

In summary, during a conversation about the search for a textbook for introductory physics and recommendations for the AP Physics 1 exam, multiple books were suggested including "College Physics for the AP Physics 1 Course" by Stewart, Freedman, Ruskell, and Kesten, and the two books titled "College Physics" by Knight, Jones, and Field, and Etkina, Gentile, and Van Heuvelen. It was also advised to avoid calculus-based physics textbooks. Additionally, Shankar's books were mentioned as a good option with a newer edition available.
  • #1
paulimerci
287
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Greetings to all.
I'm looking for the best textbook for introductory physics that has clear explanations and is problem-oriented. I'd also appreciate any recommendations for textbooks for the AP Physics 1 exam.
 
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  • #2
Do you know calculus?
 
  • #3
paulimerci said:
Greetings to all.
I'm looking for the best textbook for introductory physics that has clear explanations and is problem-oriented. I'd also appreciate any recommendations for textbooks for the AP Physics 1 exam.
A relatively new, and very good, book is:
"College Physics for the AP Physics 1 Course" by Stewart, Freedman, Ruskell, and Kesten

Physics teachers also tend to like the following two books, both titled "College Physics", which have been around quite a while.
One book is by Knight, Jones, and Field.
The other is by Etkina, Gentile, and Van Heuvelen.

p.s. you probably want to stay away from calculus-based physics textbooks, which tend to be titled "Physics for Scientists and Engineers"
 
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  • #4
Frabjous said:
Do you know calculus?
Note that the OP is studying for a non-calc physics course.
 
  • #5
Redbelly98 said:
A relatively new, and very good, book is:
"College Physics for the AP Physics 1 Course" by Stewart, Freedman, Ruskell, and Kesten

Physics teachers also tend to like the following two books, both titled "College Physics", which have been around quite a while.
One book is by Knight, Jones, and Field.
The other is by Etkina, Gentile, and Van Heuvelen.

p.s. you probably want to stay away from calculus-based physics textbooks, which tend to be titled "Physics for Scientists and Engineers"
Thank you!
 
  • #6
Shankars books
 
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FAQ: Recommendations on Introductory physics and AP physics 1 books?

What are the best books for learning introductory physics?

Some popular recommendations for introductory physics books include "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday and Resnick, "University Physics" by Young and Freedman, and "Concepts of Physics" by Verma.

Are there any specific books that are helpful for preparing for AP Physics 1?

Yes, some recommended books for preparing for AP Physics 1 include "5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based" by Greg Jacobs, "Cracking the AP Physics 1 Exam" by The Princeton Review, and "Barron's AP Physics 1: With Online Tests" by Kenneth Rideout and Jonathan Wolf.

Are there any books that offer a more conceptual approach to learning physics?

Yes, "Conceptual Physics" by Paul G. Hewitt and "Understanding Physics" by Isaac Asimov are both popular books that focus on developing a conceptual understanding of physics rather than solely focusing on mathematical equations.

Are there any online resources or study guides that can supplement a physics textbook?

Yes, there are many online resources and study guides available for physics, such as Khan Academy, Physics Classroom, and SparkNotes. These can be helpful for reinforcing concepts and providing additional practice problems.

Is it necessary to purchase a new edition of a physics textbook, or can I use an older edition?

It is generally recommended to use the most recent edition of a textbook, as it will likely have updated information and may have additional resources or practice problems. However, if the content is similar, using an older edition may still be beneficial.

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