There are so many Physics books out there, and as you are well aware, they can be quite expensive. First, check the FSCJ Library and its affiliates for books that may be of use. There are several online / eBooks freely available through the LLC. Keep in mind that older books are perfectly fine for learning basic physics. Below are some authors and publishers worth checking out.
Schaum’s – Great outlines and workbooks for a variety of subjects
Steven Holzner – Author of several “Physics for Dummies” books.
Robert and Daniel Oman – Authors of “How to Solve Physics Problems”
Dover Publications – Publisher of older (but still excellent) texts, from the introductory through the post-graduate level. These tend to be fairly inexpensive as a result.
David J. Griffiths – Author of several wonderful upper-level Physics texts.
How to Solve Physics Problems by
The purpose of this book is to show you how to do physics problems. It is only through applications of concepts to solving problems that we can know for certain that we understand something. Nowhere is this more true than in a physics course where performance is measured almost exclusively by your ability to do problems. This book is not a collection of problems. Neither is it a text. It is an attempt to strike a balance between theory and problem solving with heavy emphasis on the problem solving. As such it is intended to complement your course text.
Introduction to Electrodynamics by
For junior/senior-level electricity and magnetism courses. This book is known for its clear, concise and accessible coverage of standard topics in a logical and pedagogically sound order. The Third Edition features a clear, accessible treatment of the fundamentals of electromagnetic theory, providing a sound platform for the exploration of related applications (ac circuits, antennas, transmission lines, plasmas, optics, etc.). Its lean and focused approach employs numerous examples and problems.
The Cambridge Companion to Einstein by
This volume is the first systematic presentation of the work of Albert Einstein, comprising fourteen essays by leading historians and philosophers of science that introduce readers to his work. Following an introduction that places Einstein's work in the context of his life and times, the book opens with essays on the papers of Einstein's 'miracle year', 1905, covering Brownian motion, light quanta, and special relativity, as well as his contributions to early quantum theory and the opposition to his light quantum hypothesis. Further essays relate Einstein's path to the general theory of relativity (1915) and the beginnings of two fields it spawned, relativistic cosmology and gravitational waves. Essays on Einstein's later years examine his unified field theory program and his critique of quantum mechanics. The closing essays explore the relation between Einstein's work and twentieth-century philosophy, as well as his political writings.
A Stubbornly Persistent Illusion by
With commentary by the greatest physicist of our time, Stephen Hawking, this anthology has garnered impressive reviews. PW has called it "a gem of a collection” whileNew Scientist magazine notes the "thrill of reading Einstein’s own words.” From the writings that revealed the famous Theory of Relativity, to other papers that shook the scientific world of the 20th century,A Stubbornly Persistent Illusion belongs in every science fan’s library.
Six Easy Pieces by
It was Richard Feynman's outrageous and scintillating method of teaching that earned him legendary status among students and professors of physics. From 1961 to 1963, Feynman delivered a series of lectures at the California Institute of Technology that revolutionized the teaching of physics around the world. Six Easy Pieces , taken from these famous Lectures on Physics, represent the most accessible material from the series. In these classic lessons, Feynman introduces the general reader to the following topics: atoms, basic physics, energy, gravitation, quantum mechanics, and the relationship of physics to other topics. With his dazzling and inimitable wit, Feynman presents each discussion with a minimum of jargon. Filled with wonderful examples and clever illustrations, Six Easy Pieces is the ideal introduction to the fundamentals of physics by one of the most admired and accessible physicists of modern times.
A Mind for Numbers by
The companion book to COURSERA®'s wildly popular massive open online course "Learning How to Learn" Whether you are a student struggling to fulfill a math or science requirement, or you are embarking on a career change that requires a new skill set, A Mind for Numbers offers the tools you need to get a better grasp of that intimidating material. Engineering professor Barbara Oakley knows firsthand how it feels to struggle with math. She flunked her way through high school math and science courses, before enlisting in the army immediately after graduation. When she saw how her lack of mathematical and technical savvy severely limited her options--both to rise in the military and to explore other careers--she returned to school with a newfound determination to re-tool her brain to master the very subjects that had given her so much trouble throughout her entire life. In A Mind for Numbers, Dr. Oakley lets us in on the secrets to learning effectively--secrets that even dedicated and successful students wish they'd known earlier. Contrary to popular belief, math requires creative, as well as analytical, thinking. Most people think that there's only one way to do a problem, when in actuality, there are often a number of different solutions--you just need the creativity to see them. For example, there are more than three hundred different known proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem. In short, studying a problem in a laser-focused way until you reach a solution is not an effective way to learn. Rather, it involves taking the time to step away from a problem and allow the more relaxed and creative part of the brain to take over. The learning strategies in this book apply not only to math and science, but to any subject in which we struggle. We all have what it takes to excel in areas that don't seem to come naturally to us at first, and learning them does not have to be as painful as we might think!
College Physics by
Boiled-down essentials of the top-selling Schaum's Outline series for the student with limited time What could be better than the bestselling Schaum's Outline series? For students looking for a quick nuts-and-bolts overview, it would have to be Schaum's Easy Outline series. Every book in this series is a pared-down, simplified, and tightly focused version of its predecessor. With an emphasis on clarity and brevity, each new title features a streamlined and updated format and the absolute essence of the subject, presented in a concise and readily understandable form. Graphic elements such as sidebars, reader-alert icons, and boxed highlights stress selected points from the text, illuminate keys to learning, and give students quick pointers to the essentials. Designed to appeal to underprepared students and readers turned off by dense text Cartoons, sidebars, icons, and other graphic pointers get the material across fast Concise text focuses on the essence of the subject Delivers expert help from teachers who are authorities in their fields Perfect for last-minute test preparation So small and light that they fit in a backpack!
Physics by
Understanding PHYSICS just got a whole lot EASIER! Stumped trying to make sense of physics? Here's your solution. Physics Demystified, Second Edition helps you grasp the essential concepts with ease. Written in a step-by-step format, this practical guide begins by covering classical physics, including mass, force, motion, momentum, work, energy, and power, as well as the temperature and states of matter. Electricity, magnetism, and electronics are discussed as are waves, particles, space, and time. Detailed examples, concise explanations, and worked problems make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam help reinforce learning. It's a no-brainer! You'll learn about: Scientific notation, units, and constants Newton's laws of motion Kirchhoff's laws Alternating current and semiconductors Optics Relativity theory Simple enough for a beginner, but detailed enough for an advanced student, Physics Demystified, Second Edition helps you master this challenging and diverse subject. It's also the perfect resource to prepare you for higher-level physics classes and college placement tests.
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 96th Edition by
Proudly serving the scientific community for over a century, this 96th edition of the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physicsis an update of a classic reference, mirroring the growth and direction of science. This venerable work continues to be the most accessed and respected scientific reference in the world. An authoritative resource consisting of tables of data and current international recommendations on nomenclature, symbols, and units, its usefulness spans not only the physical sciences but also related areas of biology, geology, and environmental science. The 96th edition of the Handbook includes 18 new or updated tables along with other updates and expansions. A new series highlighting the achievements of some of the major historical figures in chemistry and physics was initiated with the 94th edition. This series is continued with this edition, which is focused on Lord Kelvin, Michael Faraday, John Dalton, and Robert Boyle. This series, which provides biographical information, a list of major achievements, and notable quotations attributed to each of the renowned chemists and physicists, will be continued in succeeding editions. Each edition will feature two chemists and two physicists. The 96th edition now includes a complimentary eBook with purchase of the print version. This reference puts physical property data and mathematical formulas used in labs and classrooms every day within easy reach. New Tables: Section 1: Basic Constants, Units, and Conversion Factors Descriptive Terms for Solubility Section 8: Analytical Chemistry Stationary Phases for Porous Layer Open Tubular Columns Coolants for Cryotrapping Instability of HPLC Solvents Chlorine-Bromine Combination Isotope Intensities Section 16: Health and Safety Information Materials Compatible with and Resistant to 72 Percent Perchloric Acid Relative Dose Ranges from Ionizing Radiation Updated and Expanded Tables Section 6: Fluid Properties Sublimation Pressure of Solids Vapor Pressure of Fluids at Temperatures Below 300 K Section 7: Biochemistry Structure and Functions of Some Common Drugs Section 9: Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy Bond Dissociation Energies Section 11: Nuclear and Particle Physics Summary Tables of Particle Properties Table of the Isotopes Section 14: Geophysics, Astronomy, and Acoustics Major World Earthquakes Atmospheric Concentration of Carbon Dioxide, 1958-2014 Global Temperature Trend, 1880-2014 Section 15: Practical Laboratory Data Dependence of Boiling Point on Pressure Section 16: Health and Safety Information Threshold Limits for Airborne Contaminants
Feynman's Tips on Physics by
Feynman's Tips on Physics is a delightful collection of Richard P. Feynman's insights and an essential companion to his legendary Feynman Lectures on Physics With characteristic flair, insight, and humour, Feynman discusses topics physics students often struggle with and offers valuable tips on addressing them. Included here are three lectures on problem-solving and a lecture on inertial guidance omitted from The Feynman Lectures on Physics . An enlightening memoir by Matthew Sands and oral history interviews with Feynman and his Caltech colleagues provide firsthand accounts of the origins of Feynman's landmark lecture series. Also included are incisive and illuminating exercises originally developed to supplement The Feynman Lectures on Physics , by Robert B. Leighton and Rochus E. Vogt. Feynman's Tips on Physics was co-authored by Michael A. Gottlieb and Ralph Leighton to provide students, teachers, and enthusiasts alike an opportunity to learn physics from some of its greatest teachers, the creators of The Feynman Lectures on Physics .
Physics I for Dummies® by
The fun and easy way to get up to speed on the basic concepts of physics For high school and undergraduate students alike, physics classes are recommended or required courses for a wide variety of majors, and continue to be a challenging and often confusing course. Physics I For Dummies tracks specifically to an introductory course and, keeping with the traditionally easy-to-follow Dummies style, teaches you the basic principles and formulas in a clear and concise manner, proving that you don't have to be Einstein to understand physics! Explains the basic principles in a simple, clear, and entertaining fashion New edition includes updated examples and explanations, as well as the newest discoveries in the field Contains the newest teaching techniques If just thinking about the laws of physics makes your head spin, this hands-on, friendly guide gets you out of the black hole and sheds light on this often-intimidating subject.
Physics II for Dummies by
A plain-English guide to advanced physics Does just thinking about the laws of motion make your head spin? Does studying electricity short your circuits? Physics II For Dummies walks you through the essentials and gives you easy-to-understand and digestible guidance on this often intimidating course. Thanks to this book, you don?t have to be Einstein to understand physics. As you learn about mechanical waves and sound, forces and fields, electric potential and electric energy, and much more, you?ll appreciate the For Dummies law: The easier we make it, the faster you?ll understand it! An extension of the successful Physics I For Dummies Covers topics in a straightforward and effective manner Explains concepts and terms in a fast and easy-to-understand way Whether you?re currently enrolled in an undergraduate-level Physics II course or just want a refresher on the fundamentals of advanced physics, this no-nonsense guide makes this fascinating topic accessible to everyone.
The American Heritage Science Dictionary by
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary defines the working vocabulary of the sciences in language that general readers can read and enjoy. Clearly written and richly illustrated, the dictionary covers all the major fields of science, from the fundamentals of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to the applied realms of medicine, ecology, and computer science. Each entry is written in an easy-to-understand style, and many entries are accompanied by instructive photographs and drawings. Important scientific concepts, such as relativity, genetic sequencing, and plate tectonics, are further explained in notes accompanying the entries. The dictionary also includes biographical entries that describe the achievements of great scientists, from ancients like Archimedes and Aristotle to modern scientists like Rosalyn Yalow and Roger Sperry. With cross-references linking related entries and informative tables and charts, The American Heritage® Science Dictionary is the perfect reference book for people looking to improve their science literacy, complete homework assignments, or understand breakthroughs reported in the headlines. * 8,500 entries in all areas of science * Over 350 photographs and drawings * 320 biographies of notable scientists * 175 notes on key scientific concepts * Useful tables and charts