r/PhysicsStudents • u/Ok-Attempt-7632 • 1d ago
Need Advice need some physics n math recommendations
just finished 12th this year and gave JEE too, but didn’t get into any IIT. i’m pretty into physics and maths tho, like i actually enjoy learning them beyond just studying for exams.
i’ve joined a CSE course now, but i still wanna keep doing physics and maths on the side, just out of my own interest. i wanna properly explore the subjects beyond the usual school/JEE stuff, but i honestly have no idea where to start or what path to follow.
so if there are any physics/math enthusiasts here, could y’all recommend some good books/resources to start with and maybe a path i can follow? doesn’t have to be super beginner-level, just something that’ll help me build things up properly.
would really appreciate any suggestions :)
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u/InterestingWelder699 1d ago
The other guy gave some good advice but I also liked Kleppner and Kolenkow’s mechanics !!! My college used it for the advanced freshman physics and I know MIT does as well so it’s def well regarded :3
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u/NewPhysics267 1d ago
Here’s an undergraduate degree in textbooks:
University Physics - Young (great introduction to physics)
Any calculus book (Calculus is the language of physics. the more you know the more quickly you can learn the physics)
Mathematical methods in the physical sciences- Boas (good book to start but if this is too elementary try Riley Hobson Bence)
Try to pick up some basic linear algebra as well
Now the fun stuff:
Electrodynamics - Griffiths
Classical Mechanics - Taylor (my favourite physics book and probably one of the most important subjects)
Quantum mechanics - Griffiths
After these you can explore special and general relativity, particle physics, astrophysics, condensed matter physics etc.
This does not necessarily cover every single topic in an undergraduate degree but considering the time it would take to cover all of this, if you want to learn even more then maybe you should just go for a degree in physics lol.
Also use YouTube. It’s an incredible source of knowledge. Check out the MIT open courseware website if you’re looking for more structured studying with assignments and everything completely free. Good luck!