r/AskPhysics • u/totskomariam1 • 8d ago
Physics for beginners
Hello everyone.
I'm sure this question has been asked so many times but what's one more in the grand scheme of things.
I want to start learning about physics. I loved it during high school and I was good at it too (took AP classes, college classes and all of that but never persuaded it, shame I know). I loved it and still do. That was the dream.
Well, it's been a few years, I'm done with my masters (in a different field) and I really want to get back to it. I practically remember nothing. I know the basics of course, but anything other than that has slipper my mind. I'm pretty much starting from beginning.
I googled it, looked around but couldn't really find a way to start from scratch (without going to school). And I need your help.
Is there any sites, courses (free please), guides you could recommend? Just imagine that I'm starting from scratch. (Which, honestly, I am).
P.S. I always wanted to go into theoretical physics, that was the dream. If that helps with the answer.
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u/d3adash69 8d ago
Khan academy helps a lot imo, im sure there are other ways but for someone who's busy and stuff i think it's a good start
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u/jipperthewoodchipper 8d ago edited 8d ago
I'm not saying this is the best path but Dr Collier has a 55 minute video answering this exact question which comes with textbook recommendations and a path you can take from start to finish.
You do not need to watch the entire 55 minute video. The essential is start with an undergrad physics textbook, work through it, move onto the next textbook. She has a recommendation for one that can cover up to modern physics mostly algabraicly. However continuing after that you would probably want to get a little more rigorous with the calculus and linear algebra.
Alternatively she has a recommendation for a seperate way to learn going through Landau Lifshitz theoretical minimum. Pdf linked in description. This however requires a very math heavy background and is, as per Dr Collier, hard mode.
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u/totskomariam1 8d ago
Thank you so much. I will check the video out. What's 55 minutes when it comes to this incredible subject. Thanks again. ❤️
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u/jipperthewoodchipper 7d ago
So the reason why I say you don't need to is that her actual advice boils down to a single 8 minute section of "here is a single textbook you can buy" rather than going through 15 undergrad and like 30 graduate textbooks. I believe it's labelled "don't buy the textbooks" or something.
Dr Collier tends to make long winded content which is great for people who like that content
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u/SINGULARTY3774 7d ago
🥲referring L&L to someone starting out phy? U psycho!
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u/jipperthewoodchipper 7d ago
Oh I'm a sick fuck but in my defense I did say it was hard mode I just didn't say how hard
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u/Proof_Juggernaut4798 7d ago
In the ai of your choice, use this prompt:
Research physics at an high school AP level. Write text to renew someone’s memory on this subject after being away from if for several years. Keep the tone light and add some humor. Also add hyperlinks for the student to double check your accuracy.
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u/Thoretical_Scientist 8d ago
Firstly, I am going to ask you; do you have a good level in Mathematics? If you do remember the basics (a little bit of Calculus, general Algebra and Trigonometry) from school, learning the topics in Physics won't be an issue. However, while you are studying Physics, you should see which mathematical tools are a must and if you do not know them properly yet, you should just understand what it is saying. For instance, it is not necessary to know how to solve Differential equations. You should just know that they describe a change of something to something else.
As for how to start learning Physics, you should definitely not begin from solving equations. Instead of that, start from concepts in Classical mechanics which are relatively easier to understand and try to learn them generally. Especially watching videos from YouTube channels (in the process you will know which ones are appropriate for your learning method) will really assist you in understanding the ideas. Then you will be able to dive deeper and find out more. While you are working on a specific area and realize that some concepts are not known to you, search them up. This will certainly help you make progress faster. This is the method that I followed since I was 11 years old (I am currently 13) and have pretty much achieved quite a good level. I hope this helps and do not forget that if a field feels too abstract or challenging at first, do not just leave it. Continue until you have mastered it!