Introductory Physics literature?

Question

I am 20, very intelligent, and very interested in physics. I have no physics background, and am taking a few courses coming up in the winter semesters. I would like to know some good books to learn the basic laws, theorums, etc.. without going into too much detail. I have the Oxford Guide to the History of Physics and Astronomy, but that is just like a physics Encyclopedia. Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Try the Feynman (spelling) Lecture Series. It is the best I have ever read, and I have read a lot.

Answer 2

Try "The Elegent Universe" by brian greene. It's a description of physics since its conception until now. You won't learn much in terms of laws or whatnot, but it's a good introduction to the ideas involved.

For the real thing, the math and whatnot, this is an excellent website:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html

It can give you introductions to just about everything in physics. The way school courses usually teach this stuff is by starting with mechanics, then going to heat and thermodynamics, and then to electricity and magnetism. After you understand most (or all) of that, you could go for any of the other subjects.

Answer 3

Before taking up course in physics.
Buy some books related on any science which is easy to understand read type. It is very important to learn mathematics.
I suggest you to read Calculus and Analytical geometry by George Thomas and Ross Finney(version9).
If you master this book, then reading physics books will be like reading novels.
All the best for your future endeavors!!!
Cheers!

Answer 4

"The Dancing Wu Li Masters" An overview of the new Physics. by Gary Zukav

Answer 5

Conceptual Physics by Paul Hewitt is a good start.