How to Learn Physics?

Any researcher or student of physics should be adequately knowledgeable about physics courses and topics. Nowadays, you should be able to get all the information you require on the internet. The issue is that there is a lot of trash on the internet. Can those extremely rare pages that might actually be helpful be weeded out? I am fully aware of what the beginner pupil needs to learn. I have listed the titles and subjects of the most important lecture courses below because it is simple to do so. I plan to look online for the most helpful books and papers, ideally ones that can be downloaded as well. In this manner, the price of a computer with an internet connection, a printer, and a large supply of paper and pens should be significantly less than the cost of becoming a theoretical physicist. Regretfully, I still have to advise purchasing textbooks. First, let's keep things as simple as possible. The following topics need to be studied. Failure will be the penalty for any omission. You see, you don't have to take whatever you read at face value; you can verify it. Try as many different strategies as you can. You will repeatedly find that what those guys did was, in fact, the best course of action. Fantastic. Exercises are included in the greatest texts. Perform them. discover that you are able to comprehend everything. Aim to get to the point where you can spot the many typos, both little and major, and envision how you could write those texts more intelligently. 

This is a website for those with ambition. Anyone with a certain level of intelligence, interest, and willpower can accomplish this, I'm sure. This is when the serious stuff starts. Don't gripe because it seems excessive. Being a successful physicist won't come easily, and keep in mind that all of this requires at least five years of rigorous study for our pupils. Since ordinary children can only learn this material with the help of patient teachers, it is considered that there is more intelligence than rudimentary intelligence. It is essential to perform exercises. Exercises are included with some of the texts. Perform these exercises, or even better, create your own. In this page, I will mention the main skills and topics you need in your career. This page is a detailed guide for anyone wanting to learn physics independently.

A male professor standing in front of a blackboard filled with advanced mathematical and scientific equations, teaching a class of students in a classroom.

Skills We Need to Starting Your Physics Career

Physics is a challenging subject; it is a combination of Math and Science that can be difficult. Here, I will mention the main skills we need to start your physics career,

  • Language skills. English is a prerequisite. You should learn it to be able to read, write, speak and understand English. All textbooks and publications are in English. Every publication is available in English. Take note of how crucial it is to be able to write in English. You will eventually want to publish your findings. Your writing must be readable and understandable to others.

  • Mathematics. Math is considered the language of physics; you should be proficient in mathematics to be a successful physicist. Additionally, you should be good at mathematical concepts and how to apply them. If you dislike mathematics, you may want to pursue other educational options. In the next section, I mention the main mathematical topics we need to study in physics. 

  • Physics isn’t only Math; it requires conceptual understanding too. In addition to having practical knowledge of math, you should understand the physics concepts and principles. Without understanding the physics concepts and principles, the mathematical formulas and equations cannot get you so far in a physics career. Physics combines fundamental concepts and principles in addition to mathematical formulas and equations. 

  • Problem-Solving & Scientific Reasoning. In addition to mathematics, after you understand the fundamental concepts and principles, you should know how to tackle a problem and apply logical reasoning to arrive at a solution. So, you should know how to use the scientific method and the other tools physicists use, in addition to learning about related fields to physics. 

  • Physics builds on itself: Make sure you know the basics. Physics builds on itself; it can be hard to understand upper-level physics if you don’t understand the basics.

Mathematical Methods in Physics

Before diving into physics and working through the concepts in the sections below, you should be proficient in mathematics to be a successful physicist. You should be good at mathematical concepts and how to apply them. Math is considered the language of physics, so if you dislike mathematics, you may want to pursue other educational options.

1. Basic mathematics

Algebraic equations, Solving Equations and Inequalities, Graphing and Functions, Approximation techniques, Polynomial Functions, Exponential and Logarithm Functions, Systems of Equations, Series & Sequences, Trigonometry. 

I recommend that you study Paul Dawkins's free lectures onalgebra and Why Math? by R.D. Driver.

2. Calculus

In a nutshell, calculus is the study of change. You will probably spend a good deal of your mathematics education studying calculus, including Limits, Differentiation, and Integration.

Thomas' Calculus is one of the most favourable introductory books for studying calculus. Additionally, I recommend studying Paul Dawkins's free lectures inCalculus I,Calculus II, andCalculus III.

3. Matrix and Determinant

Matrices, Laws and Properties of Matrices, Calculus in the Matrices Space, Determinants, Using Matrices in Algebra, and Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors. 

Here, I recommend studying Mathematical Methods for Physicists by Arfken, Weber, and Harris. Also, You can study my lectures in Linear Algebra.

4. Vectors Analysis 

Vector Algebra, Curvilinear Coordinates, and Vector Calculus. 

Here, I recommend studying Mathematical Methods for Physicists by Arfken, Weber, and Harris and Vector Calculus by Jerrold Marsden and Anthony Tromba. Additionally, you can study David Tong's free lectures in Vector Calculus and My lectures in Vector Analysis.

5. Differential Equations

First and second order DEs, Series Methods, Laplace transform, Sturm-Liouville Theory, Green’s Theorem and Partial DEs. 

Here, I recommend studying Ordinary Differential Equations by Morris Tenenbaum and Harry Pollard, and Partial Differential Equations: An Introduction by Walter A. Strauss. Additionally, you can study My lectures in Differential Equations.

6. Complex Variable Theory

Complex Algebra, Cauchy-Riemann Equations, Cauchy theorems and contour integration, Laurent Expansion, Mapping, Calculus of Residues. 

Here, I recommend studying Complex Analysis: A First Course with Applications by Dennis G. Zill and Patrick D. Shanahan, and Visual Complex Analysis by Tristan Needham. Additionally, I recommend studying my lectures of Complex Analysis.

7. Integral transform

Laplace transform and Fourier Transform. 

Here, I recommend studying Mathematical Methods for Physicists, A Comprehensive Guide by Arfken, Weber, and Harris. Additionally, I recommend studying my lectures of Differential Equations and Fourier Analysis.

8. Special Functions

Gamma function, Bessel Functions Legendre Functions, Hermite Functions, Laguerre Functions. Here, I recommend studying Mathematical Methods for Physicists, A Comprehensive Guide by Arfken, Weber, and Harris. Additionally, I recommend studying my lectures of Special Functions.

9. Linear Algebra, Vector Spaces, and Eigenvalue Problems. 

Linear algebra, vector space, and eigenvalue problems. 

Here, I recommend studying Mathematical Methods for Physicists, A Comprehensive Guide by Arfken, Weber, and Harris. In addition, you can study Introduction to Linear Algebra, Fifth Edition by Gilbert Strang. Also, You can study my lectures in Linear Algebra.

Introduction to Mechanics

Most undergraduates start their physics education with an introductory mechanics course, which is also the ideal starting point for independent physics study. You will begin to learn how to view the world mathematically at this point. The fundamentals of motion in a straight line, motion in two dimensions, motion in three dimensions, Newton's Laws, work, kinetic and potential energy, energy conservation, collisions, rotation and rotational motion, gravitation, and periodic motion are among the subjects that will be discussed. 

The best textbook to use here is Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physicsby Raymond Serway and John Jewett. Also, I recommend studying The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Volume I.

Here, You'll need to learn calculus while working through University Physics.

Introduction to Electromagnetic

The physics of electricity and magnetism (electromagnetism) in static situations—that is, when there is no motion—will be covered here. Gauss's Law, capacitance, resistance and conductance, inductance, current, electric charges and electric fields, magnetism and magnetic fields, and circuit operation are among the subjects discussed. 

The best textbook to use here is Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics by Raymond Serway and John Jewett. Also, I recommend studying The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Volume II.

Here, You'll need to learn calculus while working through University Physics.

Waves, Vibrations and Optics

The mechanics of vibrations and waves are complex and important enough to demand their own course of study, whereas Optics is the branch of physics that studies the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it, these topics are important to know: Simple harmonic motion, the force oscillator, coupled oscillations, transverse wave motion, longitudinal waves, electromagnetic waves, optics; fraction and reflection, lenses and mirrors, the telescope and the microscope, introduction to wave propagation, Huijgens’ principle of wave superposition, wave fronts, and caustics.

Here I recommend studying The Physics of Vibrations and Waves by H. John Pain, and Optics by Eugene Hecht. 

By this point, you should have finished the introductory calculus books and are ready to move on to more advanced mathematics. You should start working through linear algebra, complex analysis, real analysis, partial differential equations, and ordinary differential equations (See Page of Mathematical Methods in Physics)

Modern Physics

Most undergraduates take "Modern Physics" as their fourth physics course, which serves as an introduction to physics concepts that will be covered in more detail later in the undergraduate program. It's okay to miss this session if you want to study the advanced topics independently, however going over these concepts now in your own studies can help you understand the advanced issues you hear so much about and that most likely drew you to physics in the first place. The fundamentals of relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, and cosmology will all be covered here. 

Here I recommend studying Concepts of Modern Physics by Arthur Beiser. 

By this point, you should have finished the introductory calculus books and are ready to move on to more advanced mathematics. You should start working through linear algebra, complex analysis, real analysis, partial differential equations, and ordinary differential equations (See Page of Mathematical Methods in Physics)

Classical Mechanics

Classical mechanics is sometimes considered a branch of applied mathematics. It consists of kinematics, the description of motion, and dynamics, the study of the action of forces in producing either motion or static equilibrium, these topics are important to know: introduction to mechanics, including Newton's laws, work, kinetic energy, potential energy, the conservation of energy, momentum, collisions, rotation and rotational motion, gravitation, and periodic motion. In addition to variational principle and Lagrange's equations, central force problem, rigid body, oscillations, and Hamilton equation of motion.

Here I recommend studying: Mechanics by Keith R. Symon (Undergraduate), Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems by Stephen T. Thornton, Jerry B. Marion (Undergraduate), and Classical Mechanics by Herbert Goldstein, Charles Poole, John Safko (Graduate). Also you can see Prof. David Tong free lectures of Dynamics and Relativity  and Classical Dynamics. 

By this point, you should have finished the introductory calculus books and are ready to move on to more advanced mathematics. You should start working through linear algebra, complex analysis, real analysis, partial differential equations, and ordinary differential equations (See Page of Mathematical Methods in Physics)

Electrodynamics

Electricity and Magnetism is required-- you should understand Green's functions solutions to EM problems. This is frequently not taught until graduate EM and goes well beyond Griffith's Introduction to Electrodynamics. Here Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics is the best book. These topics are important to know: Electrostatics, Potentials, Electric Fields in Matter, Magnetostatics, and Electrodynamics.

Here I recommend studying: Introduction to Electrodynamics by David J. Griffiths (Undergraduate), Classical Electrodynamics by John David Jackson (Graduate), and Modern Electrodynamics by Andrew Zangwill (Graduate), A Student's Guide to Maxwell's Equations by Fleisch (supplement). Also you can see Prof. David Tong free lectures of Electromagnetism. 

Here, you should have a sufficient knowledge of Vector Analysis (See Page of Mathematical Methods in Physics).

Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that provides a description of the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. It is the foundation of all quantum physics including quantum chemistry, quantum field theory, quantum technology, and quantum information science. these topics are important to know:Fundamental ideas, wave function, Schrödinger equation, Uncertainty principle, Quantum Particle in One Dimension, Postulates of Quantum Mechanics, The one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, Quantum Interpretations, Transformations and Symmetries, Rotation Invariance and Angular Momentum, Electron spin, Addition of Angular Momentum, Approximation Methods, Atoms; Atoms in Electromagnetic fields, Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory, and Scattering Theory. 

There are many textbooks that cover the Quantum Mechanics topic we need as a physicist, but I suggest reading: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David J. Griffiths (Undergraduate), Quantum Physics by Stephen Gasiorowics (Undergraduate), Principles of Quantum Mechanics by R. Shanker (Graduate), Quantum Mechanics by Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, Bernard Diu, Frank Laloe (Graduate). Here, you should have a sufficient knowledge of Linear algebra and differential equations (See Page of Mathematical Methods in Physics).

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Statistical mechanics is a mathematical framework that applies statistical methods and probability theory to large assemblies of microscopic entities. It does not assume or postulate any natural laws, but explains the macroscopic behavior of nature from the behavior of such ensembles. Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy. In particular, it describes how thermal energy is converted to and from other forms of energy and how it affects matter, these topics are important to know: The first, second and third laws of thermodynamics, The Carnot cycles. Entropy. Heat engines, Canonical Ensembles, The Boltzmann distribution, Planck's distribution, Fermi-Dirac statistics, Bose-Einstein statistics, Phase transitions. Thermodynamical models, Planck’s radiation law (as a prelude to Quantum Mechanics). 

There are many textbooks that cover the statistical mechanics topic we need as a physicist, such as: Statistical Mechanics by Kerson Huang and Statistical Mechanics by R. Pathria, P. Beale. Also you can see Prof. David Tong free lectures of Kinetic Theory and Statistical Physics.

Solid State Physics

Solid state physics is the study of rigid matter, or solids, through methods such as quantum mechanics, crystallography, electromagnetism, and metallurgy. It is the largest branch of condensed matter physics. Solid-state physics studies how the large-scale properties of solid materials result from their atomic-scale properties. Thus, solid-state physics forms a theoretical basis of materials science. It also has direct applications, for example in the technology of transistors and semiconductors, these topics are important to know: Crystal groups, Bragg reflection, Dielectric and diamagnetic constants, Bloch spectra, Fermi level, Conductors, semiconductors and insulators, Specific heat, Electrons and holes, The transistor, Superconductivity, and Hall effect.

I recommend  Solid-State Physics by Ashcroft and Mermin, and Introduction to Solid State Physics by Kittel. Also you can see Prof. David Tong lectures of Solid State Physics and Quantum Hall Effect.

Elective Courses

Having mastered the principles of physics, you now possess a strong basis upon which to study more complex and specialized subjects, such as (but not restricted to):