Classical Mechanics by Kibble Berkshire

In summary, the conversation was about a person asking for thoughts on a book recommended by a friend. It was mentioned that the book, titled "K&K," is commonly used at Imperial College London and is considered a top book for abstract classical mechanics at the senior undergraduate level. However, it was noted that the book may not be suitable for beginners and is more geared towards graduate or advanced senior-undergraduate level. It was also stated that the book should not be used as a substitute for introductory physics textbooks.
  • #1
tridianprime
102
2
I was recommended this by a friend. I'm going to get K&K but I was wondering what you thought of this book if you have read it. Is it good for beginners? Comprehensive? General comments?

Thank you,

Tridian
 
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  • #2
Has anyone read it? Is it not very commonly used? It is used in Imperial College London where Kibble works and ICL is one if the top in the country so does that say anything?
 
  • #3
I've never read it, but judging from the reviews on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1860944353/?tag=pfamazon01-20

it's not an introductory book, but rather intended for graduate or advanced senior-undergraduate level.

This is basically the most abstract classical mechanics book at the senior undergraduate level. While there are merits to this abstractness, it's not the best book to use when you're first starting to learn upper-division CM.

this book is not an introductory college text or anything equivalent

I would not consider it as a substitute for Halliday/Resnick or similar first-year physics textbooks, or even Kleppner/Kolenkow. Note that "upper-division CM" in the first quote refers to books on the level of Marion/Thornton or Fowles/Cassiday, which are commonly used for junior/senior year undergraduate CM courses.
 

Related to Classical Mechanics by Kibble Berkshire

1. What is classical mechanics?

Classical mechanics is a branch of physics that studies the motion and behavior of macroscopic objects, such as particles, rigid bodies, and fluids, under the influence of forces. It is based on the laws of motion and gravitation developed by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century.

2. Who are Kibble and Berkshire?

Kibble and Berkshire are the authors of the textbook "Classical Mechanics," which is widely used in universities and colleges to teach students the fundamentals of classical mechanics.

3. What are the main topics covered in "Classical Mechanics" by Kibble and Berkshire?

The main topics covered in the textbook include kinematics, dynamics, conservation laws, oscillations, central forces, rigid bodies, and fluids. It also introduces students to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism, and the theory of special relativity.

4. Is "Classical Mechanics" by Kibble and Berkshire suitable for beginners?

Yes, the textbook is designed for students with a basic understanding of calculus and physics. It provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to classical mechanics, making it suitable for beginners.

5. How is "Classical Mechanics" by Kibble and Berkshire different from other textbooks on the same subject?

One of the main differences is that the textbook uses a more modern approach to teaching classical mechanics, incorporating topics such as Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism and special relativity. It also includes many real-world examples and exercises to help students apply the concepts they have learned.

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