Physics, Volume 1

by Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth Krane

4.7/5.0 (3)

Physics, Fifth Edition, by Halliday Resnick and Krane is generally considered to be the best comprehensive guide to physics, especially for those preparing for olympiads. The first volume covers mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and special relativity throughout 24 chapters. The book includes rigorous derivations of most formulas to build understanding, as well as countless examples and problems to build your knowledge. The book requires basic calculus background, which allows it to show the inner workings of many processes through the lens of differential analysis. In all, this is the best book for physicists, in olympiads and in general, to start their journey.

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Reviews

rushilshah2

5/5

One of the best introductory physics textbooks for olympiads. In the most recent editions, the end of chapter problems have been edited by a past IPhO participant, so it is a great resource for anyone with little to no prior physics experience and fundamental calculus skills.

mathfan2020

5/5

Covers sufficient calculus-incorporating Mechanics (incl. fluids, gravity, waves), Thermodynamics, and Special Relativity theory for a great portion of USAPhO. Contains practice problems (with solutions) of various difficulty at the end of each chapter.

BucketofJava

4/5

Best introductory physics book, but its chapters outside of mech are not the best