general physics

Mechanics, oscillations, waves, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and an introduction to modern physics topics such as special relativity, quantum mechanics, and subatomic physics. 

Note 1: This material is often taught in three semesters. While there is no consensus on how to organise these topics to make three courses, it is almost always the case that the first course is mostly about mechanics, the second course is mostly about electromagnetism, and the third course is mostly about modern physics. The remaining topics then fit into one of the three general physics courses, depending on the faculty’s preference. 

Note 2: If you are learning on your own, it is important to know that the first general physics course, focused on mechanics, is usually taught in tandem with calculus; and that the second course, focused on electromagnetism, is usually taught in tandem with multivariable calculus. While general physics courses are not too demanding mathematically, allowing for a student to learn these physics and mathematics courses in tandem, I would recommend learning calculus before mechanics, and multivariable calculus before electromagnetism. This makes it easier to learn the physics and consolidates the calculus courses by learning some of their main applications.

University Physics, Vol 1, by W. Moebs, Formerly of Loyola Marymount University, S. J. Ling, Truman State University, and J. Sanny, Loyola Marymount University, 2021, OpenStax.

University Physics, Vol 2, by S. J. Ling, Truman State University, W. Moebs, Formerly of Loyola Marymount University, and J. Sanny, Loyola Marymount University, 2021, OpenStax.

University Physics, Vol 3, by S. J. Ling, Truman State University, J. Sanny, Loyola Marymount University, and W. Moebs, Formerly of Loyola Marymount University, 2021, OpenStax.

Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics, Relativity, and Thermodynamics, by R. Shankar, 2014, Yale University Press.

Fundamentals of Physics II: Electromagnetism, Optics, and Quantum Mechanics, by R. Shankar, 2016, Yale University Press.

Fundamentals of Physics, Extended, by D. Halliday, R. Resnick, and J. Walker, 12th ed., 2021, Wiley.

University Physics with Modern Physics, by H. Young and R. Freedman, 15th ed., 2019, Pearson.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics, by R. D. Knight, 4th ed., 2016, Pearson.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, by R. A. Serway and J. W. Jewett, 10th ed., 2018, Cengage Learning.

Physics: Principles with Applications, by D. Giancoli, Global ed., 2015, Pearson Education.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, by P. A. Tipler and G. Mosca, 6th ed., 2007, W. H. Freeman.

Physics for Engineers and Scientists, by H. C. Ohanian and J. T. Markert, 3rd ed., 2006, W. W. Norton & Company.

Understanding Physics, by M. Mansfield, C. O’Sullivan, 3rd ed., 2020, Wiley.

Schaum’s Outline of Physics for Engineering and Science, by M. Browne, 4th ed., 2019, McGraw Hill.

Problems in General Physics, by I. E. Irodov, 1988, Mir Publishers.