50+ Free Physics Books [PDF]

Looking for physics books? We've gathered over 50 free physics books in PDF, covering topics like classical mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and astrophysics.

These textbooks are used in college and university physics courses around the world. From introductory mechanics to advanced quantum theory, they cover what students need to study and learn.

Browse our top picks or explore by topic. Every book is free to read online or download as PDF.

Top 10 Physics Books

Each book is open-access and written by university professors. Topics range from classical mechanics and thermodynamics to general relativity and nuclear physics.

#1
University Physics I: Classical Mechanics

Covers kinematics, momentum, energy, collisions, rotational mechanics, gravity, and thermodynamics. A clear and well-structured OER textbook from the University of Arkansas.

Julio Gea-Banacloche

Format: PDF 342 pages 2.67 MB

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#2
College Physics 2e

A comprehensive introductory physics textbook covering mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, optics, and modern physics. OpenStax peer-reviewed and CC BY 4.0 licensed.

Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs

Format: PDF 1697 pages 31.92 MB

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#3
University Physics Volume 3

Covers optics, wave phenomena, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and particle physics. Part of the OpenStax University Physics series.

Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny, William Moebs

Format: PDF 607 pages 14.1 MB

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#4
The Physics of Quantum Mechanics

A thorough quantum mechanics textbook covering quantum states, operators, time evolution, angular momentum, hydrogen atom, perturbation theory, and entanglement. Written by the Schiffer Professor of Physics at Oberlin College.

Daniel F. Styer

Format: PDF 568 pages 1.96 MB

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#5
General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology

An exceptionally comprehensive treatment of general relativity, black hole physics, and cosmology. Covers special relativity, GR fundamentals, Schwarzschild, Kerr, and Reissner-Nordstrom black holes, gravitational waves, and the expanding universe.

Andrew J. S. Hamilton

Format: PDF 1108 pages 9.71 MB

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#6
Heat and Thermodynamics

Covers thermal conduction, gas properties, laws of thermodynamics, heat capacity, enthalpy, free energy, and phase equilibria. A well-organized OER textbook from the University of Victoria via LibreTexts.

Jeremy Tatum

Format: PDF 215 pages 3.11 MB

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#7
Fundamentals of Astrophysics

Covers stellar properties, stellar structure and evolution, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, and cosmology. A well-structured university textbook with exercises.

Stan Owocki

Format: PDF 250 pages 6.52 MB

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#8
Classical Electromagnetism

Covers Maxwell's equations, electrostatics, potential theory, dielectrics, magnetostatics, electromagnetic waves, radiation, and relativistic electrodynamics. A comprehensive textbook from the University of Texas at Austin.

Richard Fitzpatrick

Format: PDF 307 pages 4.64 MB

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#9
Introduction to Special Relativity, Quantum Mechanics and Nuclear Physics for Nuclear Engineers

Covers special relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics with a focus on applications for nuclear engineers. Includes worked examples and exercises from the University of Michigan.

Alex F Bielajew

Format: PDF 296 pages 1.82 MB

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#10
Classical and Modern Optics

Covers ray optics, Fourier analysis, wave optics, interference, diffraction, polarization, Gaussian beams, laser physics, and nonlinear optics. A thorough optics textbook from the University of Oregon.

Daniel A. Steck

Format: PDF 359 pages 17.85 MB

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