Like having a private coach at their elbows, this introduction to algebra-based physics involves readers actively in a guided learn-by-doing process—sensing when they need a very patient exposition and when they need only minimal reinforcement, when they need to focus on concepts and when they need an opportunity to practice their quantitative skills. At the heart of the volume are worked examples in a unique, two-column format that focuses on the basic strategies and step-by-step thought processes involved in problem solving—with an emphasis on the relationship between the physical concepts and their mathematical expression. Color-coded drawings help readers visualize physics problems, and companion photographs show the same principle at work in different physical contexts, or juxtapose situations in which contrasting principles are at work. Real-world physics applications abound. Covers the full spectrum of topics in Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Electromagnetism, Light and Optics, and Modern Physics. For anyone needing an introduction to, or refresher of, algebra-based physics.
Physics with MasteringPhysics™, 4th Edition by James S. Walker Overview
Walker’s goal is to help readers make the connection between a conceptual understanding of physics and the various skills necessary to solve quantitative problems. The pedagogy and approach are based on over 20 years of teaching and reflect the results of physics education research. Already one of the best-selling books in algebra-based physics,The Fourth Edition strengthens both the conceptual foundations and the tools for problem solving to make the book even better suited to today's readers. Introduction to Physicsm, One-Dimensional Kinematics, Vectors in Physics, Two-Dimensional Kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Applications of Newton’s Laws, Work and Kinetic Energy, Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy, Linear Momentum and Collisions, Rotational Kinematics and Energy, Rotational Dynamics and Static Equilibrium, Gravity, Oscillations About Equilibrium, Waves and Sound, Fluids, Temperature and Heat, Phases and Phase Changes, The Laws of Thermodynamics, Electric Charges, Forces, and Fields, Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy, Electric Current and Direct-Current Circuits, Magnetism, Magnetic Flux and Faraday’s Law of Induction, Alternating-Current Circuits, Electromagnetic Waves, Geometrical Optics, Optical Instruments, Physical Optics: Interference and Diffraction, Relativity, Quantum Physics, Atomic Physics, Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Radiation . Intended for those interested in learning the basics of algebra-based physics
Physics with MasteringPhysics™, 4th Edition by James S. Walker Review
I was a physics major in college and am now a high school physics teacher. I have taught conceptual, algebra-based high school physics through AP physics. I have read over 10 physics texts cover-to-cover directed at the same level at this one, and this is the best of them, by far! After much research, this is the book I chose to write my advanced high school curriculum around.
This text is for someone with a solid understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. It is not calculus-based. It can be for the more advanced high school student or for the more basic college student. It is VERY well aligned with the AP Physics B curriculum for advanced high school students.
In comparison with other physics texts at the same mathematical level, the reasons I prefer this text over the others are:
- Organization. The topics are laid on in the most straight-forward fashion. There are no surprises or references to material later in the book. It can be taught or learned linearly or out-of-order. It is especially well aligned with the AP Physics B curriculum.
- Explanations. The explanations are clear and use lots of real-life examples to illustrate the topics. As I read this text, I was rarely left wondering what the author was talking about. The writing is not too dense or difficult to understand. It is easy enough to follow for someone learning the topic without getting lost in too much scientific vocabulary.
- Pictures and diagrams. This might not seem like a big deal, but there are more color photographs than most mathematically-based text books. The diagrams are easy to read and explain the concepts discussed in the book. For anyone who is a visual learner, this is very important.
- Practice problems. The problems are a variety of levels, from beginner to advanced, and cover conceptual as well as mathematical problem-soving skills. Most importantly, the practice problems are relevant to the material discussed in the text. There are example problems worked through and solved in the text, as well as practice problems at the back of each chapter.
I also feel compelled to comment on a few of the other reviews complaining that this text doesn't go into enough mathematical complexity for problem solving. Multiple reviews of this text have argued that their professors in college have given more difficult problems for homework and on tests than are covered in this text. I would suggest that perhaps these reviewers are writing more of a review for their professors and their courses than for the text. Perhaps the text isn't quite aligned with what the professors are teaching, or perhaps the professors are challenging their students to go beyond basic concepts on the tests (as I would expect any good teacher to do). But for what it is, and in comparison to other physics texts of the same level, this one is the best you will find!
This text is for someone with a solid understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. It is not calculus-based. It can be for the more advanced high school student or for the more basic college student. It is VERY well aligned with the AP Physics B curriculum for advanced high school students.
In comparison with other physics texts at the same mathematical level, the reasons I prefer this text over the others are:
- Organization. The topics are laid on in the most straight-forward fashion. There are no surprises or references to material later in the book. It can be taught or learned linearly or out-of-order. It is especially well aligned with the AP Physics B curriculum.
- Explanations. The explanations are clear and use lots of real-life examples to illustrate the topics. As I read this text, I was rarely left wondering what the author was talking about. The writing is not too dense or difficult to understand. It is easy enough to follow for someone learning the topic without getting lost in too much scientific vocabulary.
- Pictures and diagrams. This might not seem like a big deal, but there are more color photographs than most mathematically-based text books. The diagrams are easy to read and explain the concepts discussed in the book. For anyone who is a visual learner, this is very important.
- Practice problems. The problems are a variety of levels, from beginner to advanced, and cover conceptual as well as mathematical problem-soving skills. Most importantly, the practice problems are relevant to the material discussed in the text. There are example problems worked through and solved in the text, as well as practice problems at the back of each chapter.
I also feel compelled to comment on a few of the other reviews complaining that this text doesn't go into enough mathematical complexity for problem solving. Multiple reviews of this text have argued that their professors in college have given more difficult problems for homework and on tests than are covered in this text. I would suggest that perhaps these reviewers are writing more of a review for their professors and their courses than for the text. Perhaps the text isn't quite aligned with what the professors are teaching, or perhaps the professors are challenging their students to go beyond basic concepts on the tests (as I would expect any good teacher to do). But for what it is, and in comparison to other physics texts of the same level, this one is the best you will find!
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