The Basics of Physics

Subjects:

• Science » Mathematics/Physics/Chemistry
• Science » Science (General)

Reviews:

• Myers has written, for the "Basics of the Hard Sciences" series, an introductory book for students with a broad prospective. The basics of classical, quantum, and nuclear physics, as well as relativity, are discussed with many diagrams and tables for the uninitiated. A section is provided with physics experiments that are simple enough for most high school students. Myers offers a brief history of the theories and facts presented, something missing in many science works. There is also a brief introduction to the field of physics as a career, possibly encouraging a student to study further. Finally, the book contains a fairly handy glossary, table of elements, conversion tables, selected bibliography, and good index. Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates.
  —Choice July 2006
• The text is well written, minimizes the math presented, gives good descriptions of the concepts, and includes interesting historical accounts of the developments in the various fields of physics.
  —SB&F July/August 2006
• After reviewing the history of physics and its founders, this introductory textbook explains the basic principles of mechanics, motion, work, energy, heat, matter, vibration and waves, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. A glossary and 25 simple experiments are provided.
  —SciTech Book News March 2006

Table of Contents:

• Introduction: Physics and its Early Foundations
• The Development of Classical Physics
• Translational Motion
• Rotational Motion
• Work and Energy
• Heat
• Matter
• Vibrations, Waves, and Sound
• Light and Optics
• Quantum Physics
• A Modern View of the Atom
• Nuclear Physics
• Electricity
• Magnetism and Electromagnetism
• Relativity
• Physics Experiments
• Physics as a Career
• Glossary
• Selected Symbols, Abbreviations, and Units
• Selected Bibliography and Internet Resources