Reviews (2)

Fancy Cover, Bad Book
Quite Frankly, this new Holt Phyiscs book, does NOT cover all the content that is involved in the detailed study of Physics. Not only that, but it leaves out some of the most important principles that are in physics. For example, Chapter 5-2, we talk about Energy, it doesn't give the law of conservation of energy, which is one of the most important laws in physics. It also when talking about Newton's laws, doesn't use the ideas that Newton had. There are so many things missing, I could go on forever, I wish I could give this book a negative score, but I can't do so. I'm currently in Physics at my school, and I like to study Physics in my spare time. Serway is a very good author of the college books, that I have, but this one does not cut it for a full understanding of Physics.

Superb Physics book!
This was the text book used in my honors physics class.Though it may not go into extremely advanced issues, it does touch on A LOT of material, including basic collisions, fluids, rotational motion, relativity (a bit), and even some quantum mechanics.This book is definitely useful to anyone who wants a better education in basic physics and a start into somewhat beginner's advanced physics. ... Read more

Book Description

Did you ever walk through a wall? Drink a glass of blocks? Have you ever played with a lemonade doll, or put on milk for socks? This latest addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series introduces the youngest readers to an important science concept: the differences between solids, liquids, and gases. Any child who wants to know why he can't walk through a wall will enjoy Kathleen Zoehfeld's simple text and Paul Meisel's playful illustrations.

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Reviews (1)

wonderful science/literature connection
this is an excellent literature connection for young children studying the concept of matter. it works well with the foss science module, "solids and liquids" for students in grades one and two. ... Read more

Book Description

Lewis Carroll Epstein explains deep ideas in physics in an easy-to-understand way. Thinking Physics is a perfect beginner's guide to an amazingly wide range of physics-related questions. The book targets topics that science teachers and students spend time wondering about, like wing lift. Epstein elucidates the familiar but misunderstood - such as how tides work - along with more obscure but fascinating phenomena like the "Bernoulli sub" and the "artificial aurora" created by hydrogen bombs. Broken into many short sections and peppered with Epstein's own playful hand-drawn illustrations, the book does not simply give the right answer: It also goes into the answers that seem right but are wrong and shows why they are wrong - a rarity in science books. Thinking Physics is a rigorously correct, lighthearted, and cleverly designed Q and A book for physicists of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A fun book that should be in your library...
This book gets one excited about physics. Common physical phenoman like rate, speed, mass and force are explained in very ingenious ways. What is more the writing is good and to the point. Even though there is not much math to speak of the author explains things in a concise manner. What got me hooked to this book is that it does require thinking on part of the reader. One quickly finds out that what may seem intuitive and common sense is in fact precisely the wrong answer. Another major advantage of the book is that you do not have to read it from page one onwards. Turn to any segment and you are sure to be sucked in. Page after page is filled with nice little nuggets of fun. Get this book you will not regret it.

This is the Best
If you ever took a college class in physics, or maybe even high school, or ever wanted to understand physics, this is the book for you. I'm an electrical engineer, and my physics classes were 20 years ago, but I love this book. It really does make you think!! Buy it now (and get one for your friends).

Very Useful Book
No, this isn't a perfect book. Some of Lewis' explanations are a bit vague and some are incomplete but despite these minor flaws this book does a wonderful job of explaining important concepts of physics in very simple terms.

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book. Oh yes, it's a fun read too!

teachs you how to think about physics problems
I like this book because it has interesting and motivating physics problems that can be solved, without math, with just carefull thinking on the truly physical aspects and principles. I do not mean that math should not be used in physics books, nor that all physics problems can be solved without math, but problems that do not need math are also very interesting and should be taught, and this book is very good in doing that. I think high school should use this book (as complement to conventional books) because it would have great effect on kids's mental habits. One thing I do not like from this book is that answers are upside down. It deserves 5 stars.

Honest and clear teaching
It's amazing the capability of being clear and to get to the right point. Ingeneous! I recommend for every one who search for learn physics, even those who already studied it! ... Read more

Book Description

Everyone has heard of Albert Einstein-but what exactly did he do? How much do kids really know about Albert Einstein besides the funny hair and genius label? For instance, do they know that he was expelled from school as a kid? Finally, here's the story of Albert Einstein's life, told in a fun, engaging way that clearly explores the world he lived in and changed. ... Read more

Book Description

Written for students of introductory physics, this best-selling text offers students an upbeat, non-threatening overview of the discipline which focuses on concepts and critical thinking rather than number-crunching. It presents physics in a language students can comprehend, using analogies and mental imagery based on real world situations. Mathematical equations, formulas, and calculations appear as a footnote on the page to reference and supplement chapter concepts and help students see the connection between math and science. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Well Written
I took freshman physics in college. I picked up this book as a bit of a review. It is well worth reading. It is pitched at a level that a 12 year old could understand, but contains physics that would educate and entertain adults. I recommend getting the accompanying work book as well. There are concept questions and math questions. The math questions at the end of the chapters require knowledge of arithmetic ( not heavy algebra or calculus ).

I recommend this book for those that just like to read educational material for fun.... this is a light enough read to allow that. I also recommend this book for science students that want to get the concepts of physics down, before they get bogged down in the math. It makes your higher level physics book much easier to read.

If you dont get this book, you are really missin out on a good thing.

Katherine
PS yes real girls do read physics

"Hand-waving" Physics
Two years ago, my daughter took a high-school physics course based on this book. She is mathematically able and found the whole approach extremely frustrating. The fact is that much of modern mathematics -- differential calculus is a prime example -- was developed specifically so that physicists could articulate their ideas. The "conceptual" approach may be OK for pop-science TV shows, but it is worse that useless as an education for anyone who wants to pursue a career in engineering or science. Now entering 12th grade, my daughter is faced with a major catch-up exercise if she wants to get into a worthwhile engineering program at college. Her school doesn't offer AP Physics, largely because the "conceptual" approach they started out with doesn't adequately prepare students to move to AP level. So she is spending a big chunk of time this summer on a distance-learning course that actually presents physics as a mathematical science, which is what it is. Quite honestly, I think this book should be titled "Armchair Physics" or "Physics for People who Don't Really Care about Physics" -- it should certainly not be presented as a serious attempt to teach a scientific subject.

Want to teach yourself physics?
I would imagine that the answer to my subject heading is, for most people, NO! But for me it was YES!, as I'd never had a physics class, and it was essential, for research that I am conducting, that I have slightly more than an elementary grasp of physics. I turned to this book, and am glad that I did.

This book, thankfully, is written in conceptual terms. There are few equations - because equations are necessary in science - but you don't need to know calculus or trigonometry to read this book and walk away with a solid foundation.

The author has a clear and easy tone about his writing, and breaks complex concepts down into their simple building blocks so that a typical layperson can understand. I know - because I'm as typical a layperson as they come regarding the sciences.

I can't recommend this highly enough.

Fiziks
We all know that Physics is a tough sport. But Paul Hewitt does a marvelous job describing complex issues in fairly easy to comprehend terms (not touching at all on calculations). This book also covers a wide spectrum of information about the world, from the intricate properties of electrons to color to Newton's laws of motion. I keep waiting for the price of this book to go down so I can buy it again to keep as a reference (I had used it with a college course previous). Worth having if you're one of those who loves reading about how things work.

The accompanying workbook is nice, but only if you're going to be quizzed on this sort of stuff. Other than that, it isn't that great a deal.

Excellent Service
I absolutely loved the service provided. I received the books 10 days early and in mint condition!!! Excellent job. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the forces that set the world in motion -- what they are and how they can be harnessed by machines.

DK gives a new look to the series that forever changed the nonfiction genre and set the standard for highly informative visual guides. This volume, and those to follow in future seasons, forms part of an indispensable library for the whole family. Focusing on contemporary and historical developments in the study of forces and motion, this book features clear, expertly written text, color and black-and-white photos, charts, graphics, and 3-D models -- all of which combine to make complex scientific concepts easy to understand. ... Read more

Book Description

This Strange Quantum World and You is a book for those from 9 to 90 who wish to gain some understanding of this quantum world. This smaller-than-an-atom world can't be seen, but there are ways to gain insight into its workings.

This book is geared toward children and provides a few simple experiments that explain how energy and matter work. It also shows how energy and matter are two different states of the same thing. Learning how information is carred at faster than lightning speeds suggests the conclusion that we are all connected in some way. This leads children to a feeling of belonging. It also illustrates the necessity of watching how we think, speak, and act, so that we do a more responsible job of caring for our Earth and for each other.

"We are, each and every one of us, woven into a great 3-D web of vibrating energies. We are within it, and it is within us. The most unusual thing about this web of energy is that it seems to be conscious like we are. It is able to exchange information within all its parts like we do within our bodies." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Making something complicated extraordinarily simple
Ms.Topp's short book should be on the book list of every 5th grade science teacher, 10 year old kid in love with science and mystery and adult who wishes to understand quantum physics or just the science behind the plot of Michael Crichton book "Timeline". She explains in incredible clear, developmental appropriate language how the world can seem solid yet is really light and energy,and how this is relevant in the world of kids and leading-edge physicist alike. Just 53 pages later adult and child alike will have a "A HA" explanation of why things can happen simultaneously and be related. Elegantly simple yet profoundly rewarding to read. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the best books I've ever owned
My parents bought me this book in hardcover about ten years ago, and it has been indispensible. It covers a broad enough base of information so well, and with enough depth, that it has been a constant and indispensible reference for me through GCSE science in the UK, high school chemistry in the US, and even sometimes during my undergrad chemistry and physics. The illustrations are wonderful, and the explainations lucid. I would definitely recommend this for anyone with a child in school, or anyone who wants to look at a bit of basic science.

Absolutely brilliant.
About 15 years ago, as a 9 year old, I read the three books that make up this Dictionary of Science (the Biology, Physics and Chemistry ones). I was completely captivated by them, and read them over and over again. The science is pitched at exactly the right level for children: the colourful illustrations and short sections retain a child's attention. I went on to take biology, physics and chemistry A-levels at age 17, and went on to study Medicine at Cambridge University in England. Obviously there was more to this achievement than the Usborne books I read as a child, but I honestly do attribute much of my initial interest to them.

This book is excellant, great illustrations!!!!
This book is a wonderful source of science information, the colurful illustrtaions help explain the theorys that are explained in the book. It is a book for all levels. It is not just a dictionary but a true sience resource. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Lack of Good Problems, Problem Solving Strategies
This was the textbook used in my high school physics class, and it is probably among the worst textbooks I have encountered in my whole life. True, it explains a lot of the conceptual stuff satisfactorily, but physics is all about solving problems. This book? No dice.

Problems are typically stuff like this. Let's take the chapter on velocity for example. We all know that v = d / t. So problems would appear in such a way that d and v are pretty easily derived (e.g., a train spots a car on the tracks 500 m. away and begins slowing down at 10 m/s2. will it hit the car?). There is virtually no application at all. I'd expect much more out of an honors physics course. Like for example, linking conservation of energy to all sorts of problems, including stuff in Newtonian mechanics.

What is an example of a good application problem in this context? I'm referring to something like the one below, a basic problem in my university physics textbook (RD Knight, "Physics for Scientists and Engineers", which I have also reviewed):

"Santa parked his sleigh 5.0m. from the edge of a 20-degree roof. Unfortunately, the parking brake failed. Santa's sleigh slid down the roof and landed on the ground 6.0m. from the wall of the house. The sleigh's coefficient of kinetic friction on the snowy roof is 0.08. How high was the wall of the house?"

Compare this question to those that you see on this textbook, and you will notice the huge gap between the amount of concepts that are required to solve this problem. Whereas most of Zitzewitz's examples focus on applications of a maximum of 2 equations at once, the above problem takes more thinking as to how to set up the problem and incorporates all sorts of concepts from conservation of energy, motion in two dimensions, etc. True, you need some basic problems in order to get used to using the equations, but Zitzewitz's problems are almost 95% basic.

What this book seriously lacks are good problem solving strategy boxes, good application / integration problems, and the higher-quality elucidation of terms that sets this book apart from a good general physics textbook.

If you are looking for a better Honors Physics textbook (high school) or a text which will serve as a good supplement to your university physics course, I highly recommend Randall Knight's "Physics for Scientists and Engineers". It also comes with an extra unit on Modern Physics (which explains topics such as Einsteinian relativity, superconductors, and elemental quantum mechanics) if that serves to perk up your attention better. You won't go wrong with this textbook.

34%*(65)*&##354*#(76^7)(216)=
Exactly. This is what the book looks like if you go to a store right now and open it. This book is virtually a math book although physics is about 60% math and 30% science information, this book is like 95% to 5%. Not only that the explainations for some of the problems are really bad. The reason why people think physics is hard is b/c of books like these that make it hard. THEIR are even mistakes in the formulas they use and they dont round numbers to significant digits. Im the top of my class in physics only b/c i like science, this book can change your mind real fast. The book does not explain who and how which is vital in learnig and passing any science test. For example Isaac Newton proposed the law of gravity. It just tells you concepts and terms that came from nowhere. The only good part about it is webassign that lets you practice problems online. d.

Weak book
This book is very colorful and full of wonderful photos. Yet photos and color alone will not help you learn physics. The example problems they give are not explained step-by-step in a way that makes the application clearer. Worse yet the problems may be wrong some of the time. There are a few chapters that could be combined instead of splitting them up. Also, Newton's Laws are totally isolated from each other instead of being grouped together. The only way (at least that I know) to suceed in phyiscs is to work the problems. The book has a wonderful assortment of problems- yet no solutions or even answers are found in the back. Since most physics teachers won't give credit without work I don't see why putting the answers in the back could hurt. Overall the book is weak. I would read this book and do the homework assigned from the book, but my preparation for a test would come from a review book and a practice book with hundreds of solved problems (Schaum's or REA). That seems to work best for me. Oh and the last part in any physics course that determines how good you do is the teacher. For me I am not so lucky. But to you I wish the best of luck. You may have the same problems with this book that my whole class and apparantly other schools have had, or you will do well.

Physics Principles and Problems
This is acually Jonathan Ray of Midlothian Virginia.I have spent many a late night pondering over the absutities I have read in my physics book.I am atempting to learn physics from this book but it seems that all I am learning is how to draw silly little pictures. The answers in the back of the book to the practice problems are wrong tothe point that I am woried when I get an answer that agrees with the the back of the book.On top of this there are numerous typeos on the text.On top of this there is no actual organization in the book as one has to read several chapters to understan Newton's laws which are presented out of order I might add.Overall a very confusing text that is not worth the paper it is printed on.

Poor choice for a physics text
I am a highschool senior and am using this text for my honors physics class.I would consider myself a strong science student but this textbook is making physics extremely frustrating.We have only covered the first six chapters, but I am already noticing serious problems.The book is far from strait forward, with pages dedicated to superflous examples of things that seem to be common sense, while other pages are filled with silly diagrams that do little to help me understand the material.In many chapters the author dedicates more space to explaining how to draw diagrams of problems than he does explaining how to solve them.Consequently I often find that after reading a chapter I understand little more than how to draw pictures.The book is clearly oriented towards visual learners with little left over for the rest of us.In other chapters the material is organized in a way that seems irrational.Newton's Laws, for example, are not placed together as one would expect, rather they are scattered out of order over a 20 page chapter, making it more difficult to put the pieces together and get the big picture.The books one redeeming feature (and the reason it got the second star) is that it contains plenty of practice problems with more available online.Some of the problems even have detailed explanations and answers in the back, but often these answers are wrong, which only adds to my frustration.As I said I have only been through the first six chapter but if they are any indication, this is not a good text for an honors physics class. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the amazing story of energy -- where we can find it and how we can make the most of it.

Here is a spectacular, thought-provoking, and highly informative guide to the fascinating story of energy. Superb full-color photography of original equipment, intricate scientific instruments, 3-D models, and revealing experiments bring to life the ideas and discoveries that have changed our perception of the universe. See plants that bend toward light, alternative energy in action, the first batteries, the food chain, photosynthesis in plants, and how telephones convert the human voice into electronic signals. Learn how energy is measured, how without energy there would be no life at all, why matches burn, why recycling makes the most of energy, how waterwheels work, how efficient light bulbs save electricity, and how geothermal energy creates hot water. Discover the link between friction and heat, the development of steam turbines, how magnets work, how to make air liquid, how to heat coal to produce gas, the difference between renewable energy sources and fossil fuels, why sugar gives you energy, and much, much more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

We're not as smart as we'd like to think
In the introduction Challoner writes that ancient people did not understand energy and an understanding of energy has only emerged in the past several hundred years. This is innacurate. People who still live ancient indigenous lifestyles often have a very sophisticated understanding of energy that is in fact far more functional than that of many modern people. While we often use energy indiscriminately without realizing the source of the energy of our food or our fuel, ancient people and those who still live in ancient ways are far more conscious of the energy they consume and where it comes from. Because they live in the ecosystems from which their energy comes, they have no choice but to use it responsibly, unlike "advanced" civilizations. The book may have plenty of accurate information about energy, but there is no need to introduce it with the myth that "advanced" cultures are superior in wisdom to ancient ones. I don't critique this because it is offensive, but because it is dangerous. Modern people must relearn what was once known by everyone: that if we don't understand our resources and use them wisely, we will have to live in the mess we create. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Sports Science Projects: The Physics of Balls in Motion
Lots and lots of experiments in this science book. It contains black and white illustrations. I especially liked the ideas for projects and further investigations at the end of some of the experiments. Recommeded for the 4th grade through the 10th grade class. Teachers should read this one, also. ... Read more

Book Description

How do magnets work? What makes a curve ball curve? What keeps an airplane in the air? How can a pulley make you five times stronger? Now you can learn the answers to these and other questions about basic physics through 101 fun, safe, low-cost experiments and activities that can be performed at home or in the classroom. In Physics for Every Kid, you’ll learn about gravity from funnels that seem to defy nature by rolling up hill. Using a balloon as a power source, you’ll make a fluorescent light bulb glow and learn how electrons are used to produce light. And you’ll levitate a Ping-Pong ball to understand aerodynamics. Each of the 101 experiments is broken down into its purpose, a list of materials, step-by-step instructions, expected results, and an easy to understand explanation. Every activity has been pretested and can be performed safely and inexpensively in the classroom or at home. Also available in this series from Janice VanCleave: Astronomy for Every Kid Biology for Every Kid Chemistry for Every Kid Dinosaurs for Every Kid Earth Science for Every Kid Geography for Every Kid Geometry for Every Kid The Human Body for Every Kid Math for Every Kid ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Physics is Fun
This book is just right for introducing physics concepts to children in the 8-12yrs. age range. My students prefer learning the concepts by "doing" rather than by just reading about them in a science text.

Very disappointing
I was very disappointed by the lack of information. The experiments (this book is entirely experiments - which I disliked) take a long time to set up. Even if they work (which they often don't), they will often only demonstarate a simple concept that could be explained in one paragraph. A complete waste of money. I would recomend "Physics the easy way" by Robert L. Lehrman (Barron's Educational Series, Inc.) over this book any day. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Highly recommended
I certainly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning Physics and want to use it as a reference. I find it really interesting with a lot of good graphics although the subject itself may require some earlier knowledge in Physics. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must have for the science classroom
As a physical science teacher, I consider this book to be an awesome resource in my classroom. The easy to read text combined with the colorful illustrations makes this book a "must have." Atoms and molecules have never been easier to comprehend.

Fabulous!
My 9-year old is interested in atoms and molecules, but I didn't know enough answer his second level of questions until I spent 20 minutes with this book. Interesting, clear, concise, wonderfully illustrated. ... Read more

Book Description

Dive headfirst into the science behind sports——and come up a winner!

• Have you ever wondered if there’s a secret to stopping a soccer ball, why ice skates have metal blades, or how a boat can sail into the wind?
• Would you like to learn to balance like a gymnast, how to improve your free-throw ability, or how to swim like a shark?
• Are you looking for exciting ideas for your next science fair project?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then Sports Science is for you!From basketball to biking to snowboarding and more, you’ll discover the science behind all your favorite sports.Dozens of fun-filled activities help you see for yourself how a batter can hit a 90-mile-an-hour pitch, why a "spiral" is the best way to throw a football, how the surface of a ball affects its bounce, and much, much more.All of the projects are safe and easy to do, and all you need is everyday stuff from around the house.So take the plunge and get ready for Sports Science fun! ... Read more

Book Description

A journey into the wonders of science from Joy Hakim, the best-selling author of A History of US.

The story of science continues with the reclusive Copernicus and his astounding theory that the sun is at the center of the universe, and closes with the basics of atomic theory, offering intriguing portraits of the scientists who built on each other's theories in their tireless pursuit of answers. 300 color photographs, illustrations, and maps.

• Individual volumes in the series can be read as a set or individually
• Each book packed with 256 pages of thought-provoking ideas, math and science concepts, history and literature
• Character- and idea-driven narratives that read like an adventure story
• 300 illustrations in each book, including original art and contemporary photographs
• Sidebars highlight fascinating facts and ideas of related interest
• Call-outs define unfamiliar words and build vocabulary
• Suggestions for further reading on many topics

Book Description

This photobiography of Albert Einstein publishes to coincide with the year that marks the 100th anniversary of what has been described as Einstein's "miraculous year" and the 50th anniversary of his death. In 1905 Einstein published three important papers describing ideas that changed science forever and eventually had an effect on much of modern life. The most famous of these ideas was his theory of relativity, which took a startling new approach to space and time.In signature National Geographic photobiography format, author Marfé Feguson Delano covers the life and times of Einstein from his childhood to his death, with a particular emphasis on his scientific contributions. She draws connections between Einstein's ideas and modern technology, so that kids can see how his theories led to technologies they take for granted. She discusses Einstein's theory on the structure of light, in which he theorized that light behaved not only like a wave but also like a stream of particles, providing the basis for television, lasers, and semiconductors. Einstein's theory of relativity paved the way for the atomic bomb and opened up an understanding of many things, from the Big Bang to black holes.Ferguson Delano discusses the power of Einstein's ideas, and their influence not only on science but on art, music, and even literature and politics. She places Einstein in context as a world figure and discusses the causes he supported, including nuclear disarmament and civil liberties. And she provides the context of world events as they affected Einstein's life, including the rise of Hitler and World War II.Running text, raised quotes, and extraordinary archival photographs all stunningly designed and handsomely produced make this entry in the National Geographic photobiography series one of the most attractive and compelling yet.The publication date will coincide with celebration of Einstein's life and achievements. In recognition of Einstein's ideas and his influence on modern life, the year 2005 has been declared the "World Year of Physics" (WYP) by such organizations as the American Institute of Physics, the American Physical Society, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics. The theme for the WYP celebration in the U.S. is "Einstein in the 21st Century." Organizers are planning large-scale national projects, including a poster contest for elementary school students. Other planned events can be found at http://www.physics2005.org/events. ... Read more

Book Description

Did you know that energy comes from the food you eat? From the sun and wind? From fuel and heat?

You get energy every time you eat. You transfer energy to other things every time you play baseball. In this book, you can find out all the ways you and everyone on earth need energy to make things happen.