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This book is designed for a two semester algebra based course in physics for non-physics majors with the aim of providing a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of essential physics. It omits material often found in much larger texts that cannot be covered in a year long course and not needed for non-physics majors, but instead focuses on providing a solid understanding of fundamental physics and physical principles. It includes many worked examples and the authors will increase the number of problems (and provide a solution manual) and increase coverage on real life applications.
List of contents
Systems of Units, Significant Figures, Coordinate Systems, and Vectors. Motion in One Dimension. Two-Dimensional Motion and Circular Motion. Newton’s Laws: Implications and Applications. Newton’s Laws: Friction in Linear and Circular Motions. Work and Energy. Linear Momentum and Collisions. Rotational Motion. Simple Harmonic Motion. Thermal Physics: Temperature, Heat, and Thermal Expansion. Waves and Wave Motion. Fluids. Electric Forces and Fields. Electric Potential Energy and Potential. Direct Current Circuits. Magnetic Forces and Fields. Electromagnetic Induction. Alternating Current Electric Circuits. Electromagnetic Waves. Geometrical Optics. Physical (Wave) Optics. Modern Physics.
About the author
John Matolyak, Ajawad Haija
Summary
Fluency with physics fundamentals and problem-solving has a collateral effect on students by enhancing their analytical reasoning skills. In a sense, physics is to intellectual pursuits what strength training is to sports.
Designed for a two-semester algebra-based course, Essential Physics provides a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of physics central to many fields. It omits material often found in much larger texts that cannot be covered in a year-long course and is not needed for non-physics majors. Instead, this text focuses on providing a solid understanding of basic physics and physical principles. While not delving into the more specialized areas of the field, the text thoroughly covers mechanics, electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics.
This book is appropriate for a course in which the goals are to give the students a grasp of introductory physics and enhance their analytical problem-solving skills. Each topic includes worked examples. Math is introduced as necessary, with some applications in biology, chemistry, and safety science also provided. If exposure to more applications, special topics, and concepts is desired, this book can be used as a problem-solving supplement to a more inclusive text.
