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Essential University Physics Plus MasteringPhysics with eText -- Access Card Package

Essential University Physics Plus MasteringPhysics with eText -- Access Card Package

International Edition
2nd Edition

Richard Wolfson

Feb 2011, Paperback, 840 pages
ISBN13: 9780321761958
ISBN10: 0321761952
For orders to USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan visit your local Pearson website
£45.99
Buy Essential University Physics Plus MasteringPhysics with eText -- Access Card Package

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Richard Wolfson’s Essential University Physics is a concise and progressive calculus-based physics textbook that offers clear writing, great problems, and relevant real-life applications. This textis a compelling and affordable alternative for professors who want to focus on the fundamentals and bring physics to life for their students.

Essential University Physics retains many of the favorite features of the first edition, while introducing new pedagogical elements that incorporate proven results from physics education research. The text focuses on the fundamentals of physics, teaches sound problem-solving skills, emphasizes conceptual understanding, and makes connections to the real world. Features such as annotated figures and step-by-step problem-solving strategies help provide a clear learning path.

The crisp two-color design is clear and engaging. The book incorporates the research-proven approach of annotated figures, pencil-style sketches in worked examples, and visual chapter summaries. The Second Edition features comprehensively revised and updated end-of-chapter problem sets, significant content updates, new Conceptual Examples, and additional Applications, all of which serve to foster understanding and interest.

Essential University Physics is offered as two paperback volumes, available shrink-wrapped together and for sale individually.

Volume 1 contains Chapters 1—19.

Volume 2 contains Chapters 20—39.

1. Doing Physics

I. MECHANICS

2. Motion in a Straight Line

3. Motion in Two and Three Dimensions

4. Force and Motion

5. Using Newton’s Laws

6. Work, Energy, and Power

7. Conservation of Energy

8. Gravity

9. Systems of Particles

10. Rotational Motion

11. Rotational Vectors and Angular Momentum

12. Static Equilibrium

II. OSCILLATIONS, WAVES, AND FLUIDS

13. Oscillatory Motion

14. Wave Motion

15. Fluid Motion

III. THERMODYNAMICS

16. Temperature and Heat

17. The Thermal Behavior of Matter

18. Heat, Work, and the First Law of Thermodynamics

19. The Second Law of Thermodynamics

IV. ELECTROMAGNETISM

20. Electric Charge, Force, and Field

21. Gauss’s Law

22. Electric Potential

23. Electrostatic Energy and Capacitors

24. Electric Current

25. Electric Circuits

26. Magnetism: Force and Field

27. Electromagnetic Induction

28. Alternating-Current Circuits

29. Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves

V. OPTICS

30. Reflection and Refraction

31. Images and Optical Instruments

32. Interference and Diffraction

VI. MODERN PHYSICS

33. Relativity

34. Particles and Waves

35. Quantum Mechanics

36. Atomic Physics

37. Molecules and Solids

38. Nuclear Physics

39. From Quarks to the Cosmos

APPENDICES

Appendix A Mathematics

Appendix B The International System of Units (SI)

Appendix C Conversion Factors

Appendix D The Elements

Appendix E Astrophysical Data

  • Focus on the fundamentals:
    • The overarching theme is physics has a simple, elementary foundation that underlies a wide range of topics.
    • Key equations and definitions are set on colored screens with titles and explanatory material, so that students will not simply grab a bare equation with no sense as to how it is applied.
    • Tips offer concise explanatory or cautionary notes for typical misconceptions and identify the fundamental connections between new and old topics.
    • Visual chapter and part summaries present a big-picture review of key concepts and connections using multiple representations (words, equations, and figures).
  • Teach sound problem-solving skills:
    • The consistent and explicit problem-solving strategy is designed to develop students’ confidence and skill in systematically setting up problems rather than diving right into the math.
    • The IDEA (Interpret, Develop, Evaluate, and Assess) framework, used in every worked example, begins with a problem’s key ideas, stresses the importance of planning a solution and drawing a diagram, works through the math, checks for reasonable answers, and relates the problem’s content to a broader understanding of physics.
      • Problem-Solving Strategy boxes follow the IDEA framework and provide detailed guidance for specific classes of physics problems.
    • Pencil-style illustrations in worked examples show simple sketches that a student should draw while conceptualizing a problem.
    • Tactics boxes review mathematical topics and develop specific problem-solving skills.
  • Emphasize conceptual understanding:
    • Got It? questions present multiple-choice and ranking task problems in most sections to prompt students to check their understanding of key concepts as they read.
    • Every worked example begins byinterpreting what a problem asks and identifying the relevant concepts.
  • Connect to the real world:
    • Every chapter includes Applications exploring modern examples of physics in the real world.
    • Chapter-opener photos, accompanied by thought-provoking questions, showcase examples of physics in everyday life.

Richard Wolfson has been professor of physics at Middlebury College for more than twenty-five years. In addition to his textbooks, Essential University Physics, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, and Energy, Environment, and Climate,he has written two science books for general audiences: Nuclear Choices: A Citizen’s Guide to Nuclear Technology and Simply Einstein: Relativity Demystified. His video courses for the Teaching Company include Physics in Your Life, Einstein’s Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, and How the Universe Works: Understanding Physics, from Quark to Galaxy.

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