LEVEL: This book covers physics at the level of
algebra and
trigonometry. (If instead you’re looking for the calculus-based physics book, search for ISBN 1941691153.)
DESCRIPTION: This combination of physics study guide and workbook focuses on
essential problem-solving skills and strategies:
- Fully solved examples with explanations show you step-by-step how to solve standard physics problems.
- Handy charts tabulate the symbols, what they mean, and their SI units.
- Problem-solving strategies are broken down into steps and illustrated with examples.
- Answers, hints, intermediate answers, and explanations are provided for every practice exercise.
- Terms and concepts which are essential to solving physics problems are defined and explained.
VOLUME: This volume covers
motion, including uniform acceleration, vector addition, projectile motion, Newton’s laws, conservation of energy, collisions, rotation, satellites, and more. (Vol. 2 covers electricity and magnetism, while Vol. 3 covers waves, fluids, heat, sound, and light. Vol.’s 2-3 will be released in the spring of 2017.)
AUTHOR: The author, Dr. Chris McMullen, has over
20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana (and has also taught physics to gifted high school students). Dr. McMullen currently teaches physics at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He has also published a half-dozen papers on the collider phenomenology of superstring-inspired large extra dimensions. Chris McMullen earned his
Ph.D. in particle physics from Oklahoma State University (and his M.S. in physics from California State University, Northridge).
Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
- engaging physics students in challenging ideas through creativity
- breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
- providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
- his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
- helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
MATH REVIEW: Separate chapters cover essential algebra skills (like the quadratic formula), geometry formulas (like the area of a circle), and trigonometry skills (like finding an inverse tangent).
SOLUTIONS: The back of the book includes a detailed section of hints, intermediate answers, final answers, and explanations to help you solve each problem one step at a time. It’s like having a
physics tutor in the back of the book. (However, if you would prefer complete solutions, search for ISBN 1941691161.)
USES: This study guide workbook can be used to:
- learn how to solve fundamental physics problems
- find fully-solved examples of standard physics problems
- develop fluency in physics via practice exercises that include answers, hints, and explanations
- quickly find the most essential physics terms, concepts, and formulas
- review for standardized exams, such as MCAT, AP Physics, SAT, or the fundamentals of the GRE.
CALCULATOR: Every problem in this book can be solved without the aid of a calculator. This is handy for students who will take a standardized exam like the MCAT Physics, which doesn’t allow a calculator. (It’s also a handy skill to be able to estimate an answer without relying on a calculator.)
