Introduction to Understandable Physics: Volume III - Electricity, Magnetism and Light

Will Winn has written Introduction to Understandable Physics with the goal of presenting physics in a building-block fashion. Accordingly, Volume III. Electricity, Magnetism and Light requires a knowledge of Volume I. Mechanics and Volume II. Matter, Heat and Waves. Volume III begins with a study of electric charges, their electric fields/forces, and subsequently their motion as electric currents. These currents are shown to produce magnetic fields/forces, where electromagnets are studied as models for understanding permanent magnets. Next, the reverse process where magnetic fields produce current is examined and applied for generating electricity. AC and DC circuits exemplify further applications. Finally, electric and magnetic fields are found to produce electromagnetic waves that move at the speed of light. The study of light begins with historical measurements of its speed and then examines its electromagnetic power intensity, light spectra, human response and color perception. Next, light reflection and refraction are applied to mirrors, lenses, rainbows, eyeglasses, telescopes and microscopes. Subsequently, the text examines the wave nature of light, as exhibited by its diffraction and interference phenomena. Furthermore, when the electric field amplitudes of waves are oriented along one dimension, light is polarized. Polaroids filter out such "glaring" light when used in sunglasses. Finally, various light experiments provided early clues for discovering relativity and quantum mechanics, which are examined in Volume IV. Near the end of each chapter a Simple Projects section suggests experiments and/or field trips that can reinforce the physics covered. Some experiments are simple enough for students to explore alone, while others benefit from equipment available to physics instructors. Also optional text sections provide students with a deeper appreciation of the subject matter; however these are not required for continuity. Some of these optional topics can be candidates for term projects.