The Basics of Physics

by Richard L. Myers

Overview

Students will be introduced to the science of physics, and its applications to everyday life, in this volume. Tracing its development from antiquity to the present, the author examines all aspects of physics including motion, work, energy, heat, matter, light, and electricity. Quantum & Nuclear physics are also included. The chapter with instructions for experiments in physics will assist students in projects for science fairs, and the chapter on physics as a career will help students to explore the various options for working in this field of science. A glossary, conversion table, and list of the Nobel Prize Winners in Physics will provide the additional tools necessary for students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313328572
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/30/2005
Series:	Basics of the Hard Sciences
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.88(d)

About the Author

Rusty L. Myers is professor of environmental science at Alaska Pacific University where he has taught for the past 25 years. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in chemistry, environmental science, and statistics. Dr. Myers' research includes work on air quality, water quality, science education, and science and the humanities. He has received several national awards for teaching, including the 1994 Alaska Professor of the Year award from the Carnegie Foundation for Higher Education.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Physics and its Early Foundations
The Development of Classical Physics
Translational Motion
Rotational Motion
Work and Energy
Heat
Matter
Vibrations, Waves, and Sound
Light and Optics
Quantum Physics
A Modern View of the Atom
Nuclear Physics
Electricity
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Relativity
Physics Experiments
Physics as a Career
Glossary
Selected Symbols, Abbreviations, and Units
Selected Bibliography and Internet Resources

Editorial Reviews

Myers has written, for the Basics of the Hard Sciences series, an introductory book for students with a broad prospective. The basics of classical, quantum, and nuclear physics, as well as relativity, are discussed with many diagrams and tables for the uninitiated. A section is provided with physics experiments that are simple enough for most high school students. Myers offers a brief history of the theories and facts presented, something missing in many science works. There is also a brief introduction to the field of physics as a career, possibly encouraging a student to study further. Finally, the book contains a fairly handy glossary, table of elements, conversion tables, selected bibliography, and good index. Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates.” —Choice

“The text is well written, minimizes the math presented, gives good descriptions of the concepts, and includes interesting historical accounts of the developments in the various fields of physics.” —SB&F

“After reviewing the history of physics and its founders, this introductory textbook explains the basic principles of mechanics, motion, work, energy, heat, matter, vibration and waves, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. A glossary and 25 simple experiments are provided.” —SciTech Book News

From the Publisher