Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text (with PhysicsNOW)

1) They cover all topics of physics (including modern physics) in 31 chapters, more easily coverable in 2 semesters. To accomplish this, they removed some utlitarian aspects found in more traditional texts. I think Einstein would have liked this. Some utilitarian aspects are best left for (and in fact better covered by) engineering courses anyway.
2) They combined Newtonian relativity and special relativity into a single chapter and moved it to chapter 9, to be covered in first semester.
3) They introduce ALL fundamental forces in chapter 5 and apply a global approach to energy conservation in chapter 6. This allows them to implement a recommendation by the American Physical Society to present the first law of thermo as delta E = Q + W. Finally! Thermodynamics convention is in line with classical mechanics convention.

True, many staunch physics professors may not like the "prettiness" of the book, but I think this is a "walked ten miles to school in the snow" response. The following features make calc-based general physics more learnable for the first year college student:

1) Context overlay: the book is divided into 8 context sections that are associated with current challenges in our society. Chapters 2 through 11 are placed within the context of a mission to mars. This layout does not force the instructor to follow the context, but provides the student with things to think about while studying the material.
2) Pitfall prevention: marginal notes that tell the student what NOT to think or do with a concept or equation.
3) Modeling explained: THIS IS A BIG DEAL. In chapter 1, the authors explain how physicists use models to represent reality. They then reveal throughout the text the models that are used in the development of subject matter. This helps the student to actually learn about the philosophy of physics, and not just how to solve problems. But make no mistake. This approach actually helps the student learn how to solve problems. This is very important to the physics major, but also helps the engineering major understand the origin of the fundamental equations they use.
4) Mathematical level: Calculus is introduced gradually, since most students are taking first year calculus and physics concurrently. Most steps are shown when basic equations are developed, and references are made to mathematical appendices at the back of the text. Vector and scalar addition is introduced in chapter 1 to support kinematics in chapters 2 and 3, but the dot product is introduced in chapter 6 with work and energy and the cross product is introduced in chapter 10 with rotational dynamics.

There is more that can be done to improve the state of our general physics textbooks, but this is a great start. So I rated them "5 stars."


Right Book, Great Timing   October 20, 2007
Maximus (Everywhere)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

It was the right book, they got it to me on time, and im happy.


Good.   January 3, 2007
B. Aminitehrani (California)
0 out of 3 found this review helpful

Good books about Physics. Not to difficult to understand, but not that easy either (It's PHYSICS!!!)


Excellent   September 11, 2005
Armando Lopez
2 out of 19 found this review helpful

Great service. I had the book in just a few days after I ordered. Thankyou,
Armando


very good   September 21, 2008
Amanda Jo Brown (bethany, wv)
the book was in the condition that was stated, if not better, and they even gave me the solutions manual on a cd which helps out tremendously!