Portable TA: A Physics Problem Solving Guide, Volume I

Customer Reviews:

Great book!.......2005-04-26

I'm taking AP Physics C in high school and this has proven to be a valuable book. It takes time to do the problems and read his solutions. But it's worth the time. Helps you built intution.

Missing a Topic?.......2000-12-05

This book was great. Elby's explanations of physics are uncomparable with textbooks'. However, I was really surprised at the fact that a whole topic was omitted from both volumes of his book. He seemed to have omitted "THERMODYNAMICS," a hardcore topic of physics. I thought that was unbelievable, but hey what can I say? Only 1/3 of my upcoming physics final will be on THERMODYNAMICS. Blah!

He explains the principles clearly but.......2000-05-02

At times the font size for an equation appears to be about the half the font size of the other equations on the page. This happens sporadically in the book. Also, some of the labeling of the diagrams have an even SMALLER font size. This is annoying. Very annoying when you end up looking at the equation several times. The irony is that I took this physics course while I was in the navy via correspondence. The above was on the syllabus of thing not to do! In the end I can say this book helped me pass the course with a "B". He does show you how to approach a problem different ways. And the tests he has on the book ... excellent.

Excellant commentary but get a magnifying glass.......2000-04-18

The commentary is very good. The author shows different approaches to solve physics problems and which approach is better (and why). What is the downside? You will see an equation with a smaller font size. There is an inconsistency in how the smaller font size is applied. The commentary may be a page long with several equations. Usually one equation has the smaller font size. It appears to decrease to a #8 font. It does not stop there. Some of the labeling of the drawing is smaller. Looks like #6. This type of activity would not endear you to the TA or Prof. as they grade your exams. Hopefully, the next edition comes enclosed with a magnifying glass.

You should get this book........2000-03-01

This explained things much more clearly than my textbook. If you're taking physics you should get it.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers 2e, Volume I (Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics)

Average customer rating:

Physics for Scientists and Engineers 2e, Volume I (Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics)
Richard Wolfson , and Jay M. Pasaschoff
Manufacturer: Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume I: Extended Version (2nd Edition)

Average customer rating:

Great textbook for those willing to learn
Not the best, but acceptable
You can understand it, but there are easier ways
Do the authors come from some 5th dimension?!
Tough Subject

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume I: Extended Version (2nd Edition)
Paul M. Fishbane , Stephen Gasiorowicz , and Stephen T. Thornton
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Applied | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Engineering | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Physics: for Scientists and Engineers : Student Study Guide & Selected Solutions Manual
Single Variable Calculus Early Transcendentals Version (6th Edition)
Introduction to MATLAB 7 for Engineers
Differential Equations (2nd Edition)
General Chemistry (4th Edition)

ASIN: 013231150X

Book Description

Appropriate for both scientists and engineers. A comprehensive introduction to calculus-based physics which presents balance between theory and applications, between concepts and problem-solving, between mathematics and physics, and finally, between technology and traditional pedagogical methods. Maintains theoretical coverage, but supplements it with applications boxes, on topics such as: timed traffic lights, jet engines, simple machines, drag racing, flight navigator, cranes, quartz watches, smoke detectors, capacitors as power sources for laptop computers, television antennas, and fiber optics. Places emphasis on concepts, showing the motivation for the physics. This conceptual emphasis has been maintained, but supporting problem-solving apparatus has been dramatically revised. All mathematics in the book is self-contained, and major mathematical tools are introduced as needed. Vectors, a topic that requires a lot of practice, are covered in depth.

Customer Reviews:

Great textbook for those willing to learn.......2007-05-15

Regardless of what the engineering undergrads say, this textbook is great. Previously an engineering undergrad myself - turned physics, this is by far the best physics textbook i've come in contact with. Higher physics textbooks are usually very dry, but this book makes entry level physics fun to learn. The reason all of the engineering undergrads have a problem with this book is because they are used to plugging numbers into equations. If you seek to get an actual UNDERSTANDING of the concepts and wish to brush up on your calculus, this is an excellent book for you. If you don't, I wouldn't recommend this or any other physics textbook.

Not the best, but acceptable.......2007-01-28

This text book is not the best physics book I've ever used, but if you're good at calculus and you're a natural you shouldn't have too much trouble.

Problems with the book:

1.) Almost every solution given in the back of the book or the solutions manual is entirely wrong. So you will just have to trust that you worked it out correctly or take it to someone who knows what they are doing and ask them to verify concepts that you are having trouble with or that you don't think you understand to the full capacity.
2.) The definitions given are vague and often inconsistent, so you will have to do most of the thinking yourself and derive the definitions from common sense.

Pro's of the book:
1.) If you read the introduction and go through the in-chapter examples concentrating very hard, you should come out with a pretty good understanding of the material and be able to work out most of the problems in the back.
2.) If you go to this website: http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_fishbane_physics_3
It gives you a summary for each chapter, all of the important formulas for that chapter, and it gives you "practice problems" which are incredibly helpful.

You can understand it, but there are easier ways.......2006-08-15

I am an engineering student, and this book was the required text for my University Physics course. My teacher sucked big time, and I couldn't grasp ANYTHING from lectures alone. I thought by concentrating on the textbook alone, I could get the material. One thing I can tell you is that if you read the book with utmost concentration, you can understand the material to a moderate level. HOWEVER, this process takes up much of your time, because the book is filled with derivations of several formulae that you don't really need to know, and the syntax can confuse you often. If Physics is your true passion and you WANT to learn EVERYTHING about it (and have enough free time to read through this book without ever feeling a little bored), then this book will be useful for you. Otherwise, you're better off with a study guide and also, another physics text for reference.

Do the authors come from some 5th dimension?!.......2005-10-22

I took calculus I, and taking calculus II at the same time with my physics course. As a physics fan, I am pretty much disatisfied with this book. If you have already known some basic concepts in physics, you may find that this book provides more confusion than understanding. If you don't know anything about physics, you should not use this book as a base for your knowledge in physics. The author explains things as if he assumes that you know what is going on in his mind!

I have more to say about the problem exercises in this book. There are a couple of typos that if you have to use this book as your textbook for physics course, you may find out. The problems in the book are divided into 3 levels according to their difficulties: level I, II, and III. Sometimes, if don't want to say many times, I have no significant difficulties in solving a level III problem, but have a painful experience in solving level II problems. Level I is usually easy, but can be tricky. A major difficulty in solving problems in this book, even though you understand the physics concepts, is that you don't know what the problems are asking for. It is because the questions are often very ambiguous. You can check out some examples: problem 11 page 54 (note that the value 39.25 is a typo), 15 page 113, 24(c) page 204. These are just a few examples to give you a sense. If you are "lucky" enough to have this book as your textbook, and have to solve the problems in there for your homework, you will experience more!

Tough Subject.......2005-09-05

Physics is no easy subject, especially when every aspect is supposed to be understood. Even high school physics is no laughing matter, and so I can understand the frustration some of the people voice on this book. If you want a book that will allow you to plug in specifically easy problems into the specific couple of equations you learned in the chapter, this book is not for you. However, if you desire a book that will give you all the tools and understanding to solve almost any general problem that is thrown at you, you better not wait another second to buy this book.

This book harnesses Calculus to provide more powerful equations. While the derivations of equations look frighteningly daunting, if you read them carefully and do not move on until you understand how the authors got to it, your ability to ad-lib on other problems will be tremendously increased. I must admit, however, that the sample problems do not always prepare you adequately for the end of the chapter problems. The level one problems are too easy. The level two problems are adequate but can usually be solved by searching through the chapter and sticking in the number into an equation found there. And the level three problems are nearlly impossible, but, if solved, give you a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

If you are ready to be challenged and wish to learn true physics, you have nothing to be afraid of to buy this book.

Conference Moshe Flato 1999, Volume 1: Quantization, Deformations, and Symmetries (Mathematical Physics Studies)

Average customer rating:

Conference Moshe Flato 1999, Volume 1: Quantization, Deformations, and Symmetries (Mathematical Physics Studies)
Giuseppe, Ed. Dito
Manufacturer: Kluwer Academic Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Mathematical Physics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Quantum Theory | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0792365402

Book Description

These two volumes constitute the Proceedings of the `Conférence Moshé Flato, 1999'. Their spectrum is wide but the various areas covered are, in fact, strongly interwoven by a common denominator, the unique personality and creativity of the scientist in whose honor the Conference was held, and the far-reaching vision that underlies his scientific activity.
With these two volumes, the reader will be able to take stock of the present state of the art in a number of subjects at the frontier of current research in mathematics, mathematical physics, and physics. Volume I is prefaced by reminiscences of and tributes to Flato's life and work. It also includes a section on the applications of sciences to insurance and finance, an area which was of interest to Flato before it became fashionable. The bulk of both volumes is on physical mathematics, where the reader will find these ingredients in various combinations, fundamental mathematical developments based on them, and challenging interpretations of physical phenomena.
Audience: These volumes will be of interest to researchers and graduate students in a variety of domains, ranging from abstract mathematics to theoretical physics and other applications. Some parts will be accessible to proficient undergraduate students, and even to persons with a minimum of scientific knowledge but enough curiosity.

Distributions in the Physical and Engineering Sciences: Volume 1 (Applied and Numerical Harmonic Analysis)

Average customer rating:

Excellent Introduction

Distributions in the Physical and Engineering Sciences: Volume 1 (Applied and Numerical Harmonic Analysis)
Alexander I. Saichev , and Wojbor A. Woyczynski
Manufacturer: Birkhauser
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Mathematical Analysis | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Techniques and Applications of Path Integration (Dover Books on Physics)

ASIN: 0817639241

Book Description

Distributions in the Physical and Engineering Sciences is a comprehensive exposition on analytic methods for solving science and engineering problems which is written from the unifying viewpoint of distribution theory and enriched with many modern topics which are important to practioners and researchers. The goal of the book is to give the reader, specialist and non-specialist useable and modern mathematical tools in their research and analysis. This new text is intended for graduate students and researchers in applied mathematics, physical sciences and engineering. The careful explanations, accessible writing style, and many illustrations/examples also make it suitable for use as a self-study reference by anyone seeking greater understanding and proficiency in the problem solving methods presented. The book is ideal for a general scientific and engineering audience, yet it is mathematically precise.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction.......2000-07-27

This book provides a simple, example-based discussion of its subtle subject matter which will have you conversant in the material in no time. It gets to the ideas of the subject without making you wade through pages of formalism and abstraction first. This is science writing at its best.

Itep Lectures on Particle Physics and Field Theory (World Scientific Lecture Notes in Physics, Volumes I and II)

Average customer rating:

Itep Lectures on Particle Physics and Field Theory (World Scientific Lecture Notes in Physics, Volumes I and II)
Mikhail A. Shifman
Manufacturer: World Scientific Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 9810226403

Book Description

For almost two decades Prof. Shifman, a clear and pedagogical expositor, has been giving review lectures on frontier topics in theoretical high energy physics. This two-volume book is a collection of some of the best of those lectures. The lectures written in the 1980's and early 1990's have been revised and updated specifically for this publication. The lectures in this book are intended for beginners - graduate students and young researchers - who are about to delve into the intricacies of the theory. They were used by the author in his course "Advanced Modern Field Theory and Its Applications", given in the academic year 1994/95 at the University of Minnesota.

A wide range of key topics is covered. In Volume 1, the first two chapters are devoted to quantum chromodynamics as the theory of hadrons. The author gives an in-depth discussion of a variety of powerful methods based on Wilson's operator product expansion. Chapter 3 (written together with V Novikov, A Vainshtein, and V Zakharov) is the most systematic and pedagogical presentation of instantons in the gauge theories one can find in the literature. Chapter 4 introduces supersymmetry. Chapter 5, concluding this volume, reviews the fascinating dynamics of supersymmetric gauge theories in the strong coupling regime. Chapter 6, which opens Volume 2, is a culmination of the supersymmetric theme. It gives a state-of-the-art description of the breakthrough developments in supersymmetric gauge theories. It has been written specifically for this book by A Vainshtein and the author. Chapter 7 is designed as a primer of two-dimensional conformal field theory, which constitutes the basis of modern string theory. Chapter 8, the last, presents remarkable new findings in quantum mechanics. Every chapter contains exercises and a list of recommended literature.

Book Description

This best-selling, calculus-based text is recognized for its carefully crafted, logical presentation of the basic concepts and principles of physics. Raymond Serway, Robert Beichner, and contributing author John W. Jewett present a strong problem-solving approach that is further enhanced through increased realism in worked examples. Problem-solving strategies and hints allow students to develop a systematic approach to completing homework problems. The outstanding ancillary package includes full multimedia support, online homework, and a content-rich Web site that provides extensive support for instructors and students. The CAPA (Computer-assisted Personalized Approach), WebAssign, and University of Texas homework delivery systems give instructors flexibility in assigning online homework.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2005-09-22

I have several Physics textbooks and this was by far the best one. For those of you considering buying a supplement for the one your school assigned to you, definetly get this one.

The content was succint, informative, and helpful, beyond what my other textbook, a Tipler one, had. This is the best there is!

Great for self instruction and very clear........2004-06-16

I am not sure whether this text is worthwile having in conjunction with a physics course. It is, however, wonderful for self instruction. The author often shows several different ways you can see the same concept, which defefinately helps you gain a deep understanding of physics. The prose is clear and organized. The author is constantly showing you phenomena related to whatever Serway may be talking about to help foster your curiousity (though that may be unecessary). I recommend you get the two seperate volumes. This one is HUGE and heavy. That is my only criticism. Half the book is problems. The problems are excellent and sometimes require deep thought. I learned college physics this way, and am only in middle school. This book really has all you need.

Absolutley Excellent Text........2004-02-13

I am not sure about the problems that some of the other users have come in contact with, but I found this text extremely useful. I used the text 3 or 4 years ago, and I still refer to it often. It has such a wide range of topics with excellent descriptions and great example problems. The text is also beneficial to those who are, lets say, mathematically inclined.

Don't forget, the book isn't going to do all of the work for you, you do have to put some effort into it.

The same goes for Volume II

Hope this helped.

Very unclear!.......2003-12-21

This book would be fine for a student with a very good teacher but, if you have a teacher that is very hard to understand because of his accent ,as in my case, then you need a book that makes it possible to teach yourself and this one is definitely not it!

One of the better first-year texts.......2003-08-19

I am amused by the comments of the reviewers panning this text. Serway is one of about 5 first-year physics texts. These all cover almost the same material, and in almost the same way (down to keeping the same subjects in the same subject numbers). Serway is one of the best of this groups - in my personal opinion, the best; but many will disagree.
In any event, one can only say to the kiddies, "sorry you can't understand Serway, because that's as good as it gets."

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume I, Chapters 1-22

Average customer rating:

A great read with clear and thorough explanations and deriva
My think is......
Professors: Please Reconsider Using This Text
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Don't EVER use this book for intro physics

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume I, Chapters 1-22
Lawrence S. Lerner
Manufacturer: Jones & Bartlett Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Textbook Binding

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0867204915

Book Description

This refreshing, new text is a friendly companion to help students master the challenging concepts in a standard two-or three-semester, calculus-based physics course. Dr. Lerner carefully develops every concept with detailed explanations while incorporating the mathematical underpinnings of the concepts. This juxtaposition enables students to attain a deeper understanding of physical concepts while developing their skill at manipulating equations.

Customer Reviews:

A great read with clear and thorough explanations and deriva.......2004-06-17

A great read with clear and thorough explanations and derivations. Now a graduate student, I find myself retreating back to this, my freshman physics text, for explanations that are often taken for granted in many graduate level courses and texts.

I remember my frustration with this text as a freshman. However, my difficulties then were mainly the result of my immaturity as a student, as well as the fact that this subject matter is indeed challenging. Instead of blaming the book, I should have been taking more time to read it carefully. Rushing through the text without any deep thought and reflection, and then immediately attempting the problems only led to more confusion and frustration. Thus, to a certain capacity, I can understand the low reviews given by some young students. But someday these students may find themselves cherishing this text as much as I do today.

I am presently "re-reading" this text from cover to cover, and gaining several insights per chapter. (I say re-reading in quotes because I never really gave it a fair read the first time.) I especially appreciate the historical perspective that Dr. Lerner provides, discussing the people and the actual experiments that led to the physical breakthroughs that we take for granted today. I have almost finished reading the entire text, approximately 800 out of 1000 pages, in a little over a month, proving that it is indeed very readable. It is in my excitement about the overall understanding that I have gained in the past month or so, that I felt the need to write this review.

The only reason I am giving this text four stars instead of five is because of a few significant typos that took me a while to get past (particularly in the second thermodynamics chapter under the reversible heat engines and refrigeration section, as well as a couple in the electricity and magnetism chapters). There are of course less significant typos scattered throughout the text as well, as there are in any text, but they are usually pretty obvious. As far as symbol usage goes, I found Dr. Lerner's choices fairly standard with most professional practice, so I am not quite sure why a reviewer had a complaint in this category.

The care in which Dr. Lerner presents the material is remarkable. He constructs the theory in an elegant, inviting manner that is clear and detailed. He does not skip steps when manipulating equations, and makes every effort to base the mathematics in an intuitive physical context. For these reasons, I give this text a very strong recommendation. In fact, I have enjoyed this text so much that it has motivated me to order his follow-on text, "Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers".

My think is.............2003-01-23

(First of all, sorry, but I can't English well)
This is my first Physics Book except that I studied in highschool.
Of cource, This book is quite difficult, but this text is
explaning in very detail for thinking like phsicist rather than simply for solve the problems.
If you want to be a Physics that I want to be also, I recommed this book strongly.
Obvously, I think that choosing this book is not both easy and
fast way, nevertheless I like this book for Student that want to be a Physicist.

Professors: Please Reconsider Using This Text.......2001-05-10

Having maintained a 4.0 GPA and being the top physics student at my level of college, I feel I am qualified to pass judgment on the usefulness of this textbook. I'm not particularly sure what Mr. Lerner was trying to accomplish, but if it was confusing introductory physics students, he was extremely successful. The questions are often vague and poorly asked and generally only marginally resemble the way the material was presented in the preceding chapter. In order to gain a decent understanding of the presented material, I was often forced to the Internet or another physics text. Many of the symbol choices were archaic or completely confusing. Often the same symbol was used extensively for different parameters when there are a plethora of acceptable and more often used symbols available (current, frequency, etc.). Any professor considering use of this textbook had better truly excel in his/her profession, or expect a tremendous number of confused, desperate, and eventually disillusioned students. Do everyone a favor and use something (anything) else. Physics should be challenging, but not so frustrating as to remove any enthusiasm for its study. This textbook is the perfect example of how to discourage students from pursuing a career in a particular subject!

Physics for Scientists and Engineers.......2000-05-25

I actually wanted to give this book a zero rating but was notgiven the option. Dr. Lerner may be an excellent physicist but he is aterrible textbook writer. This book explains nothing to a beginning physics student. The examples and questions are confusing and worthless...

Don't EVER use this book for intro physics.......1999-11-29

Our entire class has virtually thrown this book out and adopted other physics texts. While I am sure it covers the material, it does not teach you physics -- perhaps a good review text for those brushing up, but as an intro text I found it vague and obtuse. While I have never taken physics before, I do maintain a 4.0 GPA, and what little I have been able to derive from Lerner's text was hard fought on my part. Lerner does not address his audience effectively. He often explains theory as his only example of a concept, he does not provide nearly enough sample problems of the very basic nature, and the end-of-the-chapter problems are occationally so badly worded you cannot really tell what he intends his reader to solve. This text needs a very thorough editing before it can be a very good introductory text.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume I

Average customer rating:

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume I
Robert Beichner Raymond A. Serway
Manufacturer: Thomson Brooks/Cole
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OA232O

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books