The vast majority of people that are looking at this book are doing so because it is required for their calculus-based physics class. If that is the case, you have no choice in whether to get it or not. If, however, you want a textbook to self-study from, I do think that this is a good option. The chapter text does a good job of presenting the theory for the various concepts that you will see in a two-semester physics curriculum. The last couple of chapters of the book deal with Nuclear Physics and Particle Physics, which will probably not be covered unless you decide to take upper-level physics classes.
This is for a calculus-based physics course so the explanation of the theory is more rigorous and calculus is used to derive the equations. Some of the problems in the problem sets do require using calculus to solve them, but for the most part, calculus is used to derive the equations that are used to algebraically solve the problems. The problems are broken down by difficulty level with one dot being the easiest problems (that are similar to the basic examples in the chapter text), two dot problems (that are similar to the 1 or 2 very detailed examples), and three dot problems which are much harder. In order to understand the math being presented in the book you definitely need to have two semesters of calculus under your belt, and it is very helpful to have already taken multi-variable calculus as some concepts you learn there, like the dot product and the cross product are discussed. If you have only taken algebra or pre-calculus, much of what is in the book will go right over your head.
Overall, I do think the book is good, but it does have some of the same problems inherent to many math, science, and engineering textbooks. Specifically, the examples in the chapter only prepare you for tackling some of the problems, but the chapter examples are almost useless when it comes to helping you figure out the level-three problems. I would suggest pairing this with one of the study guides that have additional worked-out problems because chances are you will come across a problem that will be nearly impossible to figure out (especially if you are trying to teach yourself the subject) just by reading the chapter and working through the easier problems.
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Fundamentals of Physics Loose Leaf – 8 March 2010
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This book arms engineers with the tools to apply key physics concepts in the field. A number of the key figures in the new edition are revised to provide a more inviting and informative treatment. The figures are broken into component parts with supporting commentary so that they can more readily see the key ideas. Material from The Flying Circus is incorporated into the chapter opener puzzlers, sample problems, examples and end-of-chapter problems to make the subject more engaging. Checkpoints enable them to check their understanding of a question with some reasoning based on the narrative or sample problem they just read. Sample Problems also demonstrate how engineers can solve problems with reasoned solutions.
- Print length1056 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherJohn Wiley & Sons Inc
- Publication date8 March 2010
- Dimensions23.1 x 3.65 x 27.55 cm
- ISBN-100470556536
- ISBN-13978-0470556535
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Product details
- Publisher : John Wiley & Sons Inc; 9th edition (8 March 2010)
- Language : English
- Loose Leaf : 1056 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0470556536
- ISBN-13 : 978-0470556535
- Dimensions : 23.1 x 3.65 x 27.55 cm
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- GMMReviewed in the United States on 17 March 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars University Level Physics Textbook!
Verified PurchaseThis book contains all of the content that you need in order to get a university level education in practically all of physics. I used this book as a Junior in High School in order to do an independent study for the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. This book enabled me to get a 4 on this exam, as well as prepare me for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam, in which I got a 5. As this is an older version, the answers are readily available, and there are hardly any future revisions. I highly advise using this textbook as a resource in a calculus based physics course.
- AppleReviewed in the United States on 24 February 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Great to use instead of using the newer edition
Verified PurchaseIs good to reference through my physics major. I bought this edition due to my professor suggesting it for University Physics 1 and 2. I kept it to cross reference in my upper degree classes! Explains calculus based physics well!