Product Description
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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

A Ninth Edition?
Who the F cares--Why in the hell is Wiley putting out a NINTH edition?The publishers just put out the the eighth edition, and I've had several faculty people tell me that there was not enough difference between the seventh and eighth to make it worthwhile to use the eighth....and now a ninth?

The name of the book is "Fundamentals of Physics"--not "Cutting Edge of High Particle Physics, So We Have to Keep Putting Out New Editions to Include New Information."

If there REALLY is some NEW and EXCITING and CAN'T BE MISSED info, then Wiley could at least publish a supplement, instead of a whole new edition.The ONLY possible reason for putting out numerous editions of good textbooks for basic science is to screw undergrads, who then can't either buy used books nor sell their books back to incoming students.

Wiley and it's parent company should be ashamed of themselves.And Halliday should know better than to attach his name to such a naked attempt to simply separate Undergraduates' from the Undergraduates already too scarce lunch money.I hope and pray some close, personal friends and family members point out to Halliday how despicable he (Halliday) really is.

Missing Materials.
The book i received does not include the companion cd like the other reviewers have mentioned. I bought this book thinking that WileyPlus Online access was included, but i was wrong. I called Amazon Customer Service before purchasing the book and they told me they do not know. Don't get this item if you are expecting the Online Code because you will be disappointed.

Wonderful!
Very fast shipping from the seller as well as a great looking used book!Couldn't ask for more, it looked better than some of the new text books I've purchased.

buy the older edition
This is a very thorough book, and comes with many examples, pictures and problems, but so do the past two editions and you can get those for $20. So why spend so much on this new edition just to get a new cover? Trust me, I'm a college student and I learned fast that by buying the older editions of textbooks you can save a bundle.

recommended
The book was in good shape as it was described. It arrived within the expected time. ... Read more

Product Description
Get a better grade in Physics!
Physics may be challenging, but with training and practice you can come out of your physics class with the grade you want! With Stuart Loucks' Introductory Physics with Algebra as a Second Language(TM): Mastering Problem-Solving, you'll get the practice and training you need to better understand fundamental principles, build confidence, and solve problems.

Here's how you can get a better grade in physics:

Understand the basic language of physics
Introductory Physics with Algebra as a Second Language(TM) will help you make sense of your textbook and class notes so that you can use them more effectively. The text explains key topics in algebra-based physics in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Break problems down into simple steps
Introductory Physics with Algebra as a Second Language(TM) teaches you to recognize details that tell you how to begin new problems. You will learn how to effectively organize the information, decide on the correct equations, and ultimately solve the problem.

Learn how to tackle unfamiliar physics problems
Stuart Loucks coaches you in the fundamental concepts and approaches needed to set up and solve the major problem types. As you learn how to deal with these kinds of problems, you will be better equipped to tackle problems you have never seen before.

Improve your problem-solving skills
You'll learn timesaving problem-solving strategies that will help you focus your efforts and avoid potential pitfalls. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Physics for Newbies
First review here on Amazon because I really like this book and I hope that someone will also buy this book and help them, too. Without this book, I would've failed the first exam. Lectures, PowerPoint slides, handouts, the required textbook, and the MasteringPhysics website were no match for this one little book. Explains problems that everyone new to Physics would understand.

This is *the* Physics book if you're an undergraduate!

Yeah, what they said
I am another former ARC student who had the opportunity to take Beginning Physics from Professor Loucks, in Spring 2006, using a "beta" version of this title as the class textbook.It explained all the relevant concepts clearly and succinctly and provided an excellent foundation for my future calculus-based physics courses.I've hung on to the printed-out version of the text in a binder for reference and for sharing with anyone I need to explain the concepts in question to; eventually I'll probably get a hard copy and I advise anyone who hasn't had the opportunity I did to do the same.

Great book but incomplete
If you find yourself muddling through a horrible textbook that assumes you'll be able to follow along any leaps in logic and understanding, this book is a great supplement. It breaks everything down in a clear way and direct way,and it teaches you how to think CONCEPTUALLY about the problems, instead of just throwing an equation at you and expecting you to apply it mechanically.

However, the material covered here is not sufficient for even a full semester of college physics, nevermind a a year (i.e. electromagnetism). It stops at torque and angular momentum. What about fluids, waves, sound and heat, which are par for the course in 1st semester intro physics?? The book is VERY slim, and in my mind does not justify the nearly $30 price tag.

Pretty good.
This resource is very good, I actually got into this series from the Ochem as a 2nd langauge book which I was FLAT OUT blown away by.That book was amazing.This by comparison wasn't as good.

Hard standards to live up to though I guess.Kobe Bryant has to live in Michael Jordan's shadow no matter what he does.I'm afraid this is probably an excellent book but I have to give 4 stars because it isn't quite as good as the others.

It explains the topics pretty well (not amazing) and gives a problem or two to practice, not a ton of examples though (I guess that would be too hard because physics problems take so long to explain and complete).You don't come out of this feeling like you are a pro.That Ochem book did make you feel like a pro though.Good overall,not great.

Well organized and is a great overview
Each section gives a problem as an example and gives you step by step methods of how to approach and solve a problem.There are some sections that focus only on how to setup problems, but most are integrated within the examples given.It is a very useful tool to use when trying to break down tough questions.The hardest obstacle, when given a problem, is determining the physics and setup behind it.This book does its job well and is worth every penny. ... Read more

Product Description
This detailed manual reviews all topics covered in the New York State high school curriculum for physics and prepares students to pass the Regents Physics Exam. Topics covered include a general introduction, motion in one dimension, forces and Newton's laws, vector quantities and their applications, circular motion and gravitation, momentum and its conservation, work and energy, the properties of matter, static electricity, electric current and circuits, magnetism and electromagnetism, waves and sound, light and geometric optics, solid-state physics, modern physics from Planck's hypothesis to Einstein's special theory of relativity, and nuclear energy. One recently-given actual Regents Physics Exam is also presented with an answer key. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (49)

A Well Written "State of the Art."
I have to agree with some of the more negative comments about the book.I read it over a two-month period, and have to say that it does a good job of glossing over much of String Theory;you can learn more about it by watching "Elegant Universe" or "What the #$#@?" than you will in this book.And as a previous reviewer has stated, he gives the false impression that String Theory is presently under experimentation;the fact that many of its claims are untestable are what makes it more a philosophy than a scientific theory.It has been productive, but it is far from the holy grail it has been made out to be.

That said, the book is at least well-written prose.But you'll learn more from Brian Greene than you will from THIS author.

Captured, Captivated and Educated Me
Not a student of the sciences, they're mostly Greek to me, I decided to read this book anyway, because you're never to old to learn. And I did learn a lot. I learned that the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know. Most of the universe is a complete mystery, I didn't know that. I didn't know that physicists spent their waking and dreaming hours worrying about dark matter and dark energy. I didn't even know what they were, till now and I watch a lot of SciFi movies and TV shows.

This book is about the state of physics today and it's also a bit of a travel log into some very interesting places that I know I'll never get to, well who'd want to go a couple feet underground in Minnesota in an old iron mine or go out on the ice on Lake Baikal in Siberia. Physicists go to those places though and more. They do it to learn.

I didn't know that physicists needed to travel to the ends of the earth to find extreme conditions to do their experiments. I didn't know a lot and now that I know a little I know that I know almost nothing, if that makes sense. On thing I do know though, is that this book captivated me, captured me and educated me a little. Not only that, I've got it on my bedside table, because I'll be looking at it a bit every night, so that I can fall asleep thinking about dark matter too.

Covers a lot of territory, but very well
One on the best books on the new cosmology I've read.It covers an amazing range of topics, but does it well.The approach of using of a travel log to earth's extremes, profiling scientists trying to unravel dark matter, dark energy, and empirically verify or disprove the various theories of everything, was a fantastic premise for a book.Credit to Ananthaswamy that it turned out so well!Be sure to visit the author's website to see pictures of the fascinating locations and characters described in the book!

Good writing...not just dry science
There are some science book that I read that I would not recommend to my friends unless they are deeply interested in the topic.This book is on the cusp.The author does and amazing job of telling the story not only of the science behind the location but the story of the location and how we got to this point in history.
I was amazed at how invested I became in this book...wanting to know what experiments were being conducted in the high mountains of India or in the desert of Africa and how we got here.
If you've read much about particle physics or on cosmology then the science itself is not new but the testing facilities you may be unaware of.

Serious food for thought, but easy to read!
That is what I liked best about this book; it is full of answers to the questions that you never thought to ask. And here it is laid out for you in a way that is so enthralling and fun to discover more about the world we live in! The author is extremely intelligent but writes in a way that makes you feel like he is sitting there explaining something to you like a favorite teacher of yours used to. Good for a summer read to keep your mind from turning to mush! ... Read more

Product Description
Cracking the AP Physics C Exam, 2010 Edition includes proven strategies for success on the AP Physics C test. This book, fromtest prep experts at The Princeton Review, includes everything you need to score high on your AP exam:

•2 full-length AP Physics C practice tests with detailed explanations
•Thorough review of top Physics C topics, including Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism
•Coverage of AP Physics subjects - vectors, kinematics, Newton’s laws, linear momentum, rotational motion, gravitation, oscillations, forces & fields, direct current circuits, electromagnetic induction and much more
•Detailed answers for practice AP Physics C multiple-choice and free response questions
•Planning and organization tips to get you all the way to test day! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great prep book!
The Princeton review prep book for ap physics c has been very helpful. As a high school student taking ap physics c, this prep book simplified the hardest concepts into easy to understand words. However, sometimes the material may be too broad and not too in depth. Therefore, if you are looking for a supplement to a textbook, this is the choice for you. If you are looking for in depth, but harder practice tests, then go barron's.

Get this to prepare for AP-C physics; it covers areas not in the SAT physics book!
My son has taken both the SAT Subject Test in Physics and the AP Physics C exam this spring. We got a study guide for each, since the SAT Subject Test covers some information that is not on the AP exam.

But it would not have been enough to get just one book; he needed the AP book for the level C test, since it involves use of calculus (unlike the SAT Subject Test and the B level AP test). We don't have his scores yet, but he thinks he did well and found both Princeton Review books to be helpful.

All I Needed For the Test
This book was a cheap way to get prepared for the AP Physics Test. It doesn't have as much info as a real textbook so it's not as interesting, but it has all you really need and presents it pretty clearly. ... Read more

Product Description
These fundamental principles have been discovered and applied in the past fifty years--in the memory of the living. They have revolutionized science in all its departments. Our textbooks on Chemistry, Light, Heat, Electricity and Sound have had to be entirely re-written; and in many other departments, notably in medicine and psychology, they have yet to be re-written. Our textbooks are in a transition state, each new one going a step farther, to make the change gradual from the old forms of belief to the new, so that even Tyndall's textbook on "Sound" is now so antedated, or antiquated, that it might have been written in darkest Africa before the pyramids were built, instead of twenty years ago. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Metaphysics, not physics
While the description of this book makes it appear to be a history of the science of physics, do not be fooled. It is actually a Theosophical treatise on occult philosophy. Not being a Theosophist myself, I cannot comment on the work's fitness or suitability within the field of Theosophy. But as a text about physics or the history thereof, it is pretty much useless. I was hoping to read a history of the science, as this is a topic I find quite interesting, and was quite disappointed to find myself instead with a rambling description of manifested planes, etheric globes and septenary worlds.

If you are not specifically seeking an occult text about metaphysics, I would advise to avoid this book. Instead, try looking for a used copy of Isaac Asimov's excellent (but unfortunately out of print) History of Physics or the Oxford Guide to the History of Physics and Astronomy.

If, on the other hand, you *were* searching for the Theosophical treatise - you found it. Enjoy. ... Read more

Product Description

Students and researchers in physics, engineering and other sciences will find this compilation of more than 3,000 physics formulas and tables invaluable. All the information included is practical, rarely used results are excluded. Topics range from elementary to advanced - from classical mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism to optics and atomic physics. Great care has been taken to present all results concisely and clearly. Excellent to keep as a handy reference!

Customer Reviews (2)

Don't bother
This is not what I though it would be given the title and above review...in fact 1-star is too generous. It is correct to state that this e-book has physics formulas and tables related to thermodynamics, optics, quantum physics, etc and BEGINNING students may find it somewhat useful since it does have some rather vague explanations of the formulas.However, as a reference it falls and it is practically useless compared to the "Cambridge Handbook of Physics Formulas" or the "Physicist's Desk Reference"...both of which I use on a day to day basis.

My recommendation: If the Cambridge Handbook of Physics Formulas is available as an e-book, get it instead.

Excellent reference ebook
Physics Formulas and Tables. FREE Laws of Science and Weights and Measures chapters in the trial version

This is an excellent reference and self-study guide. And for the price, it's an absolute steal. If you've been wanting a concise, yet relatively complete Physics ebook, and one that is well-written and easy to follow, I highly suggest Physics Formulas and Tables by MobileReference. ... Read more

Product Description
Updated to reflect the most recent Advanced Placement exams, this new edition presents a diagnostic test and two full-length Physics C practice tests with questions answered and explained. Physics C problems, as designed by the Educational Testing Service, are those that require use of calculus for their solutions. In addition to practice exams, this manual presents a detailed review of AP physics topics, which include Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and all other related AP test topics. Additional aids for test takers include a general overview of the AP exam, study advice, test-taking tips, and an Appendix of Physics C equations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

pretty awesome
The book had everything I needed and more to score a 5 on both sections of the test. It has wonderful explanations of all the topics and goes well in-depth so that you're not missing any information or practice by the time the AP test rolls around.

Terrible book, not worth any time or money
I got this book for some practice tests before the AP exam.HUGE mistake.

First of all, the questions were nothing like what was on my test.The questions went way to in-depth for what I needed on the AP.

Second, for the questions that were somewhat realistic, the explanations for the easy ones stretched on for paragraphs, while the explanations of the difficult problems were generally 2 sentences or less.The practice tests were not helpful.

Finally, there are a noticeable amount of errors.For example, on question 13 of the mechanics section on the first practice test, the explanation says that the magnitude of one value is less than the magnitude of another value because the first value is negative.If you know anything about physics, the magnitude of any value can never be negative.

I took this test last year and got a 5 on both Mechanics and E & M.That being said, I don't believe it had anything to do with my purchase of this book (since I used it for only about an hour of practice).The majority of my practice came from the old free response questions off the college board website.

In my experience, Barron's has been the least helpful test prep book, and I have taken 8 AP exams in Foreign Language, Math, History, Science, and English.I would not recommend Barron's test prep books for any AP test taker.

If you just want a 5, don't get this book.
Do yourself a favor and don't get this book if all you want is a measly 5 on the AP Exam. Getting 5's are easier than actually really Learning for good.
You will spent countless hours trying to swim through a sea of wonderful information that the AP exam will not even dare touch. I bought the Princeton Review one and the Barrons book and was repelled quite quickly by the Barrons. Buy the PR book. This book is probably great for college physics though and I would recommend it for that. Also great if you are somebody who loves to explore beyond the required material for the sake of learning. Trust me if you know this book, getting a 5 is the last of your concerns.

Good review book, but way too detailed
I believe this book is good for people who know very basic ideas of Physics C topics.If you know the topics pretty well, but just need a refresher, don't buy this book.The explanations in this book are more detailed than my textbook (Tipler's Physics for Scientists and Engineers).For example, I just wanted to review Simple Harmonic Motion and the various equations that go with it. I found myself more confused with the book going into many different equations for k-effective. ... Read more

Product Description

Refining the most widely adopted and enduring physics text available, University Physics with Modern Physics, Twelfth Edition continues an unmatched history of innovation and careful execution that was established by the best selling Eleventh Edition. Assimilating the best ideas from education research, this new edition provides enhanced problem-solving instruction, pioneering visual and conceptual pedagogy, the first systematically enhanced problems, and the most pedagogically proven and widely used homework and tutorial system available. Mechanics, Waves/Acoustics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Optics, Modern Physics. For all readers interested in university physics.

Customer Reviews (25)

Great Condition of Book
The book arrived on time and in the condition the seller stated it would come in.

Good book
This is a good book but honestly i feel like it might fall apart because of how big the thing is. I don't carry it from class to class because i'm not required to, but even if i was, the size would prolly make me reconsider trying.
Material is good, and it will learn more going in and doing the problems than if you pay attention during a lecture. Thats if u go to my school tho. lol

University Physics Book
The book i ordered was in great shape. still in the package. new, just like promised. And i got the code for the online course that i didnt know i needed until after i ordered the book. all in all, I'm one satisfied customer

Quick shipment
Of course i waited till less than a week before class starts to find my textbook on line.GLAD I GOT IT HERE!!!Prompt shipment!Thanks!

The BEST physics textbook for its value
This book deserves an ovation for its quality, for its assumption that the reader is intelligent and for its beautiful, clear explanations supplemented by colorful and helpful diagrams and examples. I can find no flaws with this book, either with its organization or its mathematical conventions, other than neglecting electric flux density and pure magnetic field altogether, but they are trivial. It places a heavy (but due) emphasis on vector intuition and notation, which is a great foundation for all physics. If you found the book too hard, then that's good because you learn more from a slightly challenging textbook than one that involves no vectors, no calculus based explanation and no challenging-to-impossible chapter problems. I have used this for many other classes, including particle physics, relativity, and semiconductors because its explanations and intuitive references are way better than any other book. It will probably be on my shelf forever, and is definitely worth way more than the value. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Univ Physic Modern Physic Text
This seller provided the BEST service I have ever rec'd. I shop alot on-line. Apart for the extra SPEEDY delivery and the text in excellent condition, the seller responded to all my queries on a timely manner. Seller receives A+.

Awful
This book was going to take 3 weeks to be mailed to me. Then a week before it was going to come in, Amazon decided there was an issue with the price, and told me they would not send me the book, but refund the money. I used a gift card, but now I never want to use Amazon again. They take back their products and leave you hanging.

Book review
quality was used, and shipping price was lower than she said but overall a good deal on a text book.

Excellent Seller
Excellent service, book came sooner and in better condition that I expected.I would buy from this seller again.

great in depth physics in one volume!
This book is perfect for calculus-based physics, but this particular book in ONE volume is even better because it contains material from both physics 1 & 2. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Makes physics understandable
This book does a wonderful book for anyone interested in Physics.

It focus a lot on alternative energy, a topic that is very hot right now.

The explanation of electricity and power is also very accessible to those who are not physics majors.

The discussion of nuclear power also is very interesting including why a dirty bomb is physically not very feasible.

Get this book if you are interested in physics but don't want all the technical jargon associated with it.

Very good - but
Very interesting and well written but in the Kindle version, the illustrations appear as black boxes and the tables are nearly unreadable.This is true on my Mac as well as on the Kindle. I suggest you buy the hardcopy if you intend to use this as a text.I notified Kindle support of the difficulty nearly a month ago.they responded that they would see if it could be fixed.So far, no fix and no further response.

Should Be Required Reading by Everyone
Physics and the laws thereof determine what is possible as far we can understand, but even more important, physics can guide us toward better decisions. Dr. Muller brings physics well within grasp of most capable people with this excellent book.

I would buy this book for every kid in your life who shows even the slightest spark for learning. Even if only a page or two are read, the reader benefits. In other words, it doesn't have to be read as a textbook, enjoy it as though Dr. Muller himself was taking you on an adventure in learning.

Is it hard? The hardest part of the book, thanks to Dr. Muller's style, is the cover!

I will be offering this book to my best and brightest business clients as a gift. Only some will read it. Those who do read this wonderful book will decrease their own brain's entropy! And we need more of that!

Uneducated people believe stupid stuff.

Chris Reich
TeachU.com ... Read more

Product Description
With its time-tested problems, pioneering conceptual and visual pedagogy, and next-generation media package, the Eleventh Edition of Young and FreedmanUs University Physics is the classic physics book with an eye on the future. Using Young & FreedmanUs research-based ISEE (Identify, Set up, Execute, Evaluate) problem-solving strategy, readers develop the physical intuition and problem-solving skills required to tackle the bookUs extensive high-quality problem sets that have been developed and refined over the past five decades. The completely redesigned, pedagogically consistent artwork and diagrams integrate seamlessly with the book to help readers better visualize key concepts.For college instructors, students, or anyone interested in physics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Fantastic
A really good book that's up to date and filled with in-depth examples.There are a lot work problems with odd numbered answers in the back.The questions aren't simply basic questions and combine from previous chapters and build upon one another.I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to study university level physics.This is not a high-school level textbook.

Don't pay attention to NEGATIVE REVIEWS (THEY ARE WHINNERS)
This is a great book at explaining concepts for average JOES. I understood physics 1 once I read this book, instead of the assigned book (Physics for scientists and engineers by Serway).

yes, I agree that this book needs a strong understanding in math. But is a good book to understand concepts.

Now if you're interested in math then you should read "Physics for scientist and engineers" by Serway. This book is the best at deriving formulas and mathematical approach and their exercises are challenging, yet solvable. ISBN# 0495112453

Physics Book
Very Fast Shipping. The product was exactly as described and was a great price for the condition its in.

not enough examples!
like other physics books, this one fails to provide sufficient examples for various problems.Many times this book will provide 1 or 2 examples on some concept and then expect you to solve problems that are substantially different than the examples.

(1/2) Worst possible physics book ever.
In a nutshell:

All the classical newtonian physics stuff is ok. I know this sounds ridiculously vague but its only because this isn't the part that you should be concerned with.

THE MAIN CONCERN is the ambiguity of the electricity, magnetism, etc. sections. The chapters are divided into inconvenient and uncommon section divisions. Therefore, MOST of the example problems in these secitons refer you back to a problem from another chapter! Further more, the sample problems are solved in the most tedious way possible.I guess, the authors felt that their target audience was for most 8th graders who have just taken Pre-Calc. (yes, i know the title of this book is slightly misleading) Also, what is up with the 'with Modern Physics' stuff. So basically, 'connecting the dots' is an impossiblity. This book does NOT even venture into that general region of comprehensibility. They also include a lot of irrelevant small connections between concepts that you end up wasting several minutes trying to realize that it contributes nothing to the overall idea. They have dedicated the last few pages to it. (Wow, I learned A LOT from that. Note to the author: Hugh, either get rid of those pages pages because the book is heavy enough or write more than what you can find in Ask.com in 3 minutes.)

I would NOT recommend this book to anyone. I would first take a look at Principes of Physics by Serwey and Jewett.

*The problem, for these types of books, is that most people buying this book probably are required to get this book for class (e.i. Me). Therefore, the only suggestions from this entire review that maybe helpful is, get aalternative study guide for these later sections that I have mentioned. ... Read more

Product Description
Fully revised and updated to include the latest discoveries in cosmic science, "the essential tubeside companion for the fans of the venerable Star Trek series" (Washington Post).

What warps when you're traveling at warp speed? What is the difference between a wormhole and a black hole? Are time loops really possible, and can I kill my grandmother before I am born?

Anyone who has ever wondered "could this really happen?" will gain useful insights into the Star Trek universe (and, incidentally, the real world of physics) in this charming and accessible guide. LawrenceM. Krauss boldly goes where Star Trek has gone--and beyond. FromNewton to Hawking, from Einstein to Feynman, from Kirk to Picard,Krauss leads readers on a voyage to the world of physics as we nowknow it and as it might one day be.Amazon.com Review
Sure, we all know Star Trekis fiction, but warp drives and transporters and holodecks don't seemaltogether implausible. Are any of these futuristic inventionsfundamentally outlawed by physics as we understand it today? ThePhysics of Star Trek takes a lighthearted look at this subject,speculating on how the wonders of Star Trek technology mightactually work--and, in some cases, revealing why the inventions areimpossible or impractical even for an advanced civilization. (Example:"dematerializing" a person for transport would require aboutas much energy as is released by a 100-megaton hydrogen bomb). ThePhysics of Star Trek deserves merit for providing a refreshercourse on topics such as relativity and antimatter, but let's face it:the reason most people will want to read this book is simply that it'sfun to poke holes in the premises of their favorite science fictionshows! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (70)

A good read for someone who likes physics and/or Star Trek
I found this book to be very interesting. I've only watched a handful of Star Trek episodes in my life, but I was still able to follow along with most of the topics that were mentioned in this book. Lawrence Krauss does a good job at describing the physics principles have been incorporated into Star Trek. I was surprised to see that Star Trek really does involve a lot of things that involve physics!
Something that I found very interesting in this book is when Krauss discusses travel in space. He describes the great distances that are between our world and other parts of the universe. Because these distances are so great (up to millions of light-years), Krauss says that traveling that far in a straight line is impossible for us. And so, the writers of Star Trek invented the "warp drive" in order to overcome this obstacle. In this book, Krauss talks about how "warping space" is the only feasible way of traveling great distances. He then discussed the physics behind the extra dimension in space which makes it possible to warp space time. I found this to be very remarkable.
Another interesting thing that I read about in this book is the author's analysis of the holograms in Star Trek. In the book, Krauss talks about light beams and their wave-like properties. He mentions how if 2 waves are added together and are in phase with each other then the amplitude will double. If the two waves are not in phase with each other then the waves will cancel each other out. Krauss then connected this idea with holograms. He said that if you have a photographic film that measures the intensity of the waves, you would then be able to extract the information and recreate the object that scattered the waves. This would be used to create a hologram.
My only criticism for this book is that sometimes the author jumps to conclusions too quickly. For instance, Krauss said that it would be impossible have sufficient computer memory which would be needed to store all of the atomic information about a person getting beamed. Krauss then said that his computer hard drive can only hold up to 16 megabytes of information (which is the basis of his argument). Since the time that this book was published, however, we can see that computers have improved drastically. For this reason, I don't agree with the author that computing power would limit the ability to beam a person. It would be very hard to predict the power that computers will have in the future.
Overall, "The Physics of Star Trek" is an interesting book and is fairly easy to read. Some parts of the book were a little confusing for me because I haven't seen every episode of Star Trek, but I was still able to follow along with most of it. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys physics and/or Star Trek.

Terrific read for the layman
I saw Mr. Lawrence on youtube and liked how he articulated scientific ideas for the "everyman" so much that I decided to give this book a try. I'm glad I did. It's a great joy to find someone who can make science so much fun and easy to understand. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who has even a mild interest in physics.

Great Overview of Current Physics Therories
Great overview of current physics theories using the popular cultural icon of Star Trek. If you want to brush up on what recent theoretical physics ideas are out there, this book is a good way to do that. Using examples and what ifs from the popular movie and TV series helps the explanations. Don't expect a too detailed, in-depth discussion. Think of this book as an introduction to or a brush up on such topics as partical physics, Einstein's General Relativity, and string theory.

Very enjoyable
This is a fun and educational book. Lawrence Krauss,a physicist who loves Star Trek, offers gentle criticism of much of the physics in the show. Sound waves do not travel in space, to take one example. At the same time, he concedes some of Star Trek's supposedly far-out ideas are conceivable, if unlikely (e.g. traveling faster than the speed of light).Anyone who has even a passing interest in Star Trek and has ever wondered "could that really happen?" should read this book.

Fodder for Trekkies
Because it's 10 years old, it is a tad dated, but lawrence Krauss nails it. Much fodder for a non physicist. It is highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description

Richard Wolfson’s Essential University Physics, Second Edition is a concise and progressive calculus-based physics textbook that offers clear writing, great problems, and relevant real-life applications. This text is a compelling and affordable alternative for professors who want to focus on the fundamentals and bring physics to life for their students.

Essential University Physics focuses on the fundamentals of physics, teaches sound problem-solving skills, emphasizes conceptual understanding, and makes connections to the real world. The presentation is concise without sacrificing a solid introduction to calculus-based physics. New pedagogical elements have been introduced that incorporate proven results from physics education research. Features such as annotated figures and step-by-step problem-solving strategies help students master concepts and solve problems with confidence.

The Second Edition features dramatically revised and updated end-of-chapter problem sets, significant content updates, new Conceptual Examples, and additional Applications, all of which serve to foster student understanding and interest.

Essential University Physics is offered as two paperback volumes, available shrink-wrapped together, or for sale individually.

Customer Reviews (9)

Great!!
Great seller, great product!! Totally recommended!! The description of the product was very clear, and i got it before the time.! Very happy with the purchase!!!!!!

Outstanding Transaction
Very quick shipment and the item was in excellent condition - very happy with the transaction

Everything it said it would be
I required this book for my collegiate physics course. The textbook shipped within an adequate timeframe, and the product itself came as advertised.

Review
Took long to arrive and condition was satisfactory, but if that doesn't matter to you then no complaints!

there's got to be a better book
each chapter packs in a ton of information but gives very little explanation.more examples would be very helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Designed for medical professionals who may struggle with making the leap to conceptual understanding and applying physics, the eighth edition continues to build transferable problem-solving skills. It includes a set of features such as Analyzing-Multiple-Concept Problems, Check Your Understanding, Concepts & Calculations, and Concepts at a Glance. This helps the reader to first identify the physics concepts, then associate the appropriate mathematical equations, and finally to work out an algebraic solution. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

this book sucks
the condition of the book and the seller were amazing.i hate the book though.

Good book
Although I ordered this book as an old one, I have received itin a very good condition

awesome
the book came quickly and was in much better condition than i expected. I am very satisfied!

Book
A page was ripped. The book was a little old. It doesn't really fit with very condition.

Great
The book was in very good condition for an older version and it arrived in a timely manner. ... Read more

Product Description
Clear and concise explanations of the development of theories explaining physical phenomena. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Extremely good simple explanation of physics.
This book is deceptively accessible to non-scientists and young people. It is deceptively accessible because it is profound physical principles simply explained as Einstein and Infield saw it at the time, it is physics and not mathematics. The math used is basic and the book explains all of itvery carefully. It is not a comprehensive book on physics.
After reading this short book (perhaps many times over)the reader will gain a wonderful understanding of both classical and modern physics as Einstein saw it
It is deceptive because the physical principles are simple and also a profound part of Einstein's thinking about classical physics, modern physics, relativity and quantum physics, and Einstein's though processes in developing relativity and quantum physics from some seminal basic concepts in classical physics. It also explains what physics is all about, its philosophy, the scientific method, and the history of physics.
It is fascinating to read of the evolution of Einstein's thinking in physics to his discovery of special and general relativity and quantum physics, told in his own words with the help of Infeld. This book is one of the all time classics of science.
Excellent for both children and adults with an interest in science, physics, and Einstein. may be used as a suvey text, although it was not written to be a textbook. a scientific classic. extremely easy to understand explanation of Einstein's thinking on classical and modern physics. the math is explained, where it is used.
It also includes Einstein's views of quantum physics and statistics, and it does not suggest that there was any conflict between Bohr and Einstein on this issue, although there were famous debates between them. This book suggests that Einstein had by the time the book was written accepted the statistical nature of quantum physics.
I would also recommend Einstein's "Relativity and the General Theory" and also the classic paperback of reprints of the original works of Einstein and others on relativity (more advanced but of great value to see the original papers).
In the Evolution of Physics are extremely clear explanations of what is science, physics the history of thought in physics, the evolution of classical thought in physics and how it led to relativity, and quantum physics. What we mean by modern and classical physics, relativity, the statistical nature of quantum physics as distinct to the use of statistics in everyday usage and in classical physics, the difference between between math and physics, theory and evidence, the contradiction between theory and evidence as the ultimate source of new theories which better explains the evidence, the philosophy of science.
All of these topics are discussed clearly, simply and profoundly for both scientists and non scientists. The book is deceptively simple and actually requires probably at least more than one full reading to really understand it. After you have read it completely, a rereading will provide greater insights into the meaning of the earlier chapters. Many of us will find ourselves reading it many times for its beauty and clarity.
This book is in summary a brilliant scientific classic, a survey of physics, wonderfully accessible to the general public, stemming from the collaboration of Einstein and his assistant Infield. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

The Evolution of Physics
This is a wonderful book ultimately leading to a discussion of relativity.Even so, the style of exposition is unusually good. I suspect Professor Infield wrote the book, albeit in collaboration with Professor Einstein. I feel his ability to make complex concepts relatively easy to understand rivals the teaching style of the beloved physicist and educator, Richard Feynman. Anyone interested in physics needs to read this book, not only for the invaluable content, but also as an example of a communication style which is only rarely encountered.

Very good for many different readers
As the authors state, ".. thought and ideas, not formulas, are the beginning of every physical theory".True to this statement, this book focuses on thoughts and ideas and does not use any formulas at all.This makes it good as an adjunct for standard texts that contain the formulas, but not as a substitute for such books.This book is divided into four sections: the rise of the mechanical view, the decline of the mechanical view, field and relativity, and quanta.It is thus about how the mechanical view of Newton evolved into the modern view of physics (relativity theory and quantum mechanics).

I would like to focus on how this book might be perceived for three different classes of readers.
(1) For those who have never taken a physics course (or did and tried to forget the experience as soon as possible) --The lack of any mathematics may be comforting to this class of reader, but it will nonetheless not be an easy read for them.The basic concepts, such as inertia, may be difficult to grasp for those with no previous physics background, but the author's do a good job of describing things.(A task made more difficult without recourse to the shorthand of mathematics.) I would, however, recommend this book only to those who are motivated to go well beyond their comfort zone.However, if they focus on the concepts that are being described and are patient in following the lines of reasoning, they should be richly rewarded.
(2) For those who have taken physics courses, but do not have advanced degrees in physics--I put myself in this group and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.I liked this book because it focuses on the why (the basic underlying theories of physics), rather than on the how (problem solving).In doing so, it provided a much better understanding of what is behind the equations than I found in physics texts.I got a very clear picture of the deficiencies of Newtonian mechanics and Maxwell's equations, and how this led to relativity theory.I found this very illuminating as it more clearly showed me Einstein's thought process.If found this even clearer than that presented in Einstein's book on relativity (prepared for a general readership).Of all the groups of readers, I think that people in this group will get the most from this book.
(3) For those with advanced degrees in physics - People in this group may have already been exposed to the concepts described here, but this book will still be very helpful in that it shows clearly Einstein's logic in developing relativity theory and the quantum theory of light.Much of this may be old hat to this group, but the book will still be of interest from a historical perspective.

I think that this book does an admirable job of appealing to and satisfying the needs of readers who approach the subject with diverse backgrounds.

An excelent book on physics
An excellent book about physics, its history and its philosophy. The concepts are well explained, discussed, compared in a conversational and rigorous style. And done with the contribution of Einstein.
With this book you will understand what physics really is; what is behind the science undertaking; what is science after all. A must book to serious interested readers

Excellent book
Outstanding book to understand the way of thinking which resulted in introducing the various concepts associated with Physics. Thoughwritten for general audience, this book needs to be read with care, and constant attention to see the remarkable connection between seemingly unrelated concepts like light, heat, electricity. Read this along with the book "Einstein's Heros by Arianrhod" to enjoy a different aspect of Physics. ... Read more

Product Description
Comprehensive problems for topics covered by Physics I toIV,including statics, dynamics, heat, electricity and magnetism, wavemotion, acoustics, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.Numerouspictorial diagrams are included with complete illustrative explanations.Problem-solving strategies are included at the beginning of everychapter for each topic covered. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Oddly Addicting
I cannot say enough good things about this book!The size was intimidating at first, but don't be afraid!This book loves you and wants to help you.For me, there is no better way to learn physics than by going over problem after problem.

This book helps in a way a textbook only touches on: by showing you HOW to solve the problems.The questions at the end of the textbook chapter don't do that.And they also work a bit like a textbook in that some of the problems teach you key facts about a subject.This is great because rather than telling you these facts, like in a textbook, they show you.

The problems really become addicting.They make you feel so empowered and you really can tell you are learning.It actually makes you say, "oh, I'll do just one more!"

And I don't even really like physics.

Not one of the better REA books
I was so excited when I got this book.It's not easy to find physics help books that cover calculus based problems.Most physics books seem to be focused on algebra/trig based physics.That's obviously because people who know calculus know everything and don't need any help in anything... yeah, right!Luckily Rea and a few (and I mean a FEW) others still have common sense and realized that calculus based physics students need help too.Unfortunately I cannot recommend this physics book.It sucks that I can't since there aren't that many calculus based physics books.

This book just has some major flaws (at least they're major flaws in my opinion).Just to get it out of my system, I must say that the type-set that Rea uses sucks.I know every Rea book uses the same type of typewriter font and all of their "Problem Solver" books look bland, but I don't know why this has to be.In fact, there's no good reason they can't make their books a little more aesthetically pleasing.

Anyway, the most annoying feature I have found about this book is that a good chunk of the problems don't use the SI system of units, which is the standard system for science courses (for those who don't know, the SI system of units is basically a modified metric system).

Often when I work problems, I have to do extra work simply converting the given information into the SI unit.And once I come to an answer, I can't just compare my answer to the one in the book.Instead, I have to convert my answer back into the English system which is a hassle.I just simply don't understand why a science text wouldn't use the SI system.I have never seen a physics book (or any science book for that matter) not use the SI system. And if it weren't bad enough that this book very often does not use the SI system, it actually uses a lot of units that aren't very commonly used.

A lot of the problems use "slugs" as a unit. Perhaps advanced physics students know off hand what a slug is, but me, I had to look it up online just to do an otherwise easy problem.It turned out that a slug was around 14.6 kg.Now how many people actually knew that?

Amazing!
I'm very impressed; this book has loads of problems with which I can practise. It's simply the best physics problem book ever published!

Completely Useless
I have attempted numerous times to use examples from this book as guidance when stuck on homework problems assigned in my engineering physics course and have found that the book offers nothing but further frustration.It's unorganized, the typeset is monotonous and appears as if someone typed the book on a typewriter making it difficult to focus and follow the text, and I have yet to find a worked example that has been of any use whatsoever in completing even one of my homework problems.
The book does offer a lengthy chart of conversion factors.

Good Supplementary Practice, but that is it.
I am currently an engineering student, but I bought this book back in my highschool days for an AP Physics C class. I'd like to say that this book covers about every topic you can possibly imagine in physics at the introductory level. But even so, I'd rate it as just average. It may have some good interesting problems, but not many will find it worth the money. You may not even use more than a tenth of the book.

First of all, I dislike the layout of the book. The text is some courier font which makes it very difficult to read and thus difficult looking. The book is divided into chapters based on topic. The topics are pretty specific: Kinematics, Dynamics, Statics, etc. It starts out the chapter by 'trying' to teach you about that subject, but it fails entirely. The problems start out as easy as F = ma, but then suddenly jumps to extreme difficulty. I topped physics back in highschool and aced the APs, but I still found many of the problems extremely challenging. Just be warned that you had better be good in physics and also guessing as the solutions are also often anything but clear. It jumps around assuming you know whatever they are doing. Most of my friends who have borrowed the book have been unable to utilize it at all due to its difficulty.

In conclusion, if you are above average to excellent in physics, have nothing better to do, then you may want to just pick up this book as an extra supplement to challenge yourself or learn new methods in doing things. It maybe more useful in college where they split physics into more specific courses like dynamics, statics, electric circuits, etc. But by that time this book would be insufficient anyways. I just don't know what market the publishers were publishing for, as it is generally AP irrelevant, GCE irrelevant, and either too easy or too hard. ... Read more

Product Description

The seminal work by one of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century, Physics and Philosophy is Werner Heisenberg's concise and accessible narrative of the revolution in modern physics, in which he played a towering role. The outgrowth of a celebrated lecture series, this book remains as relevant, provocative, and fascinating as when it was first published in 1958. A brilliant scientist whose ideas altered our perception of the universe, Heisenberg is considered the father of quantum physics; he is most famous for the Uncertainty Principle, which states that quantum particles do not occupy a fixed, measurable position. His contributions remain a cornerstone of contemporary physics theory and application.

Customer Reviews (21)

Just historical
I see people usually like this book. It is remarkable how much history of philosophy Heisenberg knows, however I don't really find a thesis here. Not like the principle of complementarity of Bohr. He makes parallels and shows how August Conte was wrong in the way that he didn't proclaim that science evolved of changes in language.
I does not go far from the standards from today.

Classical Dynamics and Quantum Theory
Werner Heisenberg's classic text on physics and philosophy is a must read for all those in quantum theory today who feel as one of the founders of the Standard Model of Particle Physics; in"Dreams of a Final Theory," Dr. Stephen Weinberg, in some ways very hostile, if that is not too strong a word, towards philosophy (because Dr. Weinberg asserts that philosophy has only obtruded or obscured the quest for the final laws of nature: in surveying the philosophy of science literature today, one gets the bewildering feeling that the only thing that matters is taking an obscure subject matter and turning it into an incomprehensible one.) concedes that "we need to better understand quantum mechanics."
If this is true, and if philosophers of science can assist in the scientific quest (a premise Dr. Weinberg disagrees with, I think) by purifying the reasoning or methodology of the scientific quest, then philosophy of science can be a gaurdian of what W. V. O Quine considered the "queen" of the sciences--i.e., physics. Certain philosophers of physics assure me that this task will be necessary until a final theory is in hand, if ever, after long millenia, it can be in hand. The work of William Lane Craig and Quinton Smith is an excellant example of what philosophy can do for science, the work of Albert William Levi "Philosophy and the Modern World" is a masterful study by a non-scientist of the work of, for example, Albert Einstein and Max Planck and of Alfred North Whitehead. Modern philosophy itself--in its Logical Positivist manifestation--is technological;consider alone the level of attention paid to relativity theory and quantum mechanics by the Vienna Circle.
Heisenberg is very careful in this work to offer an argument for the consistency of modern quantum mechanics with certain elements of Aristotle's concept of potency or potentiiality: He sees the nature of the quantum to lay in a certain manyness-in-oneness, or what is today called the superposition of the quantum wave function; since potency resides in this state, the orthodox Copenhagen School allows only statistical descriptions of the probable, emergent phenomena: these statistics are inherently part of any quantum field, or better expressed, any part of a quantum field when it is subject to the Heisenberg Cut, which is a mesurement of part of the quantum field which causes the collapse of the wavefunction and its superposition; what evolves once the Heisenberg Cut is made does so by a presumable determinism which is indemonstrable within quantum mechanics; and here, I think, is where Heisenberg's text re-pays careful study (I have twice read the book), for he admits a determinism at the scale of, say, planetary bodies or telluric bodies, but he also indicates that classical determinism emerges from the quantum state's potentiality. This whole problem in Modern physics revolves about various questions about the "measurement problem" in quantum physics, and I have already alluded to that; but Heisenberg taught us that just as Newtonian mechanics was eventually shown to be a subset of Einsteinian dynamics, when special relativity was considered, so does classical deterministic evolution of micro-matter occur as a subset of states of the quantum, but these states are the precisely measurable states. They are the product of freely chosen laws to this extent: they were brought into being by measurement, which founds the ensemble (Q. Smith), a micro-world as subset of the total world structure. To recur to Dirac's way of dividing the wave-function, it has two cognate parts, Large Psi, which refers to the entire quantum wave-function, and small psi, which refers to the division of the wavefunction into a proper subset: Here is where the crossroads of a great philosophic/scientific problem is broached, for if Classical determinism prevails at the level of human life or planets, and measurement from the superposition creates such determinism, then what measures into being the measurer? Dreams of a Final Theory: The Scientist's Search for the Ultimate Laws of NatureTheism, Atheism, and Big Bang Cosmology (Clarendon Paperbacks)The Principles of Quantum Mechanics (International Series of Monographs on Physics)Before the Big Bang: The Origins of the Universe

Quantum theory, crossing borders in the higlight of physics
The German physician and philosopher Heisenberg counts together with the German Erwin Schrödinger as founder of the Quantum mechanics. In the year 1927 he formulated the uncertainty relation, German: "Unschärferelation" (also called indeterminacy principle) according to which place and impulse of a subatomic particle cannot be destined at the same time. For his quantum physical research he received in 1932 the Nobel prize of physics.

After the second World War Heisenberg became director of the Max-Planck-Institute. His "Einheitliche Theorie der Elementarteilchen" (unitary theory of elementary particles) from the year 1958 was called "world formula" (although that is just what it is not!) and strengthened Heisenbergs position as one of the most important representative of quantum physics.

In countless lectures and essays he disputed the philosophical implications of quantum physics, among others in "Quantentheorie und Philosophie", "Physik und Philosophie" and "Der Teil und das Ganze".
According to Heisenberg the whole thing is more than the summary of the parts. In this idealism is recognizable as to such a degree that it must be concluded to have created not the theory but vice versa the reality itself. And this would mean, that in the end all things that came into being must be traced back to an immaterial flow of information. But information is a spiritual phenomeneon. The magazine "Der SPIEGEL" called this "God in the quantum chaos", for according to Heisenberg:

"The quantum theory leaves no room for a totally objective description of nature... In the experiments of atomic procedures we have to do with material things and facts, with phenomenons so much real as any phenomenon in daily life. But the atoms or the elementary particles are not equally real. They form much more a world of tendencies and possibilities than a world of things and facts."
Quite a heap of idealism, it seems, but a compelling conclusion from the datum of physics? Does a spiritual principle stick behind the whole cake? The universe as quantum world! A world which is incessantly in movement because she is designed like that. Only by movement is the personality-structure of all proprieties held. Still-stand is death, or better: non-existence. Is there still-stand at all? Nowhere is it visible, nowhere it has space.

Einstein struggled long against the quantum theory. He tried to adopt it to the theoretical fundament of the classic physics and confessed to himself that he failed. There is no solid - you could also say no material - ground on which the order of the world is built! Many years Einstein spent to give the world the knowledge, that there is no chance to pass by the quantum theory, an almost metaphysical theory, when describing reality.
In reference to Einstein`s theory of relativity Heisenberg had called the fact that all physical systems possess either the propriety of a wave or of a particle and that only one of the two is measurable, "indeterminacy principle" or "uncertainty relation". Material, according to Einstein nothing but of time and energy, was robbed of it`s last consistency. Und such thing should have stood in the beginning of the universe?
Impossible since the quantum mechanics stand before. Material needs an idea to start movement. A frontier crossing to the spiritual realm is inevitable!
Interestingly Heisenberg perceived the contradiction of the quantum theory to modern biology. "...most biologists are prepared to confess, that the existence of atoms and molecules can only be understood with the help of the quantum theory, but besides that they have the wish to regard the working material of the chemists and biologists, namely atoms and molecules, as stuff of classic physics, thus dealing with them as with stones or grain of sand."
Creation is, by all appearance, provided that we are ready to believe the quantum physics an artfully, a subtle construction, a "Within" which does not only make an "Outside" thinkable but even demands for it. Any attempt of a world formula" in the sense of Einstein must therefore fail, because it wants to explain the Within without the Outside!
Some may flinch from the title of the book or the name of the author to read the book. The fears are not grounded. Basic knowledge of atomic physics is sufficient to understand what the author is talking about. He uses a clear and simple diction. If one understands his theories is another matter. But this might be indebted to the ideology one tends to hold.

Existence and physical reality according to physicist Werner Heisenberg
At the turn of 20th century when quantum physics was born; the founding fathers of this scientific revolution were thinking deeply about the philosophical consequences of the new physics in terms of existence and physical reality (ontology). The reality perceived through the laws of classical physics provided strong challenges to quantum reality and human knowledge of quantum physical concepts (epistemology). In addition, the theory of relativity, which also came into existence at about the same time, altered the concept of space and time (consequently their relationship to matter, and the concept of gravity) radically from the existing knowledge of Newtonian physics. In this book, physicist Heisenberg gives a brilliant account of physical reality after reviewing the works ofnotable philosophers like; Kant, Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. You get to read the physical and philosophical analysis of one of the founding fathers of quantum physics using both classical and quantum physics. His philosophical ideas are summarized below:

Physical theories had to be proposed speculatively and pursued deductively with respect to their many consequences that can be put to theoretical and experimental verifications. It turns out that the theory makes more physical and philosophical assumptions than the facts alone imply. The assumptions could be ontological or epistemological in nature. For example, the concept of space and time (and its relation to matter) is independent of the observer, which would be ontological in nature since the subject matter of scientific knowledge is independent of the perceiver (consequences of relativity). The nature of quantum physics introduces indeterminacy to nature of things which would be epistemological since the experiment performer (and knowledge-seeker) influences the subject matter (the outcome his experiments) by his physical observation. The state of a quantum object is undetermined until an observation is recorded. Hence, the author's argument is that the potentiality is a part of physical reality. Einstein's contention was that the potentiality, probability or chance is due to epistemological limitations of our knowledge in knowing the entire picture, the Omni-complete, and hence misapplied to the object itself. The Omni-complete object is omniferous, omnifarious, omniparous, omnipotent and omniscient and therefore the concept of chance or probability is inappropriate in the description of a real object. Both Einstein and Heisenberg admitted that the experimental data does not lead to concepts of physics, and hence the object of scientific knowledge remains unknown, but it is known through the theoretical constructs or axiomatic postulation verified indirectly by experiments and its deduced consequences. To find the object of scientific knowledge one must go to the theoretical assumptions of a physical law; the concept of probability and chance figures into the definition of the state of a physical system (due to statistical nature of things, and also use of statistical analysis in understanding the results of an experiment) in both classical and quantum physics. In quantum physics it also figures in the subject matter, but not in classical physics. This is the major difference between two disciplines that separated Einstein from Copenhagen school of thought. Author Heisenberg suggests that the concept of potentiality very much a part of subjective reality contrary to classical reality.

The probability function represents a mixture of two things, partly a fact and partly our knowledge of a fact. An atom consists of a nucleus and electrons (wave) moving around the nucleus; from the classical standpoint it is difficult to conceive how an electron orbit around the nucleus without changing its energy. Then again the electron is a wave until detected; therefore the energy is constant as long as it stays in the same orbit. The second point is that the act of determining the position becomes a measurement problem since light quanta is absorbed during its detection and the electron is displaced (change its position) to a higher electronic state. Thus the spacetime descrip¬tion of the atomic events is complementary to their deterministic description. The probability function obeys equations of motion as in Newtonian mechanics; its change in the course of time is completely determined by the quantum mechanical equation, but it does not allow a descrip¬tion in space and time. The observation, on the other hand, enforces the description in space and time but breaks the determined continuity of the probability function by changing our knowledge of the system. The mechanism and the results of an observation of atomic events can be described in classical concepts, but the deductions from observations results in probability functions which combines the statements about possibilities with statements about our knowledge of facts. Therefore we can not completely objectify the results of an observation. What happens between an observation and the next depends on the way we observe or on the fact we observe. This becomes subjectivism. Since the probability function combines objective and subjective elements. It contains statements about possibilities or better tendencies ("potentia" in Aristotelian philosophy), and these statements are completely objective, they do not depend on any observer, but it contains statements about our knowledge of the system, which of course are subjective in so far as they may be different for different observers. In ideal cases the subjective element in the probability function may be practically negligible as com¬pared with the objective one.

1. Heisenberg and the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics: The Physicist as Philosopher
2. The Physical Principles of the Quantum Theory
3. Encounters with Einstein
4. Philosophical Problems of Quantum Physics
5. What Is Life?: with "Mind and Matter" and "Autobiographical Sketches"
6. Schrödinger: Life and Thought
7. Niels Bohr's Times,: In Physics, Philosophy, and Polity
8. Niels Bohr's Philosophy of Physics
9. Ideas And Opinions
10. From a Life of Physics

His master's voice
Quantum science is without any doubt the greatest breakthrough of science in the 20th century.If you want to know what quantum physics is all about, read this fluently written introduction to quantum physics by one of the founders of the theory himself, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Werner Heisenberg.It is very uncommon that a great scientist is capable to transmit his profound knowledge in such an easy to read book, without a single formula. (For the ones interested in the mathematics behind this theory, he has also written another book : "The physical principles of the quantum theory").In the world of today, Aristotle's deeper understanding that philosophy is the mother of science has been forgotten, something that Heisenberg not only recalls, but actively uses as a guiding principle throughout this book.

Quantum physics is important, since it produced a revolution within the materialistic perspective of classical physics.At elementary level, there is no longer a sharp distinction between matter and energy.Heisenberg says : "The elementary particles are certainly not eternal and indestructible units of matter, they can actually be transformed into each other. As a matter of fact, if two such particles, moving through space with a very high kinetic energy, collide, then many new elementary particles may be created from the available energy and the old particles may have disappeared in the collision. Such events have been frequently observed and offer the best proof that all particles are made of the same substance : energy."

This way he also solves the duality between particles and fields.If energy is the primary substance of the universe, then it will only depend on the experiment how we will observe this energy."What we observe is not nature in itself but nature exposed to our method of questioning."
... Read more

Product Description
When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core physics concepts -- from classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity to magnetism, light, and nuclear physics -- and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase -- and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

So bad stopped at page 3
I have purchased other Cliffs Reviews and have been well-pleased, so I was disappointed with this book.Thank goodness I borrowed it and did not pay money for it.This was the earliest I've ever given up on a book.Usually, even if the subject is extremely difficult, I can plow through a few chapters at least.Not so with this book.It became incomprehensible by the 3rd page.It assumes you have a PhD. in physics already and is anything but basic.

Starts at the middle or end not at the beginning with additions as it should
A good book of this type should start with the simplest formula for the concept then add to it with more advanced formulas. This book instead just dumps a mid to high complexity formula on the reader and attempts to clear up the mess in the associated paragraphs. Thus it is more like an appendix for those that already know the material. A waste of time to learn from and a confused review. See the Elastic Modules formula where such a simple concept is shown with only one complex formula rather than with simple formula building to complex.

Cliffsnotes Physics
I don't really recommend this book because I used for when I was physics a couple of years ago. It wasn't too helpful because many physics teachers teach physics very differently but maintain the same concepts. This book guides you differently. I found it to be no help to me at all. But I did purchase it for about eighty cents or so from the person.

Its okay...
This book is okay if you want a very general overview of physics. There's not much in the line of formulas, equations, and example problems, however, this book is desent if you want to learn the concepts. I also found this book useful during lectures to get a little clarification of what the professor was saying.

Does more harm than good
I picked up this one when I needed refresher for a tutoring job that I took on recently.I have an advanced degree in physics and have been a teaching assistant at the university level for this type of physics, so I do qualify to review this book.

One of the major reason why I tried Cliff's Quick Review was that I had a very good experience with a couple of their high school math review books, namely geometry and pre-calculus.I was expecting to give me very quick overviews of what I remember learning but have since forgotten about the details.They did not disappoint.

The physics version, however, is an entirely different story.While it does give you a very superficial refresher of equations and concepts on most topics, the discussions are not very thorough and often erroneous.In fact, I became angry reading the authors' very half-baked discussions and descriptions.The diagrams, which to my mind are very important to visually understand physics, are not very meticulously drawn and sometimes wrong.Especially horrendous is the chapters on modern physics (nuclear physics, special relativity, etc.).At times I do not think that the authors even understand about what they are writing.For example, to understand special relativity, it is crucial that one properly identifies which are the observed and the rest-frame quantities, but the authors do not elaborate the point and just write down equations.It is a good thing few high school instructors emphasize those topics that students do not have to learn from the chapters from this book.

Overall, it is very clear that this book lacked proper editing by capable hands.One of those books that should not be recommended.
... Read more

Product Description
While physics can seem challenging, its true quality is the sheer simplicity of fundamental physical theories--theories and concepts that can enrich your view of the world around you. COLLEGE PHYSICS, 8e, provides a clear strategy for connecting those theories to a consistent problem-solving approach, carefully reinforcing this methodology throughout the text and connecting it to real-world examples. For students planning to take the MCAT exam, the text includes exclusive test prep and review tools to help you prepare. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

College Physics Book
I enjoyed the book I purchased. It was required for my class but was in great condition. Amazon was great to buy books from, and inexpensive.

It's a science book!
Extremely over-priced for what it is!Why should a text book like this be sooo expensive?There it is.

Great service and price
Speedy shipping and a great price.Saved about 35% from school's textbook vendor price.Thanks!

Great!
Arrival was very prompt and the book was in great shape. Most definitely a great deal!

needs to be more honest
This product was listed as "like new" but the book a large crease on the back hard cover, black stains on the bottom, and water damage on all of the pages at the bottom right hand corner ... Read more