20 Best Books On Physics For Laymen (2023 Update)

While this version features an older dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the new release and should not be considered a different product. the fun and easy way to get up to speed on the basic concepts of physics for high school and undergraduate students alike, physics classes are recommended or required courses for a wide variety of majors, and continue to be a challenging and often confusing course. physics i for dummies tracks specifically to an introductory course and, keeping with the traditionally easy-to-follow dummies style, teaches you the basic principles and formulas in a clear and concise manner, proving that you don't have to be einstein to understand physics! explains the basic principles in a simple, clear, and entertaining fashion new edition includes updated examples and explanations, as well as the newest discoveries in the field contains the newest teaching techniques if just thinking about the laws of physics makes your head spin, this hands-on, friendly guide gets you out of the black hole and sheds light on this often-intimidating subject.

First published in 2007, this second edition describes the computational methods used in theoretical physics. new sections were added to cover finite element methods and lattice boltzmann simulation, density functional theory, quantum molecular dynamics, monte carlo simulation, and diagonalisation of one-dimensional quantum systems. it covers many different areas of physics research and different computational methodologies, including computational methods such as monte carlo and molecular dynamics, various electronic structure methodologies, methods for solving partial differential equations, and lattice gauge theory. throughout the book the relations between the methods used in different fields of physics are emphasised. the book requires a background in elementary programming, numerical analysis, and field theory, as well as undergraduate knowledge of condensed matter theory and statistical physics. it will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in theoretical, computational and experimental physics.

Forlagets beskrivelse: for courses in introductory calculus-based physics. a research-driven approach, fine-tuned for even greater ease-of-use and student success. for the fourth edition of "physics for scientists and engineers", knight continues to build on strong research-based foundations with fine-tuned and streamlined content, hallmark features, and an even more robust masteringphysics program, taking student learning to a new level. by extending problem-solving guidance to include a greater emphasis on modeling and significantly revised and more challenging problem sets, students gain confidence and skills in problem solving. a modified table of contents and the addition of advanced topics now accommodate different teaching preferences and course structures. this title is a pearson global edition. the editorial team at pearson has worked closely with educators around the world to include content which is especially relevant to students outside the united states. gives instructors greater choice and flexibility [1] new! chapter ordering changes allow instructors to more easily organize content as needed to accommodate labs, schedules, and different teaching styles. work and energy are now covered before momentum, oscillations are grouped with mechanical waves, and optics appears after electricity and magnetism. [2] new! addition of advanced topics as optional sections further expands instructors' options. topics include rocket propulsion, gyroscopes and precession, the wave equation (including for electromagnetic waves), the speed of sound in gases, and more details on the interference of light. builds problem-solving skills and confidence, using an explicit, methodical, and consistent approach. [3] new! model boxes enhance the text's emphasis on modeling-analyzing a complex, real-world situation in terms of simple but reasonable idealizations that can be applied over and over in solving problems. these fundamental simplifications are developed in the text and then deployed more explicitly in the worked examples, helping students to recognize when and how to use recurring models (such as motion with constant acceleration or the photon model of light). [4] a consistent 4-step approach provides a problem-solving framework throughout the book (and all supplements): students learn the importance of making assumptions (in the model step) and gathering information and making sketches (in the visualize step) before treating the problem mathematically (solve) and then analyzing their results (assess). [5] detailed problem-solving strategies for different topics and categories of problems (circular-motion problems, calorimetry problems, etc.) are developed throughout the book, each one built on the above 4-step framework. [6] tactics boxes give step-by-step procedures for developing specific skills (drawing free-body diagrams, using ray tracing, etc.). [7] worked examples follow the 4-step strategy and include careful explanations of the underlying, and often unstated, reasoning. [8] the student workbook provides straightforward confidence- and skill-building exercises, bridging the gap between worked examples and end-of-chapter problems. worksheets following the model/visualize/solve/assess framework provide tear-out templates for students to follow when practicing solving dynamics, energy, and momentum problems. promotes a deeper and better-connected understanding, using a structured learning path and an inductive approach with exceptional clarity. [9] revised! enhanced chapter previews have been reconceived to address the questions students are most likely to ask themselves while studying the material for the first time. questions cover the important ideas, and provide a big-picture overview of the chapter's key principles. [10] new! looking back pointers enable students to look back at a previous chapter when it's important to review concepts. pointers provide the specific section to consult at the exact point in the text where they need to use this material. [11] updated! focused part overviews and knowledge structures consolidate understanding of groups of chapters and give a tighter structure to the book as a whole. reworked part overviews and knowledge structures (one per page) provide more targeted detail on overarching themes. [12] unique and critically acclaimed visual chapter summaries consolidate understanding by providing each concept in words, math, and figures and organizing these into a vertical hierarchy-from general principles (top) to applications (bottom). [13] new concepts are introduced through observations about the real world and theories grounded by making sense of observations. this inductive approach illustrates how science operates, and has been shown to improve student learning by reconciling new ideas with what they already know. [14] special attention is given to address known misconceptions and areas that have been proven to cause difficulties, ranging from including a separate chapter on newton's third law, to individual "note" paragraphs throughout that guide students away from known preconceptions and around common sticking points, and highlight many math- and vocabulary-related issues. [15] stop to think questions at the end of a section allow students to quickly check their understanding. using powerful ranking-task and graphical techniques, they are designed to efficiently probe key misconceptions and encourage active reading. answers are grouped by chapter at the end of the text. [16] hand-drawn sketches are incorporated into select worked examples to provide a clear model of what students should draw during their own problem solving. pioneers the implementation of proven visual techniques that cognitive science has shown significantly increase engagement, assimilation, and retention of science concepts. [17] updated! visual program has been enhanced with over 500 pieces of revised art that increase the focus on key ideas, eliminating extraneous detail, information, and color. a hallmark of knight since the beginning, figures are streamlined to focus on the physics at hand, for example, using the same color for the object of interest in mechanics, or by using the same color for force throughout the text. [18] explicit instruction as annotations directly on figures helps students to interpret figures and graphs. [19] extensive use is made of multiple representations-placing different representations side by side to help students develop the key skill of translating between words, math, and figures. essential to good problem solving, this skill is overlooked in most physics textbooks. [20] analogy is used throughout the text and figures to consolidate student understanding by comparing with a more familiar concept or situation. draws on nationwide student metadata to optimize assessment and practice material. analysis of national student metadata (including time spent, most common wrong answers, and comment rate) has allowed every problem to be enhanced for educational effectiveness and accurately calibrated in difficulty (in the book) and duration (in masteringphysics). similar analysis has allowed problem sets in every chapter to be revised to ensure ideal topic coverage, balance of qualitative and quantitative problems, and range of difficulty and duration. new! significantly revised end-of-chapter problem sets include more challenging problems that will expand the range of physics and math skills students will use to solve problems-a new icon for calculus-based problems is included. [21] conceptual questions require careful reasoning and can be used for group discussions or individual work. [22] exercises (for each section) allow students to build up their skills and confidence with more straightforward questions. the fourth edition includes a greater proportion of section-specific exercises compared to general problems, by popular demand. [23] problems (spanning concepts from the whole chapter) require in-depth reasoning and planning, allowing students to practice their problem-solving strategies. context-rich problems require students to simplify and model more complex real-world situations. specifically labeled problems integrate concepts from multiple previous chapters. [24] challenge problems push the best students even further. [25] difficulty ratings, given for all exercises and problems, are based on masteringphysics student data, and thus allow instructors to build a homework assignment with their desired range of difficulties. [26] the revised workbook is tightly integrated with the main text-following the same textbook strategies, and is explicitly referenced throughout the text.

Forlagets beskrivelse: for courses in introductory calculus-based physics. a research-driven approach, fine-tuned for even greater ease-of-use and student success. for the fourth edition of "physics for scientists and engineers", knight continues to build on strong research-based foundations with fine-tuned and streamlined content, hallmark features, and an even more robust masteringphysics program, taking student learning to a new level. by extending problem-solving guidance to include a greater emphasis on modeling and significantly revised and more challenging problem sets, students gain confidence and skills in problem solving. a modified table of contents and the addition of advanced topics now accommodate different teaching preferences and course structures. this title is a pearson global edition. the editorial team at pearson has worked closely with educators around the world to include content which is especially relevant to students outside the united states. gives instructors greater choice and flexibility [1] new! chapter ordering changes allow instructors to more easily organize content as needed to accommodate labs, schedules, and different teaching styles. work and energy are now covered before momentum, oscillations are grouped with mechanical waves, and optics appears after electricity and magnetism. [2] new! addition of advanced topics as optional sections further expands instructors' options. topics include rocket propulsion, gyroscopes and precession, the wave equation (including for electromagnetic waves), the speed of sound in gases, and more details on the interference of light. builds problem-solving skills and confidence, using an explicit, methodical, and consistent approach. [3] new! model boxes enhance the text's emphasis on modeling-analyzing a complex, real-world situation in terms of simple but reasonable idealizations that can be applied over and over in solving problems. these fundamental simplifications are developed in the text and then deployed more explicitly in the worked examples, helping students to recognize when and how to use recurring models (such as motion with constant acceleration or the photon model of light). [4] a consistent 4-step approach provides a problem-solving framework throughout the book (and all supplements): students learn the importance of making assumptions (in the model step) and gathering information and making sketches (in the visualize step) before treating the problem mathematically (solve) and then analyzing their results (assess). [5] detailed problem-solving strategies for different topics and categories of problems (circular-motion problems, calorimetry problems, etc.) are developed throughout the book, each one built on the above 4-step framework. [6] tactics boxes give step-by-step procedures for developing specific skills (drawing free-body diagrams, using ray tracing, etc.). [7] worked examples follow the 4-step strategy and include careful explanations of the underlying, and often unstated, reasoning. [8] the student workbook provides straightforward confidence- and skill-building exercises, bridging the gap between worked examples and end-of-chapter problems. worksheets following the model/visualize/solve/assess framework provide tear-out templates for students to follow when practicing solving dynamics, energy, and momentum problems. promotes a deeper and better-connected understanding, using a structured learning path and an inductive approach with exceptional clarity. [9] revised! enhanced chapter previews have been reconceived to address the questions students are most likely to ask themselves while studying the material for the first time. questions cover the important ideas, and provide a big-picture overview of the chapter's key principles. [10] new! looking back pointers enable students to look back at a previous chapter when it's important to review concepts. pointers provide the specific section to consult at the exact point in the text where they need to use this material. [11] updated! focused part overviews and knowledge structures consolidate understanding of groups of chapters and give a tighter structure to the book as a whole. reworked part overviews and knowledge structures (one per page) provide more targeted detail on overarching themes. [12] unique and critically acclaimed visual chapter summaries consolidate understanding by providing each concept in words, math, and figures and organizing these into a vertical hierarchy-from general principles (top) to applications (bottom). [13] new concepts are introduced through observations about the real world and theories grounded by making sense of observations. this inductive approach illustrates how science operates, and has been shown to improve student learning by reconciling new ideas with what they already know. [14] special attention is given to address known misconceptions and areas that have been proven to cause difficulties, ranging from including a separate chapter on newton's third law, to individual "note" paragraphs throughout that guide students away from known preconceptions and around common sticking points, and highlight many math- and vocabulary-related issues. [15] stop to think questions at the end of a section allow students to quickly check their understanding. using powerful ranking-task and graphical techniques, they are designed to efficiently probe key misconceptions and encourage active reading. answers are grouped by chapter at the end of the text. [16] hand-drawn sketches are incorporated into select worked examples to provide a clear model of what students should draw during their own problem solving. pioneers the implementation of proven visual techniques that cognitive science has shown significantly increase engagement, assimilation, and retention of science concepts. [17] updated! visual program has been enhanced with over 500 pieces of revised art that increase the focus on key ideas, eliminating extraneous detail, information, and color. a hallmark of knight since the beginning, figures are streamlined to focus on the physics at hand, for example, using the same color for the object of interest in mechanics, or by using the same color for force throughout the text. [18] explicit instruction as annotations directly on figures helps students to interpret figures and graphs. [19] extensive use is made of multiple representations-placing different representations side by side to help students develop the key skill of translating between words, math, and figures. essential to good problem solving, this skill is overlooked in most physics textbooks. [20] analogy is used throughout the text and figures to consolidate student understanding by comparing with a more familiar concept or situation. draws on nationwide student metadata to optimize assessment and practice material. analysis of national student metadata (including time spent, most common wrong answers, and comment rate) has allowed every problem to be enhanced for educational effectiveness and accurately calibrated in difficulty (in the book) and duration (in masteringphysics). similar analysis has allowed problem sets in every chapter to be revised to ensure ideal topic coverage, balance of qualitative and quantitative problems, and range of difficulty and duration. new! significantly revised end-of-chapter problem sets include more challenging problems that will expand the range of physics and math skills students will use to solve problems-a new icon for calculus-based problems is included. [21] conceptual questions require careful reasoning and can be used for group discussions or individual work. [22] exercises (for each section) allow students to build up their skills and confidence with more straightforward questions. the fourth edition includes a greater proportion of section-specific exercises compared to general problems, by popular demand. [23] problems (spanning concepts from the whole chapter) require in-depth reasoning and planning, allowing students to practice their problem-solving strategies. context-rich problems require students to simplify and model more complex real-world situations. specifically labeled problems integrate concepts from multiple previous chapters. [24] challenge problems push the best students even further. [25] difficulty ratings, given for all exercises and problems, are based on masteringphysics student data, and thus allow instructors to build a homework assignment with their desired range of difficulties. [26] the revised workbook is tightly integrated with the main text-following the same textbook strategies, and is explicitly referenced throughout the text.

The theories of relativity and quantum physics were developed out of this need and have provided us with phenomenal, mind-twisting insights into the strange and exciting reality show of our universe. relativity and quantum physics for beginners is an entertaining and accessible introduction to the bizarre concepts that fueled the scientific revolution of the 20th century and led to amazing advances in our understanding of the universe.

Book synopsis originally published in 1938 by cambridge university press, the evolution of physics traces the development of ideas in physics, in a manner suitable for any reader. written by famed physicist albert einstein and leopold infeld, this latest edition includes a new introduction from modern einstein biographer, walter isaacson.using this work to push his realist approach to physics in defiance of much of quantum mechanics, einstein's the evolution of physics was published to great popularity and was featured in a time magazine cover story. a classic work for any student of physics or lover of albert einstein, the evolution of physics can be enjoyed by any and should be celebrated by all. about the author albert einstein was a german-born theoretical physicist, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest physicists of all time. einstein is best known for developing the theory of relativity, but he also made important contributions to the development of the theory of quantum mechanics.

The legendary introduction to physics from the subject's greatest teacher. "the whole thing was basically an experiment," richard feynman said late in his career, looking back on the origins of his lectures. the experiment turned out to be hugely successful, spawning a book that has remained a definitive introduction to physics for decades. ranging from the most basic principles of newtonian physics through such formidable theories as general relativity and quantum mechanics, feynman's lectures stand as a monument of clear exposition and deep insight. timeless and collectible, the lectures are essential reading, not just for students of physics but for anyone seeking an introduction to the field from the inimitable feynman.

Developing a theory that seamlessly combines relativity and quantum mechanics, the most important conceptual breakthroughs in twentieth century physics, has proved to be a difficult and ongoing challenge. this book details how two distinguished physicists and nobel laureates have explored this theme in two lectures given in cambridge, england, in 1986 to commemorate the famous british physicist paul dirac. given for nonspecialists and undergraduates, the talks transcribed in elementary particles and the laws of physics focus on the fundamental problems of physics and the present state of our knowledge. professor feynman examines the nature of antiparticles, and in particular the relationship between quantum spin and statistics. professor weinberg speculates on how einstein's theory of gravitation might be reconciled with quantum theory in the final law of physics. highly accessible, deeply thought provoking, this book will appeal to all those interested in the development of modern physics.

Using wonderful examples and thought-provoking analogies, al-khalili illuminates the physics of the extreme cosmic and quantum scales, the speculative frontiers of the field, and the physics that underpins our everyday experiences and technologies, bringing the reader up to speed with the biggest ideas in physics in just a few sittings. the knowledge discovered by physics both empowers and humbles us, and still, physics continues to delve valiantly into the unknown.making even the most enigmatic scientific ideas accessible and captivating, this deeply insightful book illuminates why physics matters to everyone and calls one and all to share in the profound adventure of seeking truth in the world around us.

Learn about the big bang theory, astrophysics and gravity in the physics book. – part of the fascinating big ideas series, this book tackles tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy to follow format. learn about physics in this overview guide to the subject, great for beginners looking to learn and experts wishing to refresh their knowledge alike! the physics book brings a fresh and vibrant take on the topic through eye-catching graphics and diagrams to immerse yourself in. – the physics book is the perfect introduction to the science, aimed at adults with an interest in the subject and students wanting to gain more of an overview. here you’ll discover more than 90 of the most important laws and theories in the history of physics and the great minds behind them. if you’ve ever wondered exactly how physicists formulated and proved groundbreaking abstract concepts, this is the perfect book for you. – your physics questions, simply explained – how do magnets generate electricity? what is antimatter? is time travel possible? if you thought it was difficult to learn the many laws and concepts of physics, the physics book presents key information in a clear layout. learn about pythagoras’s observations on music, galileo’s experiments with spheres and isaac newton’s theories of gravity and laws of motion with superb mind maps and step-by-step summaries. – with millions of copies sold worldwide, the physics book is part of the award-winning big ideas series from dk. the series uses striking graphics along with engaging writing, making big topics easy to understand.

Physics does not have to be daunting. this book, complete with practice questions and answers, forms a course which will take you from beginner or intermediate level to having a confident grasp of physics. the book includes: simple step-by-step explanations, to help you grasp new topics or those that have previously confused you; practice questions throughout, to help you embed your learning and improve your confidence; and end of chapter summaries to help you remember the key points you've learnt – all in one great-value book, so you don't need any separate workbooks or course books. chapters include: starting physics, motion, forces in action, thermal physics, engines and thermodynamics, electricity, the nature of light, materials and molecules, quantum theory and relativity, the structure of matter, nuclear energy, space and the universe, and the frontiers of physics. the complete introduction series from teach yourself is the ultimate one-stop guide for anyone wanting a comprehensive and accessible entry point into subjects as diverse as philosophy, mathematics, psychology, economics and practical electronics. loved by students and perfect for general readers who simply want to learn more about the world around them, these books are your first choice for discovering something new.

Understand the rules that make the universe run. understanding the laws of physics is essential for all scientific studies, but many students are intimidated by their complexities. this completely revised and updated book makes it easy to understand the most important principles. from the physics of the everyday world to the theory of relativity, physics made simple covers it all. each chapter is introduced by anecdotes that directly apply the concepts to contemporary life and ends with practice problems—with complete solutions—to reinforce the concepts. humorous illustrations and stories complete the text, making it not only easy but fun to learn this important science. topics covered include:*force*motion *energy*waves *electricity and magnetism *the atom *quantum physics*relativity*spectroscopy *particle physics – look for these made simple titles – accounting made simple – arithmetic made simple – astronomy made simple – biology made simple – bookkeeping made simple – business letters made simple – chemistry made simple – english made simple – french made simple – german made simple – ingles hecho facil investing made simple – italian made simple – keyboarding made simple – latin made simple – learning english made simple – mathematics made simple – the perfect business plan made simple – philosophy made simple – psychology made simple – sign language made simple – spelling made simple – statistics made simple

This book takes the reader on a journey through the life of richard feynman and describes, in non-technical terms, his revolutionary contributions to modern physics. feynman was an unconventional thinker who always tried to get to the bottom of things. in doing so, he developed an intuitive view that made him one of the greatest teachers of physics. the author captures this development and explains it in the context of the zeitgeist of modern physics: what revolutionary ideas did feynman have, what contribution did he make to the development of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, how can feynman's methods be understood? be enchanted by this book and understand the physics of the genius whose 100th birthday was celebrated in 2018.

Achieve success in your physics course by making the most of what physics for scientists and engineers has to offer. from a host of in-text features to a range of outstanding technology resources, you’ll have everything you need to understand the natural forces and principles of physics. throughout every chapter, the authors have built in a wide range of examples, exercises, and illustrations that will help you understand the laws of physics and succeed in your course! important notice: media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

"university physics is a three-volume collection that meets the scope and sequence requirements for two- and three-semester calculus-based physics courses. volume 1 covers mechanics, sound, oscillations, and waves. this textbook emphasizes connections between theory and application, making physics concepts interesting and accessible to students while maintaining the mathematical rigor inherent in the subject. frequent, strong examples focus on how to approach a problem, how to work with the equations, and how to check and generalize the result."–open textbook library.

A book to help students understand physics concepts and the role the science plays in their lives this text has been written to engage students in the subject of physics and promote their understanding of key concepts. the loose leaf volume of physics, 11th edition, volume 1, is designed to support student success. it opens by discussing kinematics, forces, dynamics, and work and energy. it also provides students with the concepts related to impulse and momentum as wells rotational kinematic and dynamics. an exploration of principles, laws and theories in the text includes: newton's laws of motion, the ideal gas law and kinetic theory, and the principle of linear superposition and interference phenomena. students also learn about electric forces, fields, circuits and potential energy. the concept of light is explored in relation to reflection, refraction, and the wave nature of light. the text's final chapters look at the nature of the atom, nuclear physics and nuclear energy. each chapter of the book comes with a concept summary to reinforce what has been presented. students also expand learning through solving problems, team problems, and concept/calculations problems.

This innovative modern physics textbook is intended as a first introduction to quantum mechanics and its applications. townsend's new text shuns the historical ordering that characterizes other so-called modern physics textbooks and applies a truly modern approach to this subject, starting instead with contemporary single-photon and single-atom interference experiments. the text progresses naturally from a thorough introduction to wave mechanics through applications of quantum mechanics to solid-state, nuclear, and particle physics, thereby including most of the topics normally presented in a modern physics course.

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive.

The whole thing was basically an experiment, richard feynman said late in his career, looking back on the origins of his lectures. the experiment turned out to be hugely successful, spawning a book that has remained a definitive introduction to physics for decades. ranging from the most basic principles of newtonian physics through such formidable theories as general relativity and quantum mechanics, feynmans lectures stand as a monument of clear exposition and deep insight. timeless and collectible, the lectures are essential reading, not just for students of physics but for anyone seeking an introduction to the field from the inimitable feynman. about the author richard p. feynman (1918-1988) was richard chace tolman professor of theoretical physics at the california institute of technology. he was awarded the 1965 nobel prize for his work on the development of quantum field theory. he was also one of the most famous and beloved figures of the twentieth century, both in physics and as a public intellectual.

As alastair rae points out in his introduction, "quantum physics is not rocket science". it may have gained a reputation as the theory that no one really understands, but its practical applications are all around us in everyday life. if it were not for quantum physics, computers would not function, metals would not conduct electricity, and the power stations that heat our homes would not produce energy. assuming no prior scientific or mathematical knowledge, this clear and concise introduction provides a step-by-step guide to quantum theory, right from the very basic principles to the most cutting-edge developments, such as super-fast computers and unbreakable codes, which could soon become reality. written by one of the most respected authors in the field, this authoritative and readable guide will be suitable for anyone wishing to gain a clearer understanding of one of the key scientific discoveries of our time.