A handbook of mathematical methods and problem-solving tools for introductory physics /
Joshua F. Whitney and Heather M. Whitney.
- Second edition.
- 1 online resource (various pagings) : illustrations.
- [IOP release $release] IOP ebooks. [2021 collection] .
- IOP (Series). Release 21. IOP ebooks. 2021 collection. .
"Version: 20210601"--Title page verso.
Includes bibliographical references.
1. Introduction -- 2. Kinematics -- 2.1. Equations needed with symbols defined -- 2.2. Understanding the equations -- 2.3. Keeping the signs straight -- 2.4. Motion in two dimensions : relating x and y -- 2.5. Summary and important notes 3. Newton's laws -- 3.1. Applying the first law -- 3.2. Applying the second law -- 3.3. Applying the third law -- 3.4. Examples -- 3.5. Summary and important notes 4. Energy and momentum -- 4.1. Energy -- 4.2. Example -- 4.3. Momentum -- 4.4. Types of collisions -- 4.5. Summary and important notes 5. Circular and rotational motion -- 5.1. Centripetal force -- 5.2. Torque -- 5.3. Waves -- 5.4. Oscillations -- 5.5. Traveling waves -- 5.6. Standing waves and boundary conditions 6. Basic optics -- 6.1. Diffraction and interference -- 6.2. Thin lenses -- 6.3. Summary and important notes 7. The right-hand rule -- 7.1. How to use it properly -- 7.2. Special case of magnetic fields from currents -- 7.3. Summary and important notes 8. Electric fields and electric potential -- 8.1. Finding fields and forces from point charges -- 8.2. Electric potential from point charges -- 8.3. Summary and important notes 9. Magnetic fields -- 9.1. Biot-Savart law -- 9.2. Magnetic forces -- 9.3. Trigonometry for electric and magnetic field integrals -- 9.4. Induced currents : Faraday's and Lenz's law 10. Circuits -- 10.1. Ohm's law -- 10.2. Kirchhoff's loop and junction laws -- 10.3. Summary and important notes 11. Modern physics -- 11.1. Relativity -- 11.2. Quantum mechanics -- 11.3. Brief aside on energy equations -- 11.4. Summary and important notes 12. General problem-solving tips -- 12.1. Break the problem down into as small pieces as possible -- 12.2. Write down everything you have and what you are trying to find -- 12.3. Check units -- 12.4. Pull all the 10n factors out of your calculation before putting it in your calculator -- 12.5. Practice algebra -- 12.6. Keep everything symbolic as long as possible -- 12.7. Electron volts.
This is a companion textbook for an introductory course in physics. The purpose is to thoroughly link the theories students learn in class with actual problem-solving techniques. In other words, it addresses the common complaint that 'I feel like I understand the concepts, but I can't do the homework'. This book covers the fundamentals that comprise the majority of a physics course in as simple and concise terms as possible, with a particular emphasis on how the fundamental concepts and equations allow students to solve problems. In addition to updates across the board, this edition includes new material relating to waves, optics, fields, magnetism, and circuits. Each section focuses on a deeper understanding of the equations you will be using along with problem-solving skills. Remember that equations themselves are merely tools and you will be in much better shape if you know what tool you are looking for before you start looking. The book will equip you with the problem-solving techniques and conceptual explanations that can be applied to almost anything in your introductory physics course.
Undergraduate and graduate students in physics.
Mode of access: World Wide Web. System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader, EPUB reader, or Kindle reader.
Joshua F. Whitney and Heather M. Whitney have both taught at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL in a variety of roles in the Department of Physics. Joshua is also an amateur bodybuilder and Megaman enthusiast. He completed his PhD in Physics at the University of Tennessee, working in theoretical particle physics. Since then, he has spent considerable time teaching introductory and upper level physics classes and labs. Heather is also an amateur gardener and cook, and fitness proteg�e of Joshua. She completed her PhD in Physics at Vanderbilt University, doing research at the Vanderbilt University Institute for Imaging Science. In addition to teaching physics, she works with undergraduate students on research projects in medical physics.