Customer Reviews:
Achieves its goal.......2007-06-08
This book seems to achieve its goal very nicely, namely, to be a general physics textbook. It competes with the usual suspects: Halliday/Resnick, Serway, etc. This seems to be a market where, if the books are too sophisticated, they sure aren't going to be adopted.
The educational system in most countries seem to emulate this recipe of physics with as little mathematics as possible and a "general course" where students are merely introduced to physics at a level only slightly higher than high-school level. This is one of those books. Whether we like it or not, this is how it is even, apparently, in top institutions in the U.S.
That said, I will disclose that I can't stand Halliday/Resnick, and thought that Serway was too much of a marketing stunt. Tipler, on the other hand, seemed quite reasonable. I think this book stands out for: 1) lack of cruft; 2) clear explanations, that rely on math, rather than verbosity; 3) a sensible choice of *relevant* examples; 4) a nice pedagogical resource, whereby the author gives you an example and subsequently does another one ("You try it"), with step-by-step handholding.
Overall, of the books I used, this was more to my taste. I happened to notice that some Physics teachers (for undergraduates) also seemed to like this book more (and, in fact, I had a teacher describe Halliday/Resnick as a "chronic disease", one that our institution could not get rid of, because the book had been around for so long, and we had so many copies at the library - our libraries in Brazil don't typically throw out old editions). Other books I enjoyed were Alonso & Finn, and McKelvey & Grotch (these two out-of-print, unfortunately).
There are many more books out there for the undergraduate that wishes to have a more sophisticated and mathematically sophisticated understanding of Physics. However, it seems these more "mundane" courses are a pervasive practice. And there's nothing you can do about it. And you are not to blame. So, at least choose a nicely crafted learning tool.
Useful Supplement to Textbook.......2007-01-12
I bought this study guide because there were some concepts that I did not completely understand after going to class and reading the textbook. This study guide goes over difficult ideas and also addresses potential pitfalls. The key concept outlines of the chapter are great for reviewing before class to prepare for lecture.
Just awful........2006-12-21
This is not coming from a student bitter about receiving bad grades in his class; I got a 4.0 in both semesters of engineering physics. I did this, however, despite this book and not because of it. The wording is needlessly abstruse, the sample problems are worked out poorly and, quite often, the answers in the back of the book are incorrect.
I used Douglas C. Giancoli's physics text as a supplement for review before my exams and, without exception, the material was presented in a more concise and understandable fashion than in the Tipler/Mosca travesty.
There must have been happier moments in my life than when I sold this text back to my co-op, but none currently come to mind.
Great book for excellent learning.......2005-07-14
Contrary to what some of the reviewers have said, this book is great for self-study. I know this from experience. It is mostly clear and logical, although there are certain parts that are frustrating because of lack of clarity. There are some examples that are confusing, and, as explained by a previous reviewer, sometimes variables are not explained in new equations.
The best thing about this book is that it has many great, easy to understand examples at varying difficulties. The graphics are excellent and this really helps sometimes. The problem sets at the end of the chapters are good. If you can do the examples and problem sets at the end of the chapters (and I know you can because the author does a wonderful job at explaining the subjects) you will find books on classical mechanics and electromagnetism to be extremely easy.
This book comes with online supplements, but you probably will not use them. They are worthless. Do not waste your time trying to use the online supplements.
UPDATE: I scored 5's (the highest possible score) on my advanced placement physics C exams(both mechanics and electricity and magnetism). I never took a course or had a teacher for this level of physics so my score must have been due to this book!
A review from someone who is also NOT retarded OR stupid.......2005-01-30
The previous reviewer apparently feels that anyone who doesn't agree with him is "retarded" or "stupid". To criticize or classify someone for their spelling errors is pointless and juvenile. It contributes nothing to the book's evaluation. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, regardless of their spelling ability. After all, I could point out that he spelled "retarded" as "retarted" immediately before his spelling comment. Does that make him retarded or stupid? I doubt it. However, in regard to his book review, he is only half correct. The subject is a difficult one, especially for those who are first encountering it. Where he is wrong is in saying that "the way the book is written has nothing to do with this." The presentation of a subject can make it easier or harder; therefore, the book, along with the instructor, has everything to do with it. I've used many textbooks during my courses of study and my 35+ year career. This one is neither the best nor the worst. Textbooks are seldom presented to students for evaluation before publishing. At best, they are shown to people who are already familiar with the topic. This is usually done to locate errors. Very few reviewers approach a new textbook from the vantage point of a student who is looking at the subject for the first time. This textbook covers the topic sufficiently but it does show a weakness in clarity. When this book is used in a Physics class, it will require an instructor capable of guiding the student over its many rough spots.
Customer Reviews:
Great book for independant study.......2007-05-09
I'm currently using this book for an independant study type course. I absolutely love it! The physics is explained clearly and accurately, and ideas are repeated just enough so that they stick for you in later chapters. The book engages you by asking lots of theoretical questions within the reading. Diagrams, tables, and well thought out problem solving strategies guide you through a quite thorough understanding of both physics and how to best approach various problems.
There is also a student workbook that goes with the text; I've done part of it, and appreciate the way it bridges from the ideas in the reading to the problems to solve at the end of the chapter. While it is certainly not essential, if you have trouble with the end of the chapter problems, you may want to consider looking into it. I've not been able to find an answer guide for the workbook, but an understanding instructor or TA should be able to check over your work if you're using it for a class.
I took algebra-based physics in highschool, and gained an understanding of the basic concepts behind it, as well as experience using various equations. This book has greatly helped me build on that understanding and comprehend the origin of various equations and techniques. The next physics course at my university uses a different book, but I'm considering getting the next volume in this series for the extra practice and explanations.
If you're looking for a physics book to learn physics from on your own, or for an independant study type course, I highly recommend this book. If you're going to be using it in a class with instruction, even better! Just read along, carefully do the practice problems, and you'll probably do great.
Book Description
This best-selling, calculus-based text is recognized for its carefully crafted, logical presentation of the basic concepts and principles of physics. PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS, Sixth Edition, maintains the Serway traditions of concise writing for the students, carefully thought-out problem sets and worked examples, and evolving educational pedagogy. This edition introduces a new co-author, Dr. John Jewett, at Cal Poly ? Pomona, known best for his teaching awards and his role in the recently published PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS, Third Edition, also written with Ray Serway. Providing students with the tools they need to succeed in introductory physics, the Sixth Edition of this authoritative text features unparalleled media integration and a newly enhanced supplemental package for instructors and students!
Customer Reviews:
A Good Introduction.......2004-05-03
Wolfson and Pasachoff's "Physics" is a great book, either for a class (in which case you really don't have much choice of which book you buy) or for self-study. I found the book to be a very good way to learn the basics of calculus-based physics, even without much outside instruction. It is clear and self-contained, with enough examples and problems to work on. It covers a broad range of topic in limited depth, making it great for an independent enthusiast or a student, including not only simple mechanics and electormagnetism, but also introductions to thermodynamics, waves and optics, and moden physics and relativity. Also, there are plenty of examples of real-world applications, showing industrial and everyday uses of the content covered and effectivly relating abstract material to real life. All in all an effective text and an interesting read.
Recommended Textbook.......2003-05-27
Hey, this book helped me learn physics and get an A+ for the first quarter... but the main thing is what I have learned (not greade, of course) ), and as far as learning goes I found this text to be very helpful. It contains all the most needed equations, lots of examples, the text is easy to read and understand. Even though physics may not be your favourite subject, this book will not add to your suffering. I would recommend the study guide and solutions manual to it if you are the kind of person who does not like to read the chapters but only grasp the most relevant material.
A great book!.......2000-05-06
I found this book to be a wonderful guide to freshmen physics. I have only the second volume on E&M and modern physics. I particularly like the little things such as the reminder that phenomena like reflection and refraction can be explained using Maxwell's equations. I believe that this gives the student a preview of things to come in later classes. Perhaps there are not as many examples as in Halliday & Resnick, but there are plenty of applications to the real world. It gives just a taste of quantum mechanics but that may be enough for freshmen. The color layout is an optical feast. I like the "Got it" sections which periodically test the reader's physical knowledge at the completion of each concept. I do think that the questions should have an answer key though. All in all a great book!
Not too bad, but not real good either..........1999-12-17
This is a pretty good book for showing the derivation of formulas, but it doesn't spend enough time explaining the concepts. Also, it has good examples for simple problems, but needs examples for the more complex problems. Also the "questions" section at the end does not provide answers, which makes them totally useless as a learning tool.
Good, yet needs more sample problems..........1999-10-07
This textbook, is a good guidline for the beginner in Physics. The diagrams are useful, and is not too wordy. However an abscence of sample problems is the only downfall to this text.
Book Description
This best-selling calculus-based text is recognized for its carefully crafted, logical presentation of the basic concepts and principles of physics. The book is available in single hardcover volumes, 2-volume hardcover sets, and 4- or 5-volume softcover sets. Raymond Serway Robert Beichner, and contributing author John W. Jewett present a strong problem-solving approach that is further enhanced through increased realism in worked examples. Problem-solving strategies and hints allow students to develop a systematic approach to completing homework problems. The outstanding ancillary package includes full multimedia support, online homework, and a content-rich Web site that provides extensive support for instructors and students. The CAPA (Computer-assisted Personalized Approach), WebAssign, and University of Texas homework delivery systems give instructors flexibility in assigning online homework.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent.......2005-09-22
I have several Physics textbooks and this was by far the best one. For those of you considering buying a supplement for the one your school assigned to you, definetly get this one.
The content was succint, informative, and helpful, beyond what my other textbook, a Tipler one, had. This is the best there is!
Great for self instruction and very clear........2004-06-16
I am not sure whether this text is worthwile having in conjunction with a physics course. It is, however, wonderful for self instruction. The author often shows several different ways you can see the same concept, which defefinately helps you gain a deep understanding of physics. The prose is clear and organized. The author is constantly showing you phenomena related to whatever Serway may be talking about to help foster your curiousity (though that may be unecessary). I recommend you get the two seperate volumes. This one is HUGE and heavy. That is my only criticism. Half the book is problems. The problems are excellent and sometimes require deep thought. I learned college physics this way, and am only in middle school. This book really has all you need.
Absolutley Excellent Text........2004-02-13
I am not sure about the problems that some of the other users have come in contact with, but I found this text extremely useful. I used the text 3 or 4 years ago, and I still refer to it often. It has such a wide range of topics with excellent descriptions and great example problems. The text is also beneficial to those who are, lets say, mathematically inclined.
Don't forget, the book isn't going to do all of the work for you, you do have to put some effort into it.
The same goes for Volume II
Hope this helped.
Very unclear!.......2003-12-21
This book would be fine for a student with a very good teacher but, if you have a teacher that is very hard to understand because of his accent ,as in my case, then you need a book that makes it possible to teach yourself and this one is definitely not it!
One of the better first-year texts.......2003-08-19
I am amused by the comments of the reviewers panning this text. Serway is one of about 5 first-year physics texts. These all cover almost the same material, and in almost the same way (down to keeping the same subjects in the same subject numbers). Serway is one of the best of this groups - in my personal opinion, the best; but many will disagree.
In any event, one can only say to the kiddies, "sorry you can't understand Serway, because that's as good as it gets."
Product Description
Volume 1 (Chapters 1-15)
by Randall D. Knight
Volume 2 (Chapters 16-19)
by Randall D. Knight
Volume 3 (Chapters 20-24)
by Randall D. Knight
Volume 4 (Chapters 25-36)
by Randall D. Knight
Volume 5 (Chapters 36-42)
by Randall D. Knight
SoftCover books in slipcover.
Books:
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, Third Edition
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, Third Edition
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, Third Edition
- Physics of Semiconductor Devices
- Physics of Sound, The (3rd Edition)
- Practical Design and Production of Optical Thin Films, Second Edition, (Optical Engineering, 79)
- Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text, Volume 1 (with PhysicsNOW)
- Protein Physics: A Course of Lectures (Soft Condensed Matter, Complex Fluids and Biomaterials)
- Quantum Chromodynamics
- Quantum Computation and Quantum Information
Books Index
Books Home
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General
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Physics for Scientists and Engineers Student Solutions Manual, Volume 1
Physics for Scientists and Engineers Student Solutions Manual, Volume 2
Physics Laboratory Experiments
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume 2: Electricity, Magnetism, Light, and Elementary Modern Physics (Physics for Scientists and Engineers)
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Standard Version
