Author: Michael J. Anzelone

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published: 2012-08-15

Total Pages: 134

ISBN-13: 9781491233382

The Fundamentals of Physics is a compact text that includes basic topics of classical physics that a student should be familiar with in order to be truly educated in science. The text's clear and concise presentation will help a student understand the science of physics and round out his or her science foundation. The first chapter contains a historical perspective. This short history of science will firmly put the information in the text on a firm footing. A quick reading of the history will make the rest of the book easier to understand and increase the ability to remember material. Essential scientific ideas are presented in this text that fit together is such a way as to accept “new” information effortlessly and assimilate the “old” with the “new.” The general plan of the text is to explain simple ideas and then incorporate them into more complex ideas. Explanatory annotations are included to ensure a student's ease of reading. General safety rules at the beginning of the text should be reviewed, even if a laboratory is not part of the course. The book includes topics that lend themselves to demonstration of basic principles of physics. Students should be encouraged to participate in demonstrations to acquire some “hands on” experience. This will allow students to grasp principles easier. The inclusion of a survey of the natural sciences will allow a student to be aware of the relationship of one science to another. An explanation of how the basic units of measurement were arrived at is essential for a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts. Galileo's law of falling bodies, Isaac Newton's laws of motion and a short explanation of Einstein's concepts of relativity are simply presented. Atomic theory and the states of matter are clearly presented. The beginner should have no difficulty. The properties of sound and light are presented and related to everyday activities. Electricity, electronics and magnetism are included because of their relevance to the modern workplace. Understandable and practical examples are given. Radioactivity is covered because of its importance in the modern world.