From School Library Journal
Grade 10 Up–Though it covers a broad range of topics, this textbook-style survey suffers from arid, passive-voice prose and inadequate indexing–a bad combination for a general reference resource. An opening pair of chapters covering the early history of physics is followed by 13 others, each taking up a single class of phenomena, from Translational Motion and Heat to Quantum Physics and Relativity. Myers closes with instructions for two dozen simple experiments and a brief look at careers in the physical sciences. He keeps the focus steadily on classical physics; students researching such cutting-edge topics as superstring theory, superconductivity, or quantum entanglement will find little or nothing here, and even subjects that are discussed in some detail–quark flavors and colors, for example–are not picked up in the skimpy index. In addition, several entries in the multimedia resource list are more than 20 years old. The text is supplemented by frequent equations, charts, and diagrams, plus the occasional drab black-and-white graphic. Libraries already owning an upper-level science encyclopedia, either online or in multiple volumes, will only find this useful as, at best, a supplementary resource.–John Peters, New York Public Library
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Review
“Myers has written, for the Basics of the Hard Sciences series, an introductory book for students with a broad prospective. The basics of classical, quantum, and nuclear physics, as well as relativity, are discussed with many diagrams and tables for the uninitiated. A section is provided with physics experiments that are simple enough for most high school students. Myers offers a brief history of the theories and facts presented, something missing in many science works. There is also a brief introduction to the field of physics as a career, possibly encouraging a student to study further. Finally, the book contains a fairly handy glossary, table of elements, conversion tables, selected bibliography, and good index. Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates.” ―Choice
“The text is well written, minimizes the math presented, gives good descriptions of the concepts, and includes interesting historical accounts of the developments in the various fields of physics.” ―SB&F
“After reviewing the history of physics and its founders, this introductory textbook explains the basic principles of mechanics, motion, work, energy, heat, matter, vibration and waves, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. A glossary and 25 simple experiments are provided.” ―SciTech Book News
About the Author
Richard L. Myers is Professor of Environmental Science at Alaska Pacific University. He has taught chemistry, oceanography, meteorology, and physics classes and conducted research on urban environmental issues. His work has appeared in the Journal of Environmental Health,The Northern Engineer, Journal of Chemical Education, and Journal of College Science Teaching. His teaching awards include the Carnegie Foundation Alaska Professor of the Year, Higher Education Award from the United Methodist Church, President’s Forum Teaching Award, and Ohaus Award for Innovations in College Science Teaching. teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in chemistry, statistics, and environmental science. Dr. Myers’ published research includes work on air quality, water quality, science education, and science and the humanities.
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