Wow! eBook
Understanding Physics 2nd Edition
Author(s): Michael Mansfield (Author), Colm O′Sullivan (Author)
- Publisher: Wiley–Blackwell
- Publication Date: 26 Nov. 2010
- Edition: 2nd
- Language: English
- Print length: 698 pages
- ISBN-10: 9780470746387
- ISBN-13: 0470746386
Book Description
Mathematical methods (in particular, calculus and vector analysis) are introduced within the text as the need arises and are presented in the context of the physical problems which they are used to analyse. Particular aims of the book are to demonstrate to students that the easiest, most concise and least ambiguous way to express and describe phenomena in physics is by using the language of mathematics and that, at this level, the total amount of mathematics required is neither large nor particularly demanding.
‘Modern physics’ topics (relativity and quantum mechanics) are introduced at an earlier stage than is usually found in introductory textbooks and are integrated with the more ‘classical’ material from which they have evolved. This book encourages students to develop an intuition for relativistic and quantum concepts at as early a stage as is practicable.
The text takes a reflective approach towards the scientific method at all stages and, in keeping with the title of the text, emphasis is placed on understanding of, and insight into, the material presented.
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
With this in mind, this second edition of Understanding Physics 2nd Edition introduces 20th Century topics at an earlier stage than is usually found in introductory textbooks and these are integrated with more &;classical&; material from which they have evolved. Understanding Physics 2nd Edition emphasizes, in a fully rigorous manner, the essential unity of physics.
In twenty-two chapters all fundamental concepts of physics, from classical building towards more specialised subjects, are presented. Among the many topics covered are:
- Dynamics
- Force fields
- Relative Motion and Special Relativity
- Thermal physics
- Introduction to quantum mechanics
- Electric Currents and Fields
- Optics
- Atom Physics
- Nuclear physics, particle physics and astrophysics
Throughout the text references are given to sources where more detailed discussions of particular topics or applications may be found, and worked examples and problems are presented at the end of each chapter.
Understanding Physics 2nd Edition is written primarily for students who are taking their first course in physics at university level. While it is anticipated that many readers will have some previous knowledge of physics or of general science, each topic is introduced from first principles so that the text is suitable for students without any prior background in physics.
Additional web material for instructors and students can be found at www.wiley.com/go/mansfield
Reviews of the first edition
“It is well written, well illustrated and has a fresh approach.”
&;Professor Malcolm Cooper, University of Warwick, UK
“In my opinion this is an excellent text. It is well balanced, it is explanatory and it has an interesting integrated structure.”
&;Dr Leif Karlsson, Uppsala University, Sweden
About the Author
Michael Mansfield is a professor in the Department of Physics at University College Cork (Ireland). Professor Mansfield was awarded a BSc and a PhD by Imperial College London (UK) and a DSc by the National University of Ireland. He has held research and teaching appointments at universities and research institutes in Italy, Germany, UK, and Ireland. At University College Cork, he heads an atomic and molecular / plasma physics diagnostics research programme. He has published more than 60 research and review papers in this area. He is a member of the Institute of Physics and the Irish Fusion Association.
Colm O’Sullivan is Associate Professor (Emeritus) in the Physics Department, University College Cork, Ireland. He was educated at the National University of Ireland and received his PhD at the Catholic University of America, Washington DC (USA). His research interests include cosmic ray astrophysics and physics Education. Professor O’Sullivan is also involved in the EU Leonardo da Vinci 2 (Community Vocational Training Action Programme). The main objective of the ComLab project is to integrate different tools in science and technology teaching. He is co-author with Michael Mansfield of the textbook Understanding Physics 2nd Edition published by Wiley / Praxis (January 1998).
