Physics Demystified

Overview

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A ROCKET SCIENTIST TO UNDERSTAND PHYSICS

Now anyone with an interest in the physical sciences can master physics -- without formal training or drowning in a sea of complicated formulas and equations. In Physics Demystified best-selling author Stan Gibilisco offers a fun, effective, and totally painless way to learn the fundamentals and general concepts of physics.

With Physics Demystified you master the subject one simple step at a time – at your own speed. Unlike most books on physics, general principles are presented first – and the details follow. In order to make the learning process as clear and simple as possible, heavy-duty math, formulas, and equations are kept to a minimum. This unique self-teaching guide offers questions at the end of each chapter and section to pinpoint weaknesses, and a 100-question final exam to reinforce the entire book.

Simple enough for a beginner but challenging enough for an advanced student, Physics Demystified is your direct route to learning or brushing up on physics.

HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO:
* Understand the math used in physical science
* Solve mass/force/acceleration problems
* Create mathematical models of physical phenomena
* Perform distance vs. time calculations
* Determine potential and kinetic energy
* Calculate the wavelength of sounds and radio signals
* Understand visible light interference patterns
* Calculate the energy and frequency of a moving particle
* Understand atomic structure
* Learn about electric current, voltage, resistance, power, and energy

Table of contents

PART ZERO: A REVIEW OF MATHEMATICS
CHAPTER 1 Equations, Formulas, and Vectors
CHAPTER 2 Scientific Notation
CHAPTER 3 Graphing Schemes
CHAPTER 4 Basics of Geometry
CHAPTER 5 Logarithms, Exponentials, and Trigonometry
Test: Part Zero
PART ONE: CLASSICAL PHYSICS
CHAPTER 6 Units and Constants
CHAPTER 7 Mass, Force, and Motion
CHAPTER 8 Momentum, Work, Energy, and Power
Chapter 9: Particles of Matter
Chapter 10: Basic States of Matter
Chapter 11: Temperature, Pressure, and Changes of State
Test: Part One
PART TWO: ELECTRICITY, MAGNETISM, AND ELECTRONICS
Chapter 12: Direct Current
Chapter 13: Alternating Current
Chapter 14: Magnetism
Chapter 15: More About Alternating Current
Chapter 16: Semiconductors
Test: Part Two
PART THREE: WAVES, PARTICLES, SPACE, AND TIME
Chapter 17: Wave Phenomena
Chapter 18: Forms of Radiation
Chapter 19: Optics
Chapter 20: Relativity Theory
Test: Part Three
Final Exam
Answers to Quiz, Test, and Exam Questions
Suggested Additional References
Index

Biographical note

Stan Gibilisco is one of McGraw-Hill’s most diverse and best-selling authors. Known for his clear, user-friendly, and entertaining writing style, Mr. Gibilisco’s depth of knowledge and ease of presentation makes him an excellent choice for a book such as Physics Demystified. His previous titles for McGraw-Hill include The TAB Encyclopedia of Electronics for Technicians and Hobbyists, Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, and the Illustrated Dictionary of Electronics. Booklist named his book, The McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Personal Computing, one of the Best References of 1996.