Richard Wolfson’s Essential University Physics, Second Edition is a concise and progressive calculus-based physics textbook that offers clear writing, great problems, and relevant real-life applications. This text is a compelling and affordable alternative for professors who want to focus on the fundamentals and bring physics to life for their students.
Essential University Physics focuses on the fundamentals of physics, teaches sound problem-solving skills, emphasizes conceptual understanding, and makes connections to the real world. The presentation is concise without sacrificing a solid introduction to calculus-based physics. New pedagogical elements have been introduced that incorporate proven results from physics education research. Features such as annotated figures and step-by-step problem-solving strategies help students master concepts and solve problems with confidence.
The Second Edition features dramatically revised and updated end-of-chapter problem sets, significant content updates, new Conceptual Examples, and additional Applications, all of which serve to foster student understanding and interest.
Essential University Physics is offered as two paperback volumes, available shrink-wrapped together, or for sale individually.
This package contains:
Essential University Physics: Volume 2, Second Edition (which includes Chapters 20-39)
Features + Benefits
Focus on the fundamentals:
The overarching theme is physics has a simple, elementary foundation that underlies a wide range of topics.
Key equations and definitions are set on colored screens with titles and explanatory material, so that students will not simply grab a bare equation with no sense as to how it is applied.
Tips offer concise explanatory or cautionary notes for typical misconceptions and identify the fundamental connections between new and old topics.
Visual chapter and part summaries present a big-picture review of key concepts and connections using multiple representations (words, equations, and figures).
Teach sound problem-solving skills:
The consistent and explicit problem-solving strategy is designed to develop students’ confidence and skill in systematically setting up problems rather than diving right into the math.
The IDEA (Interpret, Develop, Evaluate, and Assess) framework, used in every worked example, begins with a problem’s key ideas, stresses the importance of planning a solution and drawing a diagram, works through the math, checks for reasonable answers, and relates the problem’s content to a broader understanding of physics.
Problem-Solving Strategy boxes follow the IDEA framework and provide detailed guidance for specific classes of physics problems.
Pencil-style illustrations in worked examples show simple sketches that a student should draw while conceptualizing a problem.
Tactics boxes review mathematical topics and develop specific problem-solving skills.
Emphasize conceptual understanding:
Got It? questions present multiple-choice and ranking task problems in most sections to prompt students to check their understanding of key concepts as they read.
Every worked example begins by interpreting what a problem asks and identifying the relevant concepts.
Connect to the real world:
Every chapter includes Applications exploring modern examples of physics in the real world.
Chapter-opener photos, accompanied by thought-provoking questions, showcase examples of physics in everyday life.
IV. ELECTROMAGNETISM
20. Electric Charge, Force, and Field
21. Gauss’s Law
22. Electric Potential
23. Electrostatic Energy and Capacitors
24. Electric Current
25. Electric Circuits
26. Magnetism: Force and Field
27. Electromagnetic Induction
28. Alternating-Current Circuits
29. Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
V. OPTICS
30. Reflection and Refraction
31. Images and Optical Instruments
32. Interference and Diffraction
VI. MODERN PHYSICS
33. Relativity
34. Particles and Waves
35. Quantum Mechanics
36. Atomic Physics
37. Molecules and Solids
38. Nuclear Physics
39. From Quarks to the Cosmos
APPENDICES
Appendix A Mathematics
Appendix B The International System of Units (SI)
Appendix C Conversion Factors
Appendix D The Elements
Appendix E Astrophysical Data
Essential University Physics focuses on the fundamentals of physics, teaches sound problem-solving skills, emphasizes conceptual understanding, and makes connections to the real world. The presentation is concise without sacrificing a solid introduction to calculus-based physics. New pedagogical elements have been introduced that incorporate proven results from physics education research. Features such as annotated figures and step-by-step problem-solving strategies help students master concepts and solve problems with confidence.
The Second Edition features dramatically revised and updated end-of-chapter problem sets, significant content updates, new Conceptual Examples, and additional Applications, all of which serve to foster student understanding and interest.
Essential University Physics is offered as two paperback volumes, available shrink-wrapped together, or for sale individually.
This package contains:
Essential University Physics: Volume 2, Second Edition (which includes Chapters 20-39)
Features + Benefits
Focus on the fundamentals:
The overarching theme is physics has a simple, elementary foundation that underlies a wide range of topics.
Key equations and definitions are set on colored screens with titles and explanatory material, so that students will not simply grab a bare equation with no sense as to how it is applied.
Tips offer concise explanatory or cautionary notes for typical misconceptions and identify the fundamental connections between new and old topics.
Visual chapter and part summaries present a big-picture review of key concepts and connections using multiple representations (words, equations, and figures).
Teach sound problem-solving skills:
The consistent and explicit problem-solving strategy is designed to develop students’ confidence and skill in systematically setting up problems rather than diving right into the math.
The IDEA (Interpret, Develop, Evaluate, and Assess) framework, used in every worked example, begins with a problem’s key ideas, stresses the importance of planning a solution and drawing a diagram, works through the math, checks for reasonable answers, and relates the problem’s content to a broader understanding of physics.
Problem-Solving Strategy boxes follow the IDEA framework and provide detailed guidance for specific classes of physics problems.
Pencil-style illustrations in worked examples show simple sketches that a student should draw while conceptualizing a problem.
Tactics boxes review mathematical topics and develop specific problem-solving skills.
Emphasize conceptual understanding:
Got It? questions present multiple-choice and ranking task problems in most sections to prompt students to check their understanding of key concepts as they read.
Every worked example begins by interpreting what a problem asks and identifying the relevant concepts.
Connect to the real world:
Every chapter includes Applications exploring modern examples of physics in the real world.
Chapter-opener photos, accompanied by thought-provoking questions, showcase examples of physics in everyday life.
IV. ELECTROMAGNETISM
20. Electric Charge, Force, and Field
21. Gauss’s Law
22. Electric Potential
23. Electrostatic Energy and Capacitors
24. Electric Current
25. Electric Circuits
26. Magnetism: Force and Field
27. Electromagnetic Induction
28. Alternating-Current Circuits
29. Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
V. OPTICS
30. Reflection and Refraction
31. Images and Optical Instruments
32. Interference and Diffraction
VI. MODERN PHYSICS
33. Relativity
34. Particles and Waves
35. Quantum Mechanics
36. Atomic Physics
37. Molecules and Solids
38. Nuclear Physics
39. From Quarks to the Cosmos
APPENDICES
Appendix A Mathematics
Appendix B The International System of Units (SI)
Appendix C Conversion Factors
Appendix D The Elements
Appendix E Astrophysical Data