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.

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