2nd Edition. — Pearson Education, Addison Wesley, 2011. — 781 p.
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.
Doing Physics
MechanicsMotion in a Straight Line
Motion in Two and Three Dimensions
Force and Motion
Using Newton’s Laws
Energy, Work, and Power
Conservation of Energy
Gravity
Systems of Particles
Rotational Motion
Rotational Vectors and Angular Momentum
Static Equilibrium
Oscillations, Waves, and FluidsOscillatory Motion
Wave Motion
Fluid Motion
ThermodynamicsTemperature and Heat
The Thermal Behavior of Matter
Heat, Work, and the First Law of Thermodynamics
The Second Law of Thermodynamics
ElectromagnetismElectric Charge, Force, and Field
Gauss’s Law
Electric Potential
Electrostatic Energy and Capacitors
Electric Current
Electric Circuits
Magnetism: Force and Field
Electromagnetic Induction
Alternating-Current Circuits
Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
OpticsReflection and Refraction
Images and Optical Instruments
Interference and Diffraction
Modern PhysicsRelativity
Particles and Waves
Quantum Mechanics
Atomic Physics
Molecules and Solids
Nuclear Physics
From Quarks to the Cosmos
AppendicesAnswers to Odd-Numbered Problems
Index