Understand Physics: Teach Yourself

Summary:
Is this the right book for me?

Understand Physics gives you a solid understanding of the key skills and ideas that run through the subject. You will explore the important concepts of force and motion, electricity, light, molecules, matter and space and discover the frontiers of physics. With numerous questions, answers and worked examples throughout, you will feel confident in approaching the science and applying your knowledge.

Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:

Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.

Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.

Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.

Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of physics.

Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.

Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

• Essential knowledge and formulae are clearly highlighted for easy reference.
• The numerous easy-to-follow diagrams illustrate key points.
• Provides a gradual introduction to the mathematical skills required for the successful study of physics.

Table of Contents:
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
About physics
The golden rule of science
Strange ideas
Starting physics
Physics in practice
Density tests
Science in motion
Measuring motion
Accelerated motion along a straight line
Forces in action
Newton's laws of motion
Stability
Machines at work
Work, energy and power
Efficiency and power
Thermal physics
Heat and temperature
Thermal properties of materials
Engines and thermodynamics
Heat engines
The Laws of Thermodynamics
Electricity
The nature of electricity
Electric circuits
Electricity at work
Electricity in the home
The nature of light
Properties of light
Theories of light
Materials and molecules
Atoms and molecules
More about bonds
Solids and structures
Molecules in fluids
Pressure
The age of new physics
Quantum theory
Relativity
The structure of matter
Inside the atom
Radioactivity
Quarks and leptons
Energy from the Nucleus
Nuclear fission
Nuclear reactors
Energy options for the future
Journey into space
About gravity
The expanding universe
A Challenging Future
The frontiers of physics
An unpredictable future
Answers to numerical questions
Glossary
Index

About the Author(s):
Jim Breithaupt is an author and lecturer with extensive teaching experience in schools and colleges. His highly successful physics books are used by students throughout Britain and in many other countries. His work as an author is characterised by a lucid and coherent style matched to the needs and interests of the intended reader.

Readership:
Students and general readers looking for a comprehensive introduction to physics.