Michael Mansfield

Colm O'Sullivan

This compact work equips the student with a broad insight and knowledge into the basic principles and techniques of physics as they are recognised at the end of the 20th century, and provides a foundation for the treatment of more advanced topics.

Understanding Physics

Understanding Physics – Second edition is a comprehensive, yet compact, introductory physics textbook aimed at physics undergraduates and also at engineers and other scientists taking a general physics course. Written with today's students in mind, this text covers the core material required by an introductory course in a clear and refreshing way. A second colour is used throughout to enhance learning and understanding. Each topic is introduced from first principles so that the text is suitable for students without a prior background in physics. At the same time the book is designed to enable students to proceed easily to subsequent courses in physics and may be used to support such courses. Mathematical methods (in particular, calculus and vector analysis) are introduced within the text as the need arises and are presented in the context of the physical problems which they are used to analyse. Particular aims of the book are to demonstrate to students that the easiest, most concise and least ambiguous way to express and describe phenomena in physics is by using the language of mathematics and that, at this level, the total amount of mathematics required is neither large nor particularly demanding. 'Modern physics' topics (relativity and quantum mechanics) are introduced at an earlier stage than is usually found in introductory textbooks and are integrated with the more 'classical' material from which they have evolved. This book encourages students to develop an intuition for relativistic and quantum concepts at as early a stage as is practicable. The text takes a reflective approach towards the scientific method at all stages and, in keeping with the title of the text, emphasis is placed on understanding of, and insight into, the material presented.

Michael M. Mansfield

An updated and thoroughly revised third edition of the foundational text offering an introduction to physics with a comprehensive interactive website The revised and updated third edition of Understanding Physics presents a comprehensive introduction to college-level physics. Written with today's students in mind, this compact text covers the core material required within an introductory course in a clear and engaging way. The authors – noted experts on the topic – offer an understanding of the physical universe and present the mathematical tools used in physics. The book covers all the material required in an introductory physics course. Each topic is introduced from first principles so that the text is suitable for students without a prior background in physics. At the same time the book is designed to enable students to proceed easily to subsequent courses in physics and may be used to support such courses. Relativity and quantum mechanics are introduced at an earlier stage than is usually found in introductory textbooks and are integrated with the more 'classical' material from which they have evolved. Worked examples and links to problems, designed to be both illustrative and challenging, are included throughout. The links to over 600 problems and their solutions, as well as links to more advanced sections, interactive problems, simulations and videos may be made by typing in the URL’s which are noted throughout the text or by scanning the micro QR codes given alongside the URL’s, see: http://up.ucc.ie This new edition of this essential text: Offers an introduction to the principles for each topic presented Presents a comprehensive yet concise introduction to physics covering a wide range of material Features a revised treatment of electromagnetism, specifically the more detailed treatment of electric and magnetic materials Puts emphasis on the relationship between microscopic and macroscopic perspectives Is structured as a foundation course for undergraduate students in physics, materials science and engineering Has been rewritten to conform with the revised definitions of SI base units which came into force in May 2019 Written for first year physics students, the revised and updated third edition of Understanding Physics offers a foundation text and interactive website for undergraduate students in physics, materials science and engineering.

Colm O'Sullivan

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