College Physics: Reasoning and Relationships

For too many students who take one physics course at college, the subject is just one darned thing after another. Purdue University professor Nicholas Giordano tries to do something about this by approaching basic physics with an emphasis on solving problems and practical applications. For each one he presents in this well-illustrated course, he systematically identifies the principles and relationships needed to solve it. The result is an exceptionally clear treatment of familiar material. Teachers of elementary physics should consider this book and have it to hand when setting problems and presenting solutions to illuminate the underlying fundamentals. Giordano's systematic approach will be welcomed by the many physics students who struggle to see the wood for the trees.

Who is it for? Students taking their first - and possibly only - physics course at college.

Presentation: Standard physics-for-poets material but with a strong emphasis on helping students to understand the basics and to solve problems methodically.

Would you recommend it? Among the dozens of books catering for this market, this one is well worth a look.