University Physics Third Revised Edition Volume 1 (Paperback)

Accuracy
My primary objective has been to present concepts and principles clearly and correctly. I hope that the physics is free of even subtle misconceptions. In some optional sections I try to deal correctly with topics, such as the work-energy theorem for systems, that are inadequately treated in other texts. Attention is given to details such as the subtle question of signs in the application of Coulomb's law, in Faraday's law, or in Kirchhoff's loop rule for ac circuits. The concepts of emf and potential difference are clearly distinguished. The acceleration due to gravity and the gravitational field strength are given different symbols (although I do not dwell on this distinction).
Writing Style
I have tried to write in a simple, clear, and concise manner. This approach applies as much to the language as to the presentation of the mathematics and the notation used. The examples emphasize the important, or conceptually difficult, steps. Although the coverage is fairly complete, this textbook is significantly shorter than many that have appeared in recent years.
Pedagogy
I focus on central issues and highlight as few equations as possible (in the second color). Special cases, such as the "range formula" in projectile motion, are often discussed in an example and do not appear in the chapter summary. Also, I prefer not to present multiple versions of the same equation. For example, the intensity variation in the double-slit interference pattern appears only in terms of the phase difference (cf>), and not in terms of the angular position (O) or the vertical coordinate on the screen (y).
Questions, Exercises, and Problems
There is a large selection of questions, exercises, and problems. The questions are limited to those that students should find useful in improving their understanding. I avoid questions with no clear-cut answers. The exercises are keyed to the sections, whereas the problems are not. As an aid to students and instructors, both the exercises and the problems are graded according to two levels of difficulty: I and II. The answers to the odd-numbered exercises and problems are given in the text. A solutions manual containing brief solutions for all the exercises and problems is available only to instructors, not to students.
Content and Structure
The text includes almost all the traditional topics in classical physics. The last six chapters cover selected topics in modern physics. Basic material appears in a single-column format, whereas optional sections are in a two-column format. The overall structure is conventional. The discussions of the dot and cross products fit neatly into Chapter 2 but are easily postponed until they are needed. Chapters 15 to 17 on oscillations and waves may be combined with optics for a unified treatment of waves. The dynamics and energy aspects of satellite motion are discussed in Chapters 6 and 8, respectively. These topics may be delayed until Chapter 13 for a unified treatment of gravitation, but, as it stands, the whole of Chapter 13 may be omitted.