Fundamentals of Physics, Extended
12th Edition
About This Book
Fundamentals of Physics, Extended, 12th Edition is a comprehensive physics textbook designed for students in science and engineering. It covers a broad spectrum of topics including classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics, providing a rigorous mathematical and conceptual foundation for undergraduate study.
Book Review | Amerbach
Fundamentals of Physics, Extended, 12th Edition, remains a cornerstone resource in the pedagogical landscape of undergraduate physics. This book provides an exhaustive exploration of physical principles, ranging from the foundational laws of motion and thermodynamics to the complexities of electromagnetism, optics, and quantum phenomena. The scope of the text is intentionally broad, designed to equip students with the analytical tools necessary for advanced coursework in science and engineering disciplines. The organization of the material is structured to facilitate a logical progression of concepts, beginning with classical mechanics and transitioning into more abstract areas of modern physics. A notable characteristic of this edition is its emphasis on conceptual understanding paired with rigorous problem-solving exercises. The inclusion of diverse examples and real-world applications serves to bridge the gap between theoretical abstraction and practical implementation. The text is supported by a robust pedagogical framework that encourages active learning and critical thinking. The depth of coverage is consistent with the requirements of a standard two- or three-semester introductory physics sequence, making it a reliable reference for both classroom instruction and independent study. The authors maintain a clear, accessible writing style that demystifies complex mathematical derivations without sacrificing technical accuracy. By integrating contemporary developments in physics with classical theory, the book ensures that students are exposed to both the historical context and the current state of the field. From an Amerbach perspective, this book serves as a definitive primary text for students embarking on a rigorous study of the physical sciences. It is well-suited for academic environments that prioritize a comprehensive, mathematically grounded approach to physics education, providing a stable foundation upon which further specialized knowledge can be built.
Academic Use
Introductory physics courses for science and engineering majors
Who Is It For?
Undergraduate students pursuing degrees in physics, engineering, or related physical sciences.
Table of Contents
- 1. Measurement
- 2. Motion Along a Straight Line
- 3. Vectors
- 4. Motion in Two and Three Dimensions
- 5. Force and Motion I
- 6. Force and Motion II
- 7. Kinetic Energy and Work
- 8. Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy
- 9. Center of Mass and Linear Momentum
- 10. Rotation
- 11. Rolling, Torque, and Angular Momentum
- 12. Equilibrium and Elasticity
- 13. Gravitation
- 14. Fluids
- 15. Oscillations
- 16. Waves I
- 17. Waves II
- 18. Temperature, Heat, and the First Law of Thermodynamics
- 19. The Kinetic Theory of Gases
- 20. Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
- 21. Electric Charge
- 22. Electric Fields
- 23. Gauss' Law
- 24. Electric Potential
- 25. Capacitance
- 26. Current and Resistance
- 27. Circuits
- 28. Magnetic Fields
- 29. Magnetic Fields Due to Currents
- 30. Induction and Inductance
- 31. Electromagnetic Oscillations and Alternating Current
- 32. Maxwell's Equations
- Magnetism of Matter
- 33. Electromagnetic Waves
- 34. Images
- 35. Interference
- 36. Diffraction
- 37. Relativity
- 38. Photons and Matter Waves
- 39. More About Matter Waves
- 40. All About Atoms
- 41. Conduction of Electricity in Solids
- 42. Nuclear Physics
- 43. Energy from the Nucleus
- 44. Quarks, Leptons, and the Big Bang.