200 Puzzling Physics Problems: With Hints and Solutions

Description

This book will strengthen a student's grasp of the laws of physics by applying them to practical situations, and problems that yield more easily to intuitive insight than brute-force methods and complex mathematics. These intriguing problems, chosen almost exclusively from classical (non-quantum) physics, are posed in accessible non-technical language requiring the student to select the right framework in which to analyse the situation and decide which branches of physics are involved. The level of sophistication needed to tackle most of the two hundred problems is that of the exceptional school student, the good undergraduate, or competent graduate student. The book will be valuable to undergraduates preparing for 'general physics' papers. It is hoped that even some physics professors will find the more difficult questions challenging. By contrast, mathematical demands are minimal, and do not go beyond elementary calculus. This intriguing book of physics problems should prove instructive, challenging and fun.

Reviews:
'… the authors have done a grand job in collecting together some truly challenging puzzles … The solutions are explained in great detail, and that is a real strength … it is a book containing a number of gems and surprises …'. David L. Andrews, European Journal of Physics

'… a book like this … has long been needed and will be indispensable for teachers and lecturers.' Waldemar Gorzkowski, Physics World

' … a delightful book, which is both instructive and entertaining … intriguing,' Brian L. Burrows, Zentralblatt für Mathematik und ihre Grenzgebiete Mathematics Abstracts

'… a source of inspiration not only to exceptional school students and good undergraduates, but also to academics … buy this book even if you are not under the shadow of a 'general paper' - it is a lot of fun.' Trevor Bacon, Times Higher Education Supplement