Description
Book SynopsisExpose Your Students to the Elegant World of Physics in an Enticing Way
Physics from Planet Earth - An Introduction to Mechanics provides a one-semester, calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics for first-year undergraduate students studying physics, chemistry, astronomy, or engineering. Developed from classroom-tested materials refined and updated for over ten years at Colgate University, the book guides students on a journey beyond standard approaches that use blocks, projectiles, and inclined planes to grander themes involving interplanetary travel, exoplanets, asteroid collisions, and dark matter.
Beginning students are often bewildered by the rapid-fire presentation of physical concepts, mathematics, and problem-solving strategies in traditional introductory textbooks. In contrast, this text:
- Introduces the three conservation laws (momentum, energy, and angular momentum) as fundamental laws of nature from
Trade Review
"Reading this book makes me want to teach intro physics right away!"
—James Battat, Wellesley College
"… a special and unique text for teaching basic mechanics. … the authors are excellent writers, possessing literary acuity and sensitivity in unusual measure."
—Dr. Lyle Roelofs, President, Berea College
"Astronomy is overflowing with exciting discoveries, ranging from Earth-planets orbiting other stars to exotic phenomena such as black holes and neutron stars. This book brilliantly leverages these topics to entice students to a deeper study of classical mechanics."
—David Charbonneau, Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University
"A refreshing departure from mainstream textbooks on classical mechanics that any ingenuous and inquisitive student will love."
—Stefano Moretti, Professor, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southampton
Table of Contents
Mathematical Toolbox. Conservation of Momentum. Conservation of Energy. Conservation of Angular Momentum. Going Beyond. Appendices. Index.
