Physics for Scientist and Engineers: Extended Version – Paul A. Tipler – 5th Edition

New extended edition of the classic text, now more than ever tailored to meet the needs of the struggling student. For nearly 30 years, Paul Tipler’s Physics for Scientists and Engineers has set the standard in the introductory calculus-based physics course for clarity, accuracy and precision. In this Fifth Edition, Gene Mosca brings his years of teaching to bear on the text, to scrutinize every explanation and example from the perspective of the freshman student. The result is a teaching tool that retains its precision and rigor, but offers struggling students the support they need to solve problems strategically and to gain real understanding of physical concepts.

The content is divided into sensible sections (Mechanics, Oscillations and Waves, Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnetism, Light, and Modern Physics) and the layout very clear and readable. I felt that the writing was excellent. Concepts were explained clearly, with formulas and worked examples throughout. The worked examples, where long, even included numbers steps and explanations along the way. This being a great boon to engineers, who, let’s admit, may want to skip over derivations and see how things are worked out.

One of my favourite things about this book is the clear, modern illustrations and the end-of-chapter reviews, which contain all the important formulas, theories and constant for handy reference and to refresh your memory.