Customer Reviews

Conceptual Physics (8th Edition)

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I am a high school physics teacher. While I was taking my teaching physics courses in my undergraduate education (in 1996), Hewitt's approach in teaching physics and his book "Conceptual Physics" was one of the topics that we have discussed in the class. It is also discussed in a well-known textbook of Chiappetta and et. al. "Science Instruction in the Middle and Secondary Schools". His approach and the book can be considered a breakthrough in physics education.

The major critique on the book focuses on little or no math used in it. But, it is a natural aspect of "conceptual physics". The main aim of that approach is to facilitate the understanding of concepts of physics which will surely create a robust framework for problem solving in physics and, for advanced physics. Many researches have shown that lack of conceptual base for science is the major responsible for the difficulties in deeper understanding, and/or for the obstacles in the road of problem solving.

Do not consider the book as an algebra based or calculus based physics textbook. As it's name says, it is "conceptual". No one can ignore(and actually Hewitt himself does not 'ignore') the beauty of math in physics, actually in any science. Dealing with physics by using the math as the language requires two aspects: 1)a well-structured conceptual understanding of physics, 2)mastery in math. The "Conceptual Physics" is for the first aspect. And it does function very well!

I took freshman physics in college. I picked up this book as a bit of a review. It is well worth reading. It is pitched at a level that a 12 year old could understand, but contains physics that would educate and entertain adults. I recommend getting the accompanying work book as well. There are concept questions and math questions. The math questions at the end of the chapters require knowledge of arithmetic ( not heavy algebra or calculus ).

I recommend this book for those that just like to read educational material for fun.... this is a light enough read to allow that. I also recommend this book for science students that want to get the concepts of physics down, before they get bogged down in the math. It makes your higher level physics book much easier to read.

If you dont get this book, you are really missin out on a good thing.

Katherine
PS yes real girls do read physics

As a new teacher returning to physics for the first time since engineering school ten years ago, I found this book to be a wonderful resource. The analogies that Hewitt uses are extremely helpful in explaining concepts to students.

The book was the district chosen book in a lower level physics class that I no longer teach, but I still use it in my honors class as required reading to insure that students understand the concepts before we get to the math.

I took a class using this book after my HS physics course, and I wish I'd done it the other way around. I finally got a good grasp on how the physics works without relying on the math. Now I teach college physics labs, and I often try to incorporate Hewitt's conceptual framework into the picture before describing how to incorporate the mathematics. His examples are very compelling and he does a good job of teaching logical reasoning as well.

I was very pleased to see this book still in print. I am a "over 40" returning student at the University of Alaska and a pre-Environmental Science major. I have met many young, bright students and one of my new friends is a Fine Arts major. She has turned me on to literature and theater and I share with her what I know about the physical universe. I still have my copy from 1971! Quite a positive review in itself considering selling last semester's books is a financial requirement for next semester for most students. I was hoping to find one for her and did! This book is laid out in a system and I found that each chapter leaves the reader mentally prepared to comprehend the next. The questions in the back of each chapter are a prime example in critical thinking, are fun and leaves one with a feeling of accomplishment. There is LITTLE OR NO MATH in this book. If you design rockets on your kitchen table in your spare time, this book is probably not for you. It is as its title suggests, conceptual. A great book for the new home schooled generation.

This book manifests the proper perspective for both introducing students to physics and for refreshing those long out of college, or just anyone who wants to learn the essentials but does not have advanced math skills.

In this textbook for introductory physics, the author takes a wise approach by presenting the essential nuts-&-bolts of physics concepts. The concepts and principles should always come before the actual applications, i.e., involving the "math". Mathematics is certainly vital in physics, but any science book (or study course) needs to establish a foundation before proceeding with complex (and often confusing) calculations.

This publication has helped me immensely and I highly recommend it.

Conceptual Physics keeps the focus upon content without sacrificing enjoyment. There is much of the Gedanken Physics [with Lewis Epstein] still present and the love of science is infectious. Well written, wonderfully illustrated, with abundant practical examples. Only regret: that Paul Hewitt doesn't also teach biology [and chemistry, and history, and . . .].

Hewitt's approach to physics has made him a winner for my students. He's able to discuss physics without losing the average student. His books are informative and even difficult topics are presented with a sense of humor. Because his book is able to be read/studied without having taken calculus (unlike most physics textbooks), I can use this for my high school students. I continue to buy his book, edition after edition, and have never been disappointed.

I have been teaching high school physics for 25 years and this text is among the finest books available for the average reader. It is full of excellent descriptions of science concepts without the need to go into mathematical details. Good end of chapter questions for further thought. I highly recommend this book for all who would like to know more about the world of physics.

This book was required text for my physics class in college. While it goes fairly light on the math, it does an excellent job making sure you understand the concepts and the "why?" of physics. A great book for someone who wants to understand physics but does not have a solid math background.