Customer Reviews

Conceptual Physics (9th edition)

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I would imagine that the answer to my subject heading is, for most people, NO! But for me it was YES!, as I'd never had a physics class, and it was essential, for research that I am conducting, that I have slightly more than an elementary grasp of physics. I turned to this book, and am glad that I did.

This book, thankfully, is written in conceptual terms. There are few equations - because equations are necessary in science - but you don't need to know calculus or trigonometry to read this book and walk away with a solid foundation.

The author has a clear and easy tone about his writing, and breaks complex concepts down into their simple building blocks so that a typical layperson can understand. I know - because I'm as typical a layperson as they come regarding the sciences.

I can't recommend this highly enough.

We all know that Physics is a tough sport. But Paul Hewitt does a marvelous job describing complex issues in fairly easy to comprehend terms (not touching at all on calculations). This book also covers a wide spectrum of information about the world, from the intricate properties of electrons to color to Newton's laws of motion. I keep waiting for the price of this book to go down so I can buy it again to keep as a reference (I had used it with a college course previous). Worth having if you're one of those who loves reading about how things work.

The accompanying workbook is nice, but only if you're going to be quizzed on this sort of stuff. Other than that, it isn't that great a deal.

The fourth edition of this text is what started me on the path to a masters degree in physics (achieved ten years ago). Now I am preparing to teach basic physics to remedial-level adult students and non-science majors and so am buying an updated copy of the book.

This is a GREAT way to learn concepts for those who don't have the math skills for a standard course (as I didn't when I started all those years ago). I found it a great jumping off point, and I still return to my old text when I find I've forgotten my basics! I can't wait to read the new edition!

I'm in the 4th semester of physics now, and I always look at what this book has to say about a particular area before I dive into my calc-based physics text. It helps reinforce the basics, which, at times can get a little lost in pages of formula derivations. The language is very direct and personable and lacks the overly formal tone that limits the usefulness of many other science texts.

I often find myself just looking through the book recreationally because it's more interesting than books intended to entertain! What are the real primary colors? How does a light bulb really work? What's the difference between incandescence, phosphorescence and fluorescence?

I believe any book should be judged on the author's stated purpose, not on the reader's intended use. The author clearly states that if you are interested physics math, this book is not for you. Conceptual Physics helps you understand what's going on before you start deriving equations.

I must say that this is one of the few physics text you should have if you are having trouble trying to understand what is being taught in class.

Though this book is clearly lacking in actual mathematical examples (you might need another one for that), you will go away having grasped the concepts necessary in helping you understand what your teacher is trying to get across as well as how the mathematical equations involved in physics work out. The author manages to break down complex topics into an easy-to-grasp manner, ensuring that you understand what it is all about.

A great book!

I first got Hewitt's book when I was in college back in the 1970s and it was a real "life-changer!" For someone who doesn't care about the math of physics but is deeply interested in the concepts, this book is the "Holy Grail!" I got this 9th edition to refresh my knowledge of the old concepts and to get updated on the latest. Highly recommend!
(--From a retired airline pilot.)

Going into intro physics this semester, my boyfriend (who had aced his physics course no problem) was utterly ready to hold my hand through the ordeal. But a good instructor and this very comprehensible text makes everything quite easy to understand. Highly recommended to anyone wanting a firm grasp of physics.

I have to say while this book is good for those that are mathphobic it avoids math to the point that even basic equations are mere footnotes. I believe that the author assumes that basic algebra is simply too hard. Part of the problem with a book that hardly mentions the math behind it is that one will do terrible on even the AP Physics B exam and will have no idea why some of these "concepts" make sense. While some things would be difficult to prove for some high school students, hiding the formulas from students that might want to take a college level physics course would be very much good. While the illustrations are cute they tend to be rather cartoonish. Excessive use of dubious illustrations makes the book longer than it needs to cover the material it does. I would guess that the author is targeting about 7th to 8th grade. While I've seen high schools and even a few colleges(mostly 2 year schools) use this book I think that it isn't appropriate for that level and that a physics book like this that is almost devoid of math is almost devoid of value for students beyond middleschool. Also I might add that for only a little more in price that one could buy many other higher quality physics textbooks.

Great communication with the seller. Would definitely buy from her again. Book arrived in great shape!

This book had a great low price, it arrived very quickly, and is in excellent condition. I would most assuredly buy from this seller again.