The Mechanical Universe: Introduction to Mechanics and Heat [Hardcover]

Richard P. Olenick (Author), Tom M. Apostol (Author), David L. Goodstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 1985 | ISBN-10: 0521304296 | ISBN-13: 978-0521304290

This important textbook is based on, though independent of, an educational TV series The Mechanical Universe broadcast on public television in the United States. Its aim is to guide students and general readers to an understanding of how the physical world works; physics is presented as a human endeavour, with historical development forming a thread throughout the text. The prerequisites are minimal, only basic algebra and trigonometry since the necessary calculus is developed in the text, with physics providing the motivation. New concepts are introduced at the natural, logical point with many historical references to place physics in a social perspective. Many topics from twentieth-century physics are included, for example energy, low temperature physics, relativity and black holes. The book is attractively and profusely illustrated and will be welcomed by students and also by general readers for whom this will be a stimulating alternative to other, less-thorough treatments.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This innovative physics textbook intended for science and engineering majors develops classical mechanics from a historical perspective. The presentation of the standard course material includes a discussion of the thought processes of the discoverers and a description of the methods by which they arrived at their theories. However the presentation proceeds logically rather than strictly chronologically, so new concepts are introduced at the natural moment.
The book assumes a familiarity with calculus, includes a discussion of rigid body motion, and contains numerous thought-provoking problems. It is largely based in content on The Mechanical Universe: Introduction to Mechanics and Heat, a book designed in conjunction with a tele-course to be offered by PBS in the Fall of 1985. The advanced edition, however, does not coincide exactly with the video lessons, contains additional material, and develops the fundamental ideas introduced in the lower-level edition to a greater degree. -- Book Description --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Book Description

This important textbook is based on, though independent of, an educational TV series. Its aim is to guide students and general readers to an understanding of how the physical world works; physics is presented as a human endeavour, with historical development forming a thread throughout the text.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 584 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (August 30, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521304296
• ISBN-13: 978-0521304290
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.4 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,188,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books of All time, December 27, 2000

By 

John T. Willis (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mechanical Universe: Mechanics and Heat, Advanced Edition (Hardcover)

I came across the Mechanical Universe telecourses after my third year of College and really liked them.

One day I discovered this book, and then had to buy its sequel.

They are awesome in their storytelling ability and in the clarity they bring to some very difficult concepts. The depth of content is simply HUGE, from Integration and Differentiation to Thermodynamics and Quantum Mechanics.. I can't wait for the telecourses to come out on DVD.

In the meantime, Annenburg also sells the series on video tape to consumers, and any books by Goodstein and Apostol who contributed to this book are similarly astounding.

Consider this a recommendation for casual reading, I already had my grades for the college courses and developed my fanaticism "after" school was out.

Trust me these are to Physics and Mathematics, what "Cosmos" was to Astronomy.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An clear presentation of mechanics, September 24, 1999

By 

Gideon Reich (CA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mechanical Universe: Mechanics and Heat, Advanced Edition (Hardcover)

I saw the excellent Mechanical Universe Television series while I was in high school and I recently purchased this book. I've just finished reading this book and am simultaneously doing problems in Schaum 3000 Physics problems. This is a great reader to use as it puts the physics in the historical context and traces the reasoning these great scientists used in inducing their conclusions in the first place. The explanations are mostly very clear. Some of the historical interpretations are questionable but they do not detract from the overall value of the historical approach. This is how all physics should be taught.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good text on mechanics for college physics students, July 8, 2008

By 

Chee Lim Cheung - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mechanical Universe: Mechanics and Heat, Advanced Edition (Paperback)

This is a very good text on mechanics for college physics students. The level is appropriate-not too mathematical and not too theoretical. The basics are well-covered and there are interesting discussions of how such concepts as force, momentum and angular momentum are applied in daily life, e.g, why a boxer "rolls with a punch". The material on heat is not as well discussed as that on mechanics but overall it is a very good text.
The problem sets are thoughtful and stimulating.