Customer Reviews

Physics for the Utterly Confused

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although this book does not provide a wide array of problems, those it does present to the readers are thoroughly solved and explained. Potential readers should not rely on this book as a comprehensive presentation of Physics, but use it as a source of reference and clarification.

I highly appreciate the extensive nature in which the authors explain the nuances and conceptual aspects of the problems in the book. In addition, all the material is presented in a format which is very easy to read and use. I highly recommend it for anyone who needs supplemental material for the classes.

I used this book along with my textbook, and it helped a lot. It presented the key points to focus on so when you go to class you have a better grasp on the concept. You cannot use it as a textbook because not all the problems you may have to work on is presented. Overall, it was an easy read and very clearly presented so you can follow the steps to the solution of a problem. I used it thru third semester physics. Good luck!

I think it is a great book for the older child or even adult who already has a basic working knowledge of physics and mathematics. The 13 year old beginner (such as my son, for whom it was bought) may not benefit substantially from this book, as I believe it assumes an existing knowledge of physics. The text could have included more explanations (in words), and examples of common problems to be solved.

I'll give this book 2.5 (rounded to 3) stars. It's not that good overall. Firstly, the title is not a good match for its contents - there's very little physics theory here. It's a book on physics problem solving.

Secondly, it tries to cover too much material in too few pages. In 180 pages it tries to do everything - mechanics, sound & wave motion, optics, heat and electricty & magnetism. As a result, many chapters are ridiculously short. Just as soon as a chapter starts to build momentum, it's over and then onto the next topic.

The authors would have served their audience better if they'd spent the few pages they had on a single subject only. Like mechanics or E&M.

Having said that, the diagrams accompanying the problems are very clear and so are the explanations. The pointers at the front describing how to succeed in physics class are well done, too.

In the preface it says this book is for non-calculus first year college physics courses. I shudder to think that's true. If so, college physics is being taught at too low a level. Also says it can be used in advanced high school courses. I don't agree - this material is what any, average high school course should contain.

Motivated high school and college students would do well to get the Oman's other book: "How to Solve Physics Problems". It's more advanced but at least it has the required depth at 400 pages.

I believe I learned physics in high school where
the formulas for gravity and force were simplistic
compared to physics for the utterly confused.
I believe the utterly confused series helps in all
aspects of the major.
Thank you,
Steven Gokey

So you are confused eh? You want to get more confused than you already are? Do you want to mess up on your physics test and get the information more messed up then it already is? If you do, then please go right ahead. I bought this book and found it to have a reverse affect.