Understanding Physics: Volume 1: Motion, Sound and Heat [Paperback]

Isaac Asimov (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Signet (April 1, 1969)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451626621
• ISBN-13: 978-0451626622
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,494,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best place to begin the study of physics, July 17, 2004

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Understanding Physics: Volume 1: Motion, Sound and Heat (Paperback)

Although I took a full year of physics in college, I learned most of my physics from the three books in the Understanding Physics series by Isaac Asimov. As proof, I offer the fact that I scored a respectable 8 on the physics section of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) that I took before starting the college physics class. My study of physics in preparation for the test began when I purchased and read the three books in the series. When I was in the physics class, I understood all of the ideas; the only part that presented any difficulty was applying calculus to the problems.
Asimov has a knack for writing about science in a way that allows for the rapid and complete learning of the concepts. This book covers the basics of classical physics, as relativity is only mentioned in footnotes. Unlike many other authors, Asimov does not hesitate to use equations in his explanations. I commend him for this, as you cannot learn physics without equations and the temptation to avoid them was no doubt strong. If you want to learn the fundamentals of physics, the three-volume Understanding Physics series by Asimov is the best place to start.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Physics - a masterpiece, July 6, 2001

By 

"netstealth" (Van Nuys, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Physics: Volume 1: Motion, Sound and Heat (Paperback)

Asimov has used his writing skills to write a book that I can call a scientific masterpiece. This book not only explains basic and advanced physics but it also challenges the logic of scientists from earlier civilizations and shows their falacies. It is a diamond to any book collection.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good, April 2, 2004

By 

some guy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Physics: Volume 1: Motion, Sound and Heat (Paperback)

Asimov actually explains and makes sense out of physics. I am Physics major, and Asimov explains about as well as anyone. This is way better and more accessible than that dumb Feinman lectures series. Asimov is a very gifted writer and thinker. Although I differ with him on alot of his conclusions about life and existence, pretty much anything he writes is good. A another Good Physics book is Einstein's "Evolution of Physics".