Physics (Cliffs Quick Review) (Paperback)

by Linda Huetinck Ph.D. (Author), Scott Adams (Author) "Mechanics is the study of the motion of material objects..." (more)
Key Phrases: gaussian surface, charged rod, parent nucleus, Resource Center, Physics Figure (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
When it comes to pinpointing the stuff you really need to know, nobody does it better than CliffsNotes. This fast, effective tutorial helps you master core physics concepts -- from classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity to magnetism, light, and nuclear physics -- and get the best possible grade.

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase -- and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed.

About the Author
Scott Adams is earning his PhD in physics at Vanderbilt University. His main interest is in molecular biophysics, especially electrophysiology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Cliffs Notes (June 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764563831
• ISBN-13: 978-0764563836
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #201,727 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Very Helpful, January 30, 2004

By	JL1984 (Athens, GA) - See all my reviews

To help everyone who may be confused about what physics book they should buy let me ask you a few questions.
A. Are you thinking of buying this book to get a full, in-depth understanding of something your book may have puzzled you about?

B. Are you thinking of buying this book to refresh your memory on definitions and basic math equations?

C. And most importantly: Are you buying this book to get ahead in an introductory physics course?

If you answered yes to either A and C, I would advise you to not buy this book for many reasons, but for brevity's sake I will only entertain you with a few important ones. Firstly, this book is meant (though the cover is misleading) for those who are either taking Calculus-based physics and need a quick review on some equations and principles, or for those who are deep into their first college physics course and need a reference book. Everything in this book is condensed to a point that will make unfamiliar information seem impossible to understand. There are very few examples of mathematical problems worked out, and though the book does have a plentiful amount of pictures to illustrate many concepts such as polarization of light, the law of conservation of energy, etc. there isn't much explination of the picture itself. Just about every aspect of this book is written as a conundrum, and in my opinion the author probably assumed the reader would be able to fly right through it, which in my case wasn't what happened.

Secondly, I found the amount of practice problems at the end of every chapter to be a joke considering the amount of material that was covered in each of the 6 chapters. (Classical Mechanics, Waves and Sound, Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnetism, Light, and Modern Physics). For example, the chapter on classical mechanics covers everything from motion in one and two dimensions to fluid mechanics - subjects that may take up 7 to 8 chapters in a text depending on the book itself. Given this, it is justifiable to say that 5 practice problems at the end of each chapter is hardly enough to help anyone get a full review. Suffice to say there are 30 "final exam" questions at the end of the book but once again, these questions are hardly enough to cover the wide range of material you'll encounter in your physics course regardless of its level of difficulty.

Despite all these shortcomings, the text is good for a quick review of concepts for those in higher level physics. The equations and definitions combined are enough to aid students with study materials and can be put on note cards. I should side with the book in that it is a review book and should not be thought of as a crutch for anyone struggling. Nevertheless, the fact that the book is to the point is what earned the 3-star rating, and I'd have to say that ultimately the book is decent for what it was and the price was very reasonable considering its length of 184 pages.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not good to study for General Chemistry Praxis test, February 21, 2005

By	George J. Kloss "George Kloss" (Butler, NJ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was going to use this to study for the General Teacher Praxis tests, but it does not cover the depth needed. The book might be good for someone who has recently taken a chemistry class, to fill in some blanks. But is not a good overall general class prep.

I did find "Basic Physics : A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides)" to be just what I was looking for.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, September 15, 2003

By	"genesmithem8" (Eagle Mountian, UT United States) - See all my reviews

I was very dissapointed in this book. It did not go into great depth on any of the subjects I am studying in my Calculus based physics class in College. There were very few sample problems worked out. Basically all that was covered were definitions and equations. I would not recommend this to anyone.