Science 101: Physics

By Kyle Ackerman, Aries Keck, Barry Parker

Book Overview

This new series will explain major areas of science in an interesting, visually compelling, and accessible manner. The "101" in the title refers not only to an introductory course but also to the 101 key facts and topics presented in each book. These books will fill the need for popular reference on all aspects of science and technology.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060891343
• ISBN13: 9780060891343
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

101? My mass.

I enjoy the Smithsonian series. But we need to define 101. This is not a place to dive into physics. First, the introduction is filled with future buzzwords (vocabulary). If you have not comprehended the balance of the book first, or you are not using this book for a refresher, then the introduction can turn off potential readers. The thing that turned me off in the introductions is the jab at the poisoning of the atmosphere, which has no place in a physics book. If you are interested in the philosophy of physics, you should be reading “How the Hippies Saved Physics” by David Kaiser. Again, this is a great book once you get started, as it covers all the concepts and gives real-world examples. The only drawback is to people who hear feet per second squared or see (if/sec2) and states that look like math. For me, it was great as I have been using terms correctly because I know when to use them. However, this book made the concepts a lot clearer. I have to slow down on some words as a vector, as it is used across many disciplines, such as computing (array), artillery (trajectory), military (an insect or similar pathogen carrier), etc. So it takes concentration to follow the different meanings. Bottom line, the book is good for someone who already has a fundamental grasp of physics or as a refresher or as a filler (of something missed the first time around), but not a starting place.