You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand Physics. Now anyone with an interest in the physical sciences can master physics - without formal training or drowning in a sea of complicated formulas and equations. In "Physics Demystified" best-selling author Stan Gibilisco offers a fun, effective, and totally painless way to learn the fundamentals and general concepts of physics. With "Physics Demystified" you master the subject in one simple step at a time - at your own speed. Unlike most books on physics, general principles are presented first - and the details follow. In order to make the learning process as clear and simple as possible, heavy-duty math, formulas, and equations are kept to a minimum.This unique self-teaching guide offers questions at the end of each chapter and section to pinpoint weaknesses, and a 100-question final exam to reinforce the entire book. Simple enough for a beginner but challenging enough for an advanced student, "Physics Demystified" is your direct route to learning or brushing up on physics. Here's everything you need to: understand the math used in physical science; solve mass/force/acceleration problems; create mathematical models of physical phenomena; perform distance vs. time calculations; determine potential and kinetic energy; calculate the wavelength of sounds and radio signals; understand visible light interference patterns; calculate the energy and frequency of a moving particle; understand atomic structure; and, learn about electric current, voltage, resistance, power, and energy.

Table of Contents

PART ZERO: A REVIEW OF MATHEMATICS CHAPTER 1 Equations, Formulas, and Vectors CHAPTER 2 Scientific Notation CHAPTER 3 Graphing Schemes CHAPTER 4 Basics of Geometry CHAPTER 5 Logarithms, Exponentials, and Trigonometry Test: Part Zero PART ONE: CLASSICAL PHYSICS CHAPTER 6 Units and Constants CHAPTER 7 Mass, Force, and Motion CHAPTER 8 Momentum, Work, Energy, and Power Chapter 9: Particles of Matter Chapter 10: Basic States of Matter Chapter 11: Temperature, Pressure, and Changes of State Test: Part One PART TWO: ELECTRICITY, MAGNETISM, AND ELECTRONICS Chapter 12: Direct Current Chapter 13: Alternating Current Chapter 14: Magnetism Chapter 15: More About Alternating Current Chapter 16: Semiconductors Test: Part Two PART THREE: WAVES, PARTICLES, SPACE, AND TIME Chapter 17: Wave Phenomena Chapter 18: Forms of Radiation Chapter 19: Optics Chapter 20: Relativity Theory Test: Part Three Final Exam Answers to Quiz, Test, and Exam Questions Suggested Additional References Index

About the Author

Stan Gibilisco is one of McGraw-Hill's most diverse and best-selling authors. Known for his clear, user-friendly, and entertaining writing style, Mr. Gibilisco's depth of knowledge and ease of presentation makes him an excellent choice for a book such as Physics Demystified. His previous titles for McGraw-Hill include The TAB Encyclopedia of Electronics for Technicians and Hobbyists, Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, and the Illustrated Dictionary of Electronics. Booklist named his book, The McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Personal Computing, one of the Best References of 1996.