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How to Fall Slower Than Gravity
And Other Everyday (and Not So Everyday) Uses of Mathematics and Physical Reasoning
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Check link for latest rating. ( 14 ratings, 1 reviews)
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How to Fall Slower Than Gravity
$3799
Unit price
/
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Paul Nahin is a master at explaining odd phenomena through straightforward mathematics. In this collection of twenty-six intriguing problems, he explores how mathematical physicists think. Always entertaining, the problems range from ancient catapult conundrums to the puzzling physics of a very peculiar material called NASTYGLASS, and from dodging trucks to why raindrops fall slower than the rate of gravity.
The questions raised may seem impossible to answer at first and may require an unexpected twist in reasoning, but sometimes their solutions are surprisingly simple. Nahin's goal, however, is always to guide readers—who will need only to have studied advanced high school maths and physics—in expanding their mathematical thinking to make sense of the curiosities of the physical world.
The problems are in the first part of the book and the solutions are in the second, so that readers may challenge themselves to solve the questions on their own before looking at the explanations. The problems show how mathematics—including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus—can be united with physical laws to solve both real and theoretical problems. Historical anecdotes woven throughout the book bring alive the circumstances and people involved in some amazing discoveries and achievements.
More than a puzzle book, How to Fall Slower Than Gravity will immerse you in the delights of scientific history while honing your math skills.
"This book is without a doubt the most enjoyable, stimulating book of mathematical physics (and occasionally more pure branches of maths) puzzles that I have ever read. It's essentially a series of cleverly, and occasionally fiendishly put-together mathematics and physics challenge questions, each of which gets you thinking in a new and fascinating way." - Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica
"Reading Nahin is like reading through a select library of ancient Babylonian mathematical clay tablets. Surprises abound... Nahin weaves much colourful history into his narrative." - Andrew Simoson, Mathematical Intelligencer
"Engaging... The book contains a wealth of original problems... An enjoyable read." - Antonn Slavk, Zentralblatt MATH
"This reviewer found himself being drawn to a variety of unfamiliar settings with much interest and even fascination." - Choice
"I certainly enjoyed [the book]!" - Alan Stevens, Mathematics Today
"The potential audience for this book should be fairly large and go from highly talented high school students up through professionals in any STEM field." - Geoffrey Dietz, MAA Reviews
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
How to Fall Slower Than Gravity by Paul Nahin is highly praised for its engaging presentation of mathematical physics puzzles and rich historical context. Reviewers highlight the stimulating and fascinating nature of the challenges presented, which range from mathematical physics to more abstract mathematics. The book is described as enjoyable, with a broad potential audience that could include talented high school students and STEM professionals alike.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780691229171
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 23 November 2021
Country: United States
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Illustration: 62 b/w illus., 4 tables
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 133.0mm
Height: 203.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 320
About the Author
Paul J. Nahin is the author of many popular math books, including In Praise of Simple Physics, Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula, and An Imaginary Tale (all Princeton). He is professor emeritus of electrical engineering at the University of New Hampshire. He received the 2017 Chandler Davis Prize for Excellence in Expository Writing in Mathematics.
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