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In Praise of Simple Physics

The Science and Mathematics behind Everyday Questions
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Praise of Simple Physics by Paul Nahin explores the applications of fundamental physics principles in understanding everyday phenomena. The book combines engaging anecdotes with illustrative problems and solutions, making complex concepts accessible and intriguing. With a blend of history and science, it invites readers to appreciate the elegance and practicality of physics in the real world.
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Format: Hardback
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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?

This book may appeal to you if you're intrigued by the beauty and elegance of physics in everyday life. It simplifies complex concepts and explores practical examples, offering a refreshing perspective on how physics shapes our world. If you enjoy learning about science in an engaging and accessible way, this book could be a delightful addition to your reading list.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Physics can explain many of the things that we commonly encounter. It can tell us why the night is dark, what causes the tides, and even how best to catch a baseball. With In Praise of Simple Physics, popular math and science writer Paul Nahin presents a plethora of situations that explore the science and math behind the wonders of everyday life. R

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

Physics can explain many of the things that we commonly encounter. It can tell us why the night is dark, what causes the tides, and even how best to catch a baseball.

With In Praise of Simple Physics, popular math and science writer Paul Nahin presents a plethora of situations that explore the science and math behind the wonders of everyday life. Roaming through a diverse range of puzzles, he illustrates how physics shows us ways to wring more energy from renewable sources, to measure the gravity in our car garages, to figure out which of three light switches in the basement controls the light bulb in the attic, and much, much more.

How fast can you travel from London to Paris? How do scientists calculate the energy of an atomic bomb explosion? How do you kick a football so it stays in the air and goes a long way downfield? Nahin begins with simpler problems and progresses to more challenging questions, and his entertaining, accessible, and scientifically and mathematically informed explanations are all punctuated by his trademark humour.

Readers are presumed to have some background in beginning differential and integral calculus. Whether you simply have a personal interest in physics' influence in the world or you're an engineering and science student who wants to gain more physics know-how, this book has an intriguing scenario for you.

In Praise of Simple Physics proves that if we look carefully at the world around us, physics has answers for the most astonishing day-to-day occurrences.

Series: Princeton Puzzlers

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  • In Praise of Simple Physics
    Physics can explain many of the things that we commonly encounter. It can tell us why the night is dark, what causes the tides, and even how best to catch a baseball. With In Praise of Simple Physics, popular math and science writer Paul Nahin presents a plethora of situations that explore the science and math behind the wonders of...
    Hardback
    Sold Out

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?

In Praise of Simple Physics by Paul Nahin is lauded for its clear, conversational, and often humorous writing style, making complex topics accessible. Readers appreciate the fun and engaging physics and math problems, coupled with Nahin's knack for capturing attention through insightful solutions and methods. The book is regarded as a superb resource for those interested in cleverly exploring and understanding physics problems.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691166933

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 24 May 2016

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 59 b/w illus.

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 539g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Paul J. Nahin is professor emeritus of electrical engineering at the University of New Hampshire. He is the author of many best-selling popular math books, including Digital Dice, Chases and Escapes, Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula, When Least Is Best, Duelling Idiots and Other Probability Puzzlers, and An Imaginary Tale (all Princeton).

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