Physics: A Focused Introduction

Physics: A Focused Introduction provides a thorough overview of the principles and practical applications of introductory undergraduate physics. Featuring a streamlined narrative, it encourages active engagement between fundamental concepts and fully worked examples.

Major topics such as motion (kinematics, forces, and conservation of momentum and energy), thermodynamics, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism are covered, in addition to the foundations of modern physics.

Key features:

• More than 200 fully worked examples and 1,000 end-of-chapter problems
• Learning Objectives at the start of each chapter
• An appendix which introduces key mathematical content ranging from scientific notation and the metric system to geometry, trigonometry, and techniques for solving systems of equations
• Calculus is introduced and used as a tool to clarify the physics; examples and problems that require proficiency in calculus are clearly marked
• Supported by modular lab activities developed at the University of Mount Union, detailed lecture notes, and a comprehensive solution manual are available to instructors

Written in a relaxed and engaging style, this textbook is suitable for students of science and engineering who require a concise introduction to the field, as well as students of both algebra-based and calculus-based courses.

Colin Campbell is an Associate Professor of Physics and Data Science at the University of Mount Union, USA, where he teaches at all levels of the undergraduate curriculum. He earned his B.S. from Westminster College and his Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University. He has received multiple honors for his teaching, including the University of Mount Union’s Distinguished Teaching Award.