Essential University Physics: Volume 2, Global Edition (3^rd Ed.)

For two- and three-semester university physics courses

Just the Essentials

Richard Wolfson’s Essential University Physics, Third Edition is a concise and progressive calculus-based physics textbook that offers clear writing, great problems, and relevant real-life applications in an affordable and streamlined text.  Essential University Physics teaches sound problem-solving skills, emphasizes conceptual understanding, and makes connections to the real world. Features such as annotated figures and step-by-step problem-solving strategies help students master concepts and solve problems with confidence.

Essential University Physics is offered as two paperback volumes available together or for sale individually.

MasteringPhysics^® not included. Students, if MasteringPhysics is a recommended/mandatory component of the course, please ask your instructor for the correct ISBN and course ID. MasteringPhysics should only be purchased when required by an instructor. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information.

MasteringPhysics is an online homework, tutorial, and assessment product designed to personalize learning and improve results. With a wide range of interactive, engaging, and assignable activities, students are encouraged to actively learn and retain tough course concepts.

Volume 1 contains Chapters 1–19.

Volume 2 contains Chapters 20–39.

1. Doing Physics

I. MECHANICS

2. Motion in a Straight Line

3. Motion in Two and Three Dimensions

4. Force and Motion

5. Using Newton’s Laws

6. Work, Energy, and Power

7. Conservation of Energy

8. Gravity

9. Systems of Particles

10. Rotational Motion

11. Rotational Vectors and Angular Momentum

12. Static Equilibrium

II. OSCILLATIONS, WAVES, AND FLUIDS

13. Oscillatory Motion

14. Wave Motion

15. Fluid Motion

III. THERMODYNAMICS

16. Temperature and Heat

17. The Thermal Behavior of Matter

18. Heat, Work, and the First Law of Thermodynamics

19. The Second Law of Thermodynamics

IV. ELECTROMAGNETISM

20. Electric Charge, Force, and Field

21. Gauss’s Law

22. Electric Potential

23. Electrostatic Energy and Capacitors

24. Electric Current

25. Electric Circuits

26. Magnetism: Force and Field

27. Electromagnetic Induction

28. Alternating-Current Circuits

29. Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves

V. OPTICS

30. Reflection and Refraction

31. Images and Optical Instruments

32. Interference and Diffraction

VI. MODERN PHYSICS

33. Relativity

34. Particles and Waves

35. Quantum Mechanics

36. Atomic Physics

37. Molecules and Solids

38. Nuclear Physics

39. From Quarks to the Cosmos

APPENDICES

Appendix A Mathematics

Appendix B The International System of Units (SI)

Appendix C Conversion Factors

Appendix D The Elements

Appendix E Astrophysical Data

This title is a Pearson Global Edition. The Editorial team at Pearson has worked closely with educators around the world to include content which is especially relevant to students outside the United States.

Features of the Text

• Emphasize conceptual understanding:
  • NEW! Big Picture features begin each chapter, connecting past, present, and future content. Students will develop an understanding of the connections between different physics principles helping them to see how the overarching principles fit together.
  • Got It? questions present multiple-choice and ranking task problems in most sections to prompt students to check their understanding of key concepts as they read.
    • NEW! “GOT IT?” questions have been revised for clicker systems to inspire classroom discussion.
  • NEW! Media links (as scanable QR codes) link to Video Tutor Demos (VTDs). These are placed in the text near appropriate content, so students have easy access to a more visual, engaging presentation.
  • NEW! “For Thought and Discussion” answers are now available to instructors in the Mastering Instructor Resource Area (MIRA), making it easy to spark classroom discussion.
  • NEW! Increased numbers of both Conceptual Examples and worked examples help students understand how to work through the more difficult problems and concepts.

• Focus on the fundamentals:
  • Written with brevity and affordability in mind, Wolfson offers a concise and streamlined solution for students and instructors.
  • The text promotes the overarching theme that physics has a simple foundation that underlies a wide range of topics.
  • Key equationsand definitions are set on colored screens with titles and explanatory material, so that students will not grab a bare equation withou