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Physics of Everyday Phenomena
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Student Edition
Instructor Edition
The Physics of Everyday Phenomena: A Conceptual Introduction to Physics, 5/e

Thomas Griffith, Pacific University

ISBN: 0072828625
Copyright year: 2007

What's New



We have made some significant additions and changes to the fifth edition. As this book has evolved, however, we have tried to remain faithful to the principles that have guided the writing of the book from the outset. One of these has been to keep the book to a manageable length, both in the number of chapters and in the overall content. Many books become bloated as users and reviewers request more and more pet topics. We have strived to maintain a carefully organized framework for building an understanding of basic physics. The changes include:
  1. Answers to Selected Questions.   At the request of users and reviewers, we have added answers to selected questions in appendix D in the text. Written answers are provided to every sixth question starting with question 3 in appendix D in a format involving one or two complete sentences. In addition, students can find answers to questions 6, 12, 18, etc., on the Online Learning Center (OLC) via the Internet. These answers provide feedback on an appropriate style for responding to the conceptual questions that students and instructors can expand upon.
  2. New Everyday Phenomenon Boxes.   Three new everyday phenomenon boxes have been added. Two of these involve biological applications of physics ideas and the third involves some chemistry. Most chapters now have two everyday phenomenon boxes. The new titles are: everyday phenomenon box 9.1 Measuring Blood Pressure everyday phenomenon box 13.1 Electrical Impulses in Nerve Cells everyday phenomenon box 18.1 Fuel Cells and the Hydrogen Economy
  3. Secrets to Success.   A brief section—Secrets to Success in Studying Physics—has been added prior to chapter 1. This provides pointers to students on ways in which studying physics may differ from study modes they may have used in other disciplines.
  4. Updated Artwork.   The photographs and artwork in the text have been updated in several places to achieve both better relevance and clarity. Some new photographs have been added. In many cases, the changes are minor but are aimed at helping the user see the critical features. Many of these changes have been suggested by sharp-eyed users and reviewers.
  5. New Sample Exercises.   At the request of reviewers, a few new sample exercises have been added. These are intended to fill gaps in helping students understand simple quantitative aspects of the concepts being addressed.
  6. Continued Refinements in Textual Clarity.   Although the clarity of writing, which has been extensively praised by reviewers, is one of the strongest features of this text, it can always be improved. The changes are often subtle, but they always have the objective of making explanations both technically correct and clear.

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