University Physics

Reviewed by Chadwick Young, Professor of Physics, Nicholls State University on 2/8/17

Comprehensiveness rating: 5

This is the first in a 3-volume set. It covers all of classical mechanics along with waves and oscillations. It is appropriate for a calculus-based physics course in a 3-semester sequence. Combined with the other volumes, it can be adapted to use in a 2-semester sequence.

The book does have an excellent index in the PDF version. Online, it has searchable content, but I could not find an index. The table of contents, however, should be sufficient for a student to use it as a reference book.

The book does have a glossary for each chapter, giving the meaning of bolded words throughout. These definitions are concise and accurate.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate. I’ve reviewed chapter 4, which is on 2-dimensional motion. The authors give a nice treatment of vectors, projectile, and circular motion. I like how they bring in more advanced topics, like Brownian motion, as they present these ideas. Instead of dealing with generic vectors, like many textbooks, the authors present only the displacement, velocity, and acceleration vectors. I prefer to present vectors mathematically first, without physical context, but I’ll try this next semester.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This is a solid, introductory, calculus-based physics text. I expect these basics of physics to last long beyond what anyone can envision. The pedagogy, too, is up-to-date. The students get lots of practice as they work through each section. However, I’d love to see Concept Coach and/or Tutor implemented for this book. Physics is difficult without deliberate and spaced practice. These tools can help the student to master physics.

Clarity rating: 5

Of course, the book does use appropriate language, which will be unfamiliar with most students. However, the vocabulary builds in each chapter, and the text has links back to previous material when it is referenced in the chapter. Of course, the PDF doesn’t have the same linkable text. Again, the glossary does offer good, simple definitions of bolded words.

Consistency rating: 5

This book is consistent. It uses terminology from chapter to chapter, but it always refers back to technical terms in previous chapters with handy links. The framework, too, builds in each chapter. Students learn skills—vector math, eg.—that they continue to use in the ensuing chapters. Of course, physics is a particularly good subject for such building. The reason I love physics is because it is consistent.

Modularity rating: 5

Like many physics texts, this book is divided into appropriate and small sections. Chapter 4, for example, is divided into 5 sections. A professor can assign a particular section per day as the students (or before) cover the material in class. Indeed, these sections do not disrupt the reading but, instead, provide convenient breaks that allow the reader to pause and reflect. At the end of each section, the authors have included conceptual questions and practice problems so the reader can ensure their own mastery of the material.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

As I stated previously, I might not present these topics in this particular order. For example, I like to cover centripetal forces with rotation. However, these issues are very minor. The authors follow a putative order for presenting the topics; this order is used by many textbooks.

Interface rating: 5

No issues here. The OpenStax folks have their game together. Figures are clear and well-labeled. The online interface, which I prefer over the PDF, is easy to use.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I didn’t notice any grammatical errors. It has, in my opinion, better writing than some other standard books (Halliday, Serway, Tipler, etc.).

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

Of the 6 cartoon figures, all were white, and 2 were women. However, the people presented in these figures are small and not a big part of the text. In fact, 4 of the characters were partially obscured by masks or sporting equipment. The book does not take extra measures to make minorities feel included. The text is not offensive in any way (unless someone hates physics!!).

Great book! I intend to use it next year. I'd love to see some online tools like Tutor or Concept Coach, even if for a fee. I'd likely use them in my course.