Principles of Mechanics: Fundamental University Physics

Reviewed by Dipti Sharma, Contracted Professor, Massachusetts Bay Community College on 6/2/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This open-access online textbook seems that made for the Physics I course only not for Physics II. The course and topic content seem very easygoing and good for beginner-level students to understand topic ideas. The text covers all areas and ideas of the subject appropriately and provides an effective index and/or glossary for Physics I.
It is not clear if it is an Algebra-based or Calculus-based or in general just a Physics I-based textbook.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The content seems accurate, error-free, and unbiased.
I like the examples that show step-by-step solutions after each chapter. However, I cannot find the PowerPoint slides for each chapter. It would be good if there were some short videos too for each chapter.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Content is up-to-date and clear to all ten topics and chapters that is taught in one semester for the Physics I course. Each chapter covers some good examples and also has practice problems or HW problems at the end of each chapter. Each chapter and topic is completely relevant to the chapters and topics usually taught in Physics I with good examples from real world.

Clarity rating: 4

Each chapter including problem sets is written with clarity and proper English. It is easy to read and understand at any level of reader or learner. I like this textbook and I may want to try this for one of my semesters for a beginner-level Physics course to see how it goes with my students.

Consistency rating: 4

The text written in the book is completely consistent with the subject matter and the real-world applications. The text follows the topic and concepts of Physics described in each chapter. It also follows the trend and flow of the subject matter as usually mentioned and described in General Physics I textbooks.

Modularity rating: 4

The text is easily and readily divided into smaller reading sections that can be assigned at different points within the course. The modularity of the textbook is fine. The contents of the chapters are written precisely with good explanations in small parts with images, figures, and examples and are easily understandable by readers of all levels.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

Organization of each chapter, chapter material, and concepts are written in good order following with equations and numbering them.

Interface rating: 4

The text is free of significant interface issues, including navigation problems, distortion of images/charts, and any other display features that may distract or confuse the reader.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

The textbook is written with good grammar without any errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. It uses examples that are inclusive of a variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

Comments

I personally, like this open-access textbook as it is written in easy English and has easy content to understand for all topics from chapters 1-10 for the Physics I course. I like the examples given at the end of each chapter. I also prefer seeing PowerPoint presentations for each chapter in the online version. I would also like to have some short videos for each chapter, if possible, for the author to add. I felt it was not clear if this University Physics is an Algebra-based or Calculus-based Physics. It would be better if it was clear. But, overall, I like to try this textbook for one of the basic-level Physics I classes and see how it goes!