Introductory Physics with Algebra as a Second Language: Mastering Problem-Solving

By Stuart E. Loucks

Get a better grade in Physics
Physics may be challenging, but with training and practice you can come out of your physics class with the grade you want With Stuart Loucks' Introductory Physics with Algebra as a Second Language(TM): Mastering Problem-Solving, you'll get the practice and training you need to better understand fundamental principles, build confidence, and solve problems.

Here's how you can get a better grade in physics:

Understand the basic language of physics
Introductory Physics with Algebra as a Second Language(TM) will help you make sense of your textbook and class notes so that you can use them more effectively. The text explains key topics in algebra-based physics in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Break problems down into simple steps
Introductory Physics with Algebra as a Second Language(TM) teaches you to recognize details that tell you how to begin new problems. You will learn how to effectively organize the information, decide on the correct equations, and ultimately solve the problem.

Learn how to tackle unfamiliar physics problems
Stuart Loucks coaches you in the fundamental concepts and approaches needed to set up and solve the major problem types. As you learn how to deal with these kinds of problems, you will be better equipped to tackle problems you have never seen before.

Improve your problem-solving skills
You'll learn timesaving problem-solving strategies that will help you focus your efforts and avoid potential pitfalls.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471762504
• ISBN13: 9780471762508
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Well organized and is a great overview

Each section gives a problem as an example and gives you step by step methods of how to approach and solve a problem. There are some sections that focus only on how to setup problems, but most are integrated within the examples given. It is a very useful tool to use when trying to break down tough questions. The hardest obstacle, when given a problem, is determining the physics and setup behind it. This book does its job well and is worth every penny.

Lifesaver!

This book was so helpful. I originally took general physics and I was so lost. I ended up dropping and the following semester took the intro course with this textbook. If it wasn't for this book I wouldn't have finally understand physics so well. I went from getting F's to achieving A's. The book lays out step by step how to tackle a problem and throughly explains why its approached that way. Very helpful. Thanks to this book I actually understand physics!

So worth it!!

This book will walk you through every step of solving a physics problem; it shows you how to use the information you're given to set up an organized solution. Definitely an essential tool to any general physics student!!!

Physics as a Second Language=Great Book!!! :)

Physics is a demanding subject and the problems can be overwhelming... With Physics as a Second Language, I was able to understand concepts as well as how to solve the problems by breaking them down into easier to solve components! The book was a great addition to my normal text, which I hardly had to read. Not only was this book easier to understand but it had better method of illustrating problem solving technics! I would recommend this book to anyone that is going to take Physics, if only for a reference or as an addition to their normal text!

Great Tool for your Belt!

I was part of the Physics 311 class Stuart E. Loucks used for feedback while he was writting this book and I know it is an incredibly helpful book. I have never seen math and physics problems laid out so well before in any book or even from any teacher! The book diagrams physics problems in a way that allows you to really understand what you are doing, why you are doing it, and how to approach it. Every varialbe, symbol, and mathematical trick is explained in a way which truly communicates to the reader its meaning. For example, the symbol v is not just velocity, instead Stuart E. Loucks shows you exactly what v is, with just enough detail so you really understand it. This book makes physics more clear than a glass of water! One of the most difficult aspects of physics to grasp, is to take a set of data and equations, and know where to begin to relate them together. Not even halfway through this book will you start to get a real feel for this. And by the end of this this book, just as the title says, it should feel just like a second language. This is the most important skill for any math and science student and it all begins with this book.