Physics for Science

I am not sure whether this text is worthwile having in conjunction with a physics course. It is, however, wonderful for self instruction. The author often shows several different ways you can see the same concept, which defefinately helps you gain a deep understanding of physics. The prose is clear and organized. The author is constantly showing you phenomena related to whatever Serway may be talking about to help foster your curiousity (though that may be unecessary). I recommend you get the two seperate volumes. This one is HUGE and heavy. That is my only criticism. Half the book is problems. The problems are excellent and sometimes require deep thought. I learned college physics this way, and am only in middle school. This book really has all you need.

I am not sure about the problems that some of the other users have come in contact with, but I found this text extremely useful. I used the text 3 or 4 years ago, and I still refer to it often. It has such a wide range of topics with excellent descriptions and great example problems. The text is also beneficial to those who are, lets say, mathematically inclined. Don't forget, the book isn't going to do all of the work for you, you do have to put some effort into it.The same goes for Volume IIHope this helped.

I'm writing this review because the low rating this study guide currently has stunned me. This book is an incredible resource. However, it is to be utilized if and only if the textbook, "Physics or Scientists and Engineers" is used as well.The guide for each chapter of the textbook available in this study guide begins with an introduction discussing the general goals of the chapter. Then the major equations and concepts of the chapter are summarized. Some suggestions, skills, and strategies are then presented, and a review checklist is provided that lists the concepts you should be able to describe after studying the chapter.After the guide for each chapter is the solutions manual for selected problems in the textbook. Each one of the solutions has in depth explanation and step-by-step conceptual and mathematical guidance that are very easy to understand. Many solutions are set up according to the "GOAL" problem solving steps: Gather information, Organize your approach, Analyze the problem, and Learn from your efforts (how to check your work). Every solution in the manual presents a different direction from which to view some concept of physics.The set of two study guides (this and volume 1) greatly facilitate the comprehension of the text itself. They also provide quick, easy review for a test or exam the next morning that you haven't studied for. Highly recommended and deserving of all 5 stars.

~~~~~Good:1) Many visual and applied examples. 2) Problems have levels of difficulty. Enough easy ones to solidfy the basics, plenty of difficult problems to fully understand the concepts, and some challenging problems to make sure you will never forget physics and obscure mathematical concepts you've learned before.3) Covers all basic fields of physics: mechanics, wave, thermodynamics, eletromagnetism, light, sound, special relativity, and modern physics.Bad:1) Great book,~~ but~~ it still lacks some deep theoretical concepts and derivations for hard-core physics majors.Overall, this book is great preparation for studies in any field of science and engineering. I've used this book in high school to get 5's on E/M & Mech of AP Physics C exams. Now at Caltech, this is still one of the basic reference text books for freshmen physics courses. The effects of this book are everlasting; very worthy investment.~~~~~

This book has to be the BEST physics book available. I have used Tipler, Halliday & Resnick, Giancoli, and Serway has been truly outstanding. Moreover, the book gives an incredibly clear explanation of the subject: it's concise and the examples are excellent. Indeed it is the BEST book out there on physics.