Physics for Scientists and Engineers

First off, this review is driven by pure gratitude to both authors of this excellent text. This is that Book on Physics that grips and drags you along. No prerequisite knowledge is even necessary as the book assumes you the reader is uneducated on the topics and takes you right from scratch to the very peak (literally). It all depends on the purpose which you desire it to serve. It is a great text for writing such exams as A-Levels, IBs, SAT e.t.c. but in its core, it is best for university and college students. There are many examples and sections requiring fundamental knowledge in Calculus: Differentiation and Integration; however, these usually come after fundamental notes and "elementary calculations and examples". Its no wonder some people rate the book lower, they dont know or hate Newtonian Mathematics, but like the title says "... For Scientists and Engineers"; Every Scientist and Engineer chews Calculus like chewing gum. If you hate Calculus, dont buy this book (or at least be prepared to skip many sections) it isn't desinged for you and you'll probably end up gritting your teeth.

Contrary to what some of the reviewers have said, this book is great for self-study. I know this from experience. It is mostly clear and logical, although there are certain parts that are frustrating because of lack of clarity. There are some examples that are confusing, and, as explained by a previous reviewer, sometimes variables are not explained in new equations. The best thing about this book is that it has many great, easy to understand examples at varying difficulties. The graphics are excellent and this really helps sometimes. The problem sets at the end of the chapters are good. If you can do the examples and problem sets at the end of the chapters (and I know you can because the author does a wonderful job at explaining the subjects) you will find books on classical mechanics and electromagnetism to be extremely easy. This book comes with online supplements, but you probably will not use them. They are worthless. Do not waste your time trying to use the online supplements. UPDATE: I scored 5's (the highest possible score) on my advanced placement physics C exams(both mechanics and electricity and magnetism). I never took a course or had a teacher for this level of physics so my score must have been due to this book!

Physics For Scientists and EngineersPaul A. Tipler For nearly 25 years, Tipler's standard-setting textbook has been a favorite for the calculus-based introductory physics course. With this edition, the book makes a dramatic re-emergence, adding innovative pedagogy that eases the learning process without compromising the integrity of Tipler's presentation of the science.For instructor and student convenience, the Fourth Edition of Physics for Scientists and Engineers is available as three paperback volumes...Vol. 1: Mechanics, Oscillations and Waves, Thermodynamics, 768 pages, 1-57259-491-8Vol. 2: Electricity and Magnetism, 544 pages, 1-57259-492-6Vol. 3: Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, and The Structure of Matter, 304 pages, 1-57259-490-X...or in two hardcover versions:Regular Version (Chaps. 1-35 and 39): 0-7167-3821-XExtended Version (Chaps. 1-41): 0-7167-3822-8

I am very surprised at some of the...reviews for this book. I rate it an equal to Serway's Physics For Scientists and Engineers, Volumes 1 & 2, Forth Edition. It has a smooth sequence of topics in very logical order.The illustrations and sample problems are clear, very clean arrangements. Before you are influenced by poor reviews... type in "Paul A. Tipler" in and search-read some of the German or other foreign reviews. Most reviews are excellent.

As a physics major, I have had some good use of this book. It is an excellent reference book, one that is useful just to go back, and look up those simple relations easily forgotten. And it is very complete, containing detailed sections on most topics.