About this book
How Things Work uses familiar objects to introduce basic physics concepts, demonstrating the excitement and relevance to professionals in a variety of technical fields. Because its structure is defined by real-life examples, this book explores concepts as they're needed and then revisits them later on when they reappear in other objects. It integrates case studies throughout the chapters to easily convey an understanding and appreciation for physics. For example, discussions of skating, falling balls, and bumper cars are included to explain the Laws of Motion. Air conditioners and automobiles are used to explore thermodynamics.
Engineers, architects, and professionals in other technical fields will benefit from the material that connects science to our everyday world.
Contents
Chapter 1 - The Laws of Motion, Part I
1.1 Skating
1.2 Falling Balls
1.3 Ramps
Chapter 2 - The Laws of Motion, Part II
2.1 Wind Turbines
2.2 Wheels
2.3 Bumper Cars
Chapter 3 - Mechanical Objects, Part I
3.1 Spring Scales
3.2 Ball Sports: Bouncing
3.3 Carousels and Roller Coasters
Chapter 4 - Mechanical Objects Part II
4.1 Bicycles
4.2 Rockets and Space Travel
Chapter 5 - Fluids
5.1 Balloons
5.2 Water Distribution
Chapter 6 - Fluids and Motion
6.1 Garden Watering
6.2 Ball Sports: Air
6.3 Airplanes
Chapter 7 - Heat and Phase Transitions
7.1 Woodstoves
7.2 Water, Steam, and Ice
7.3 Clothing, Insulation, and Climate
Chapter 8 - Thermodynamics
8.1 Air Conditioners
8.2 Automobiles
Chapter 9 - Resonance and Mechanical Waves
9.1 Clocks
9.2 Musical Instruments
9.3 The Sea
Chapter 10 - Electricity
10.1 Static Electricity
10.2 Xerographic Copiers
10.3 Flashlights
Chapter 11 - Magnetism and Electrodynamics
11.1 Household Magnets
11.2 Electric Power Distribution
11.3 Hybrid Automobiles
Chapter 12 - Electronics
12.1 Power Adapters
12.2 Audio Players
Chapter 13 - Electromagnetic Waves
13.1 Radio
13.2 Microwave Ovens
Chapter 14 - Light
14.1 Sunlight
14.2 Discharge Lamps
14.3 Lasers and LEDs
Chapter 15 - Optics
15.1 Cameras
15.2 Optical Recording and Communication
Chapter 16 - Modern Physics
16.1 Nuclear Weapons
16.2 Nuclear Reactors [NEW]
16.3 Medical Imaging and Radiation
Appendices
A. Vectors
B. Units, Conversion of Units
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