Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide, Third Edition is the most practical, complete, and easy-to-use guide available for understanding physics and the physical world. Even if you don't consider yourself a "science" person, this book helps make learning key concepts a pleasure, not a chore. Whether you need help in a course, want to review the basics for an exam, or simply have always been curious about such physical phenomena as energy, sound, electricity, light, and color, you've come to the right place! This fully up-to-date edition of Basic Physics:

• Has been revised to reflect research-based pedagogy on how people learn physics
• Requires no math--mathematical treatments and applications are included in optional sections so that you can choose either a mathematical or nonmathematical approach
• Lets you work at your own pace with a helpful question-and-answer format
• Lists objectives for each chapter--you can skip ahead or find extra help if you need it
• Reinforces what you learn with end-of-chapter self-tests

KARL F. KUHN, PHD, is Professor of Physics at Eastern Kentucky University.

FRANK NOSCHESE teaches College-Preparatory Physics and Advanced Placement Physics at John Jay High School in Cross River, New York. He is a National Board Certified Teacher, New York State Master Teacher, and a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers.

Acknowledgments vii

To the Reader xi

1 Motion 1

2 Force and Newton’s Laws of Motion 17

3 Conservation of Momentum and Energy 33

4 Gravity 51

5 Atoms and Molecules 63

6 Solids 77

7 Liquids and Gases 85

8 Temperature and Heat Energy 99

9 Change of State and Transfer of Heat Energy 111

10 Wave Motion 121

11 Sound 133

12 Diffraction, Interference, and Music 143

13 Static Electricity 159

14 Electrical Current 171

15 Magnetism and Magnetic Effects of Currents 189

16 Electrical Induction 203

17 Electromagnetic Waves 215

18 Light: Wave or Particle? 223

19 The Quantum Nature of Light 239

20 Reflection, Refraction, and Dispersion 261

21 Lenses and Instruments 281

22 Light as a Wave 301

23 Color 315

Appendix A: Scientific Notation: Powers of Ten 323

Appendix B: The Metric System 327

Index 331