Accessible Physics: a guided coursebook for A-level

Abstract

This textbook and the associated solutions manual claims to provide students with everything they need for success in physics at A-level. This is a rather extravagant claim in view of the absence of coursework guidance and the limited treatment of some topics. Nevertheless, the book does provide detailed coverage of most core A-level topics and some optional topics. Guided examples are provided frequently throughout the text, which is enhanced through the use of bold print and a second colour. The layout is in double-column format with black and white diagrams and some monochrome photographs. Equations are presented clearly although symbols are usually defined in the nearby text rather than being listed separately, whereas the SI unit of each symbol is indicated in the space surrounding each equation. The book is organized in five major sections, each section organized as a number of topic chapters. Self-assessment questions and answers are provided at the end of each topic and each section ends with a selection of longer questions from the examination boards. Answers are not provided to these questions, either in the book or in the manual. Worked solutions to the guided examples in each chapter and to the numerical problems at the end of each chapter are supplied in the manual. Some experiments are described although there is little support for practical work by students. Because derivations of equations are often not provided except those required for examination purposes, students in search of a deeper grasp of the subject may be disappointed. For example, the capacitor discharge equation is presented without any indication of how the equation is derived, thus making it impossible for the student to see how basic electrical relationships are used to explain capacitor discharge quantitatively. The first section on Mechanics covers physical quantities, units, vectors, statics, dynamics, Newton's laws of motion, circular motion, rotational dynamics and gravitation. The treatment is direct and rigorous in most parts, although the conservation of momentum is covered too briefly and rotational dynamics covers moment of inertia without including . The chapter on equilibrium commences on p17 with a statement of the conditions for equilibrium of a body, including the Principle of Moments. However, the moment of a force is not defined until p23 although several guided examples requiring the use of momentsare provided in the intervening pages. The second section, Oscillations, Vibrations and Waves, covers simple harmonic motion, general wave properties, interference and diffraction, stationary waves, the Doppler effect, the electromagnetic spectrum, reflection and refraction, lenses and telescopes. The treatment is thorough in general and the chapter on simple harmonic motion makes few concessions to students who find mathematics in A-level physics difficult. Proofs are provided for the simple pendulum formula, the oscillations of a loaded spring, Young's slits equation and the diffraction grating formula although not for the magnification of a telescope. The third section on electricity and magnetism starts with a sound introduction to d.c. electricity. A chapter on the CRO is then followed by chapters on magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, static electricity, capacitors and alternating current. Electronics is not covered in the book. The next section, Matter, covers solids, thermal properties, ideal gases and heat transfer. The treatment is generally reasonable although students may not appreciate the explanation on p370 of why the First Law of Thermodynamics is presented in the form on p348 and as the equation on p369. The final section, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, covers atomic structure including energy levels, radioactivity, the nucleus, nuclear power, particle physics and quantum physics. The treatment of particle physics is pitched appropriately although those in search of coverage of historic experiments on the properties of the electron or major turning points such as relativity will need to look elsewhere. The book aims to prepare students for examinations at A-level and is clearly rather more extensive than a study aid or a revision guide although deliberate omission of proofs not required by the examination boards make it less detailed than most other A-level textbooks. Nevertheless, the book offers an approach through guided learning which could benefit many students. The solutions manual is an essential companion to the main text and provides very detailed solutions to all the guided examples and numerical self-assessment questions in the book. Mark schemes are not provided and the questions are not printed in the solutions manual. The solutions are clearly presented and accompanied by diagrams where appropriate.