Lecture Notes: Conceptual Physics Twelfth Edition by Paul G. Hewitt

General Information

• Author: Paul G. Hewitt
• Edition: Twelfth
• Publication Year: 2015
• Publisher: Pearson Education, Inc.
• ISBN: 978-0-321-90910-7

About the Book

• Purpose: To provide a comprehensive understanding of physics concepts through a conceptual framework rather than heavy mathematical emphasis.
• Approach: Focused on understanding natural laws and the connections in the physical world.
• Structure: Divided into parts covering mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, atomic and nuclear physics, and relativity.
• Support Material: Practicing Physics book, Laboratory Manual, Problem Solving in Conceptual Physics, Instructor Resource DVD, MasteringPhysics online platform.

Parts and Key Topics

Part One: Mechanics

1. Newton's Laws of Motion
   • First Law (Inertia)
   • Second Law (Force = mass x acceleration)
   • Third Law (Action and Reaction)
   • Concepts of momentum and energy
2. Linear and Rotational Motion
   • Speed, velocity, acceleration, projectile motion
   • Rotational inertia, torque, centripetal force
3. Gravity
   • Universal law of gravitation, gravitational fields, black holes

Part Two: Properties of Matter

1. Atomic Nature of Matter
   • Atomic structure, periodic table, isotopes
2. Solids, Liquids, Gases
   • Crystal structure, elasticity, pressure, buoyancy
   • Concepts of surface tension, capillarity, plasma

Part Three: Heat

1. Temperature and Heat Transfer
   • Conduction, convection, radiation
2. Thermodynamics
   • Laws of thermodynamics, entropy

Part Four: Sound

1. Vibrations and Waves
   • Wave motion, interference, Doppler effect
2. Sound Characteristics
   • Nature, speed, reflection, refraction

Part Five: Electricity and Magnetism

1. Electrostatics and Electric Current
   • Electric charges, Ohm's Law, circuits
2. Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction
   • Magnetic fields, electromagnets, transformers

Part Six: Light

1. Properties of Light
   • Reflection, refraction, dispersion, polarization
2. Wave and Particle Nature
   • Quantum theory, photoelectric effect

Part Seven: Atomic and Nuclear Physics

1. Atomic Nucleus and Radioactivity
   • Radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and fusion

Part Eight: Relativity

1. Special and General Theory of Relativity
   • Principles of equivalence, spacetimes, gravitational waves

Educational Aids and Features

• Practice exams and multiple choice questions
• Think and Rank exercises for critical thinking
• Think and Explain exercises for conceptual understanding
• Supplemental problems and solutions for enhanced learning
• Instructor resources for effective teaching

New Features

• Hewitt-Drew-It Screencasts: Over 130 tutorial lessons available via QR codes in the book
• New Topics: 3-D printing, GPS operation, Higgs boson
• Updated Content: More on vectors, climate change, modern physics

Acknowledgments

• Acknowledgement of contributors and editors who assisted with the accuracy and quality of the book.
• Dedication to educators, students, and colleagues who have influenced and supported the development of the textbook.

Conclusion

• Goal: To provide a clear understanding of physics and connect it to everyday experiences and current technological advancements.
• Approach: Enhance comprehension through a conceptual framework and hands-on problem-solving techniques.