Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics, Global Edition, 5th edition

Published by Pearson (25 July 2023) © 2023

  • Douglas C. Giancoli

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Title overview

Physics shapes how we understand the natural world, from everyday motion and energy to electricity, light, and the structure of the universe. Physics for Scientists and Engineers provides a clear, concept-driven introduction to calculus-based physics, helping learners build a strong foundation across mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Each topic begins with familiar observations and real-world experiences before developing the underlying principles and mathematical relationships. This approach helps learners understand not only how physics works, but also why physicists use particular models and methods to explain the world around us.

Who It's For

Designed for introductory calculus-based physics courses for students in science, engineering, and related disciplines. It supports learners seeking a thorough understanding of fundamental physics principles and their applications across a wide range of scientific and technological contexts.

Key features

  • Build a comprehensive understanding of physics concepts spanning mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.
  • Develop effective problem-solving skills through structured strategies, worked examples, and guided step-by-step approaches.
  • Strengthen conceptual understanding by confronting common misconceptions through chapter-opening and end-of-chapter conceptual questions.
  • Apply physics principles to practical and real-world situations through extensive application-focused content.
  • Connect foundational physics concepts to digital technologies, including digital audio, video displays, data storage, digital transmission, and imaging systems.
  • Learn numerical and graphical techniques for solving physics problems using computational and calculator-based approaches.
  • Improve quantitative reasoning through exercises and problems that reinforce both conceptual and mathematical understanding.
  • Explore advanced topics in modern physics, including relativity, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, elementary particles, astrophysics, and cosmology.

New to this edition

  • Digital Applications describe the basics of digital from the ground up.
  • Binary numbers, bits and bytes, are introduced in Chapter 23 along with analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), and vice versa, including digital audio and how video screens work. Other topics include information compression, sampling rate, bit depth, pixel addressing, digital transmission and, in later chapters, information storage (RAM, DRAM, flash), digital cameras and their sensors (CCD, CMOS). 
  • Digital (Chapters 23, 29, 33, 40) includes quantisation error, digital error correction, noise, bit error rate, digital TV data stream, refresh rate, active matrix, thin film transistors, digital memory, bit-line, reading and writing of memory cells (MOSFET), floating gate, volatile and nonvolatile memory, Bayer, JPEG, ASCII code, and more. 
  • Misconceptual Questions contain common student misconceptions at the end of every chapter just before the Problems. These multiple-choice questions help students avoid common mistakes and discover and distinguish their own misconceptions when solving problems.

Key features

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Table of contents

  1. Introduction, Measurement, Estimating
  2. Describing Motion: Kinematics in One Dimension
  3. Kinematics in Two or Three Dimensions; Vectors
  4. Dynamics: Newton's Laws of Motion
  5. Using Newton's Laws: Friction, Circular Motion, Drag Forces
  6. Gravitation and Newton's Synthesis
  7. Work and Energy
  8. Conservation of Energy
  9. Linear Momentum
  10. Rotational Motion
  11. Angular Momentum; General Rotation
  12. Static Equilibrium; Elasticity and Fracture
  13. Fluids
  14. Oscillations
  15. Wave Motion
  16. Sound
  17. Temperature, Thermal Expansion, and the Ideal Gas Law
  18. Kinetic Theory of Gases
  19. Heat and the First Law of Thermodynamics
  20. Second Law of Thermodynamics
  21. Electric Charge and Electric Field
  22. Gauss's Law
  23. Electric Potential
  24. Capacitance, Dielectrics, Electric Energy Storage
  25. Electric Current and Resistance
  26. DC Circuits
  27. Magnetism
  28. Sources of Magnetic Field
  29. Electromagnetic Induction and Faraday's Law
  30. Inductance, Electromagnetic Oscillations, and AC Circuits
  31. Maxwell's Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
  32. Light: Reflection and Refraction
  33. Lenses and Optical Instruments
  34. The Wave Nature of Light: Interference and Polarization
  35. Diffraction
  36. The Special Theory of Relativity
  37. Early Quantum Theory and Models of the Atom
  38. Quantum Mechanics
  39. Quantum Mechanics of Atoms
  40. Molecules and Solids
  41. Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
  42. Nuclear Energy; Effects and Uses of Radiation
  43. Elementary Particles
  44. Astrophysics and Cosmology

Author bios

Douglas C. Giancoli obtained his BA in physics (summa cum laude) from UC Berkeley, his MS in physics at MIT, and his PhD in elementary particle physics back at UC Berkeley. He spent 2 years as a post-doctoral fellow at UC Berkeley's Virus lab developing skills in molecular biology and biophysics. His mentors include Nobel winners Emilio Segre and Donald Glaser. He has taught a wide range of undergraduate courses, traditional as well as innovative ones, and continues to update his textbooks meticulously, seeking ways to better provide an understanding of physics for students.

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