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Physics, 5th edition

Published by Pearson (January 14, 2016) © 2017

  • James S. Walker Western Washington University

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For courses in algebra-based introductory physics.

A problem-solving approach grounded in real-world applications

James Walker's Physics provides students with a solid conceptual understanding of physics that can be expressed quantitatively and applied to the world around them. The author's friendly voice and talent for making complex concepts understandable complement the inviting art program, excellent homework problems and a variety of problem-solving example types.

The 5th Edition introduces students to overarching principles in each chapter, real-world and biological applications and support to guide them in problem solving.

Hallmark features of this title

  • Big Ideas on each chapter-opening page orient students to the overarching principles of each chapter. Each is extrapolated in the chapter margins when introduced for the first time.
  • Physics in Context calls attention to a related concept from a previous chapter (Physics in Context: Looking Back); or calls out a concept in a future chapter (Physics in Context: Looking Ahead).
  • Reasoning and Strategy sections in worked examples offer insight behind the logic used to work through a problem.
  • Problem-Solving Notes highlight useful problem-solving methods and point out common pitfalls and misconceptions.
  • Conceptual Examples, Exercises and Quick Examples bridge the fully worked Examples and end-of-chapter problems, guiding students in practicing problem solving.

New and updated features of this title

  • Knowns and Unknowns now in worked examples model how scientists think about setting up a problem before solving.
  • UPDATED: Real-World Physics and Biological applications feature topics for today's students. Applications bring abstract physics principles to life with real-life examples.
  • REVISED: Bio Passage Problems reflect the 2015 MCAT exam. Problems focus on skills and core competencies, giving pre-med students practice answering question types they'll face on the exam.
  • UPDATED: 5-step worked examples provide new scenarios and numbers, replacing 50% of existing content:
    • 1) Picture the Problems remind students to visualize the situation, identify and label quantities, and set up a coordinate system; 2) Reasoning and Strategies help students analyze the problem, identify key physical concepts, and map a plan for the solution, including Known and Unknown quantities; 3) Solutions use a 2-column format to help students translate the words on the left side of the problem to equations used to solve on the right; 4) Insights point out significant features of the problem, solution process or result; 5) Practice Problems provide an opportunity to test understanding and skills on problems similar to the one just worked.

Highlights of the DIGITAL UPDATE for Mastering Physics (available for Fall 2021 classes)

Instructors, contact your sales rep to ensure you have the most recent version of the course.

  • NEW: Ready-to-Go Teaching Modules make use of teaching tools for before, during and after class, including new ideas for in-class activities and can be accessed through the Instructor Resources area.
  • NEW: Ready-to-Go Study Tools in the Mastering Study Area help students master the toughest topics and include answer-specific feedback.
  • NEW: Enhanced End-of-Chapter Questions provide support when and where students need it, including links to the eText, math remediation and wrong-answer feedback.
  • NEW: Worked Example and Solution Videos provide a consistent approach to specific problems from the text.

Features of Mastering Physics for the 5th Edition; published 2016

  • Conceptual Prelecture Videos focus on biological applications of physics, providing context, examples and practice, while Quantitative Prelecture Videos expose students to concepts before class to help them learn how problems are worked.
  • Prep questions aligned with the 2015 MCAT exam are based on Foundational Concepts and Content Categories outlined by the Association of American Medical Colleges. 140 passage problems and physics problems provide a biology context.

Features of Pearson eText for the 5th Edition; published 2021

  • NEW: Worked Example and Solution Videos give students a consistent approach to specific problems from the text. Worked out examples follow the voice of the author to keep consistency in the presentation of the solutions. These are embedded in the eText and assignable in Mastering Physics.
  • NEW: Analytics Dashboard. Use the dashboard to gain insight into how students are working in their eText to plan more effective instruction in and out of class.
  • Customize and schedule readings. Rearrange the Pearson eText table of contents at both the chapter and section level to match the way you teach. Add due dates so that students know exactly what to read to come to class prepared.

Physics, 5th Edition includes Chapters 1-32 but is also available as 2 separate volumes:

  • Volume 1 contains Chapters 1-18
  • Volume 2 contains Chapters 19-32
  1. Introduction to Physics

I. MECHANICS

  1. One-Dimensional Kinematics
  2. Vectors in Physics
  3. Two-Dimensional Kinematics
  4. Newtons Laws of Motion
  5. Applications of Newtons Laws
  6. Work and Kinetic Energy
  7. Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy
  8. Linear Momentum and Collisions
  9. Rotational Kinematics and Energy
  10. Rotational Dynamics and Static Equilibrium
  11. Gravity
  12. Oscillations About Equilibrium
  13. Waves and Sound
  14. Fluids

II. THERMAL PHYSICS

  1. Temperature and Heat
  2. Phases and Phase Changes
  3. The Laws of Thermodynamics

III. ELECTROMAGNETISM

  1. Electric Charges, Forces, and Fields
  2. Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy
  3. Electric Current and Direct-Current Circuits
  4. Magnetism
  5. Magnetic Flux and Faradays Law of Induction
  6. Alternating-Current Circuits

IV. LIGHT AND OPTICS

  1. Electromagnetic Waves
  2. Geometrical Optics
  3. Optical Instruments
  4. Physical Optics: Interference and Diffraction

V. MODERN PHYSICS

  1. Relativity
  2. Quantum Physics
  3. Atomic Physics
  4. Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Radiation

About our author

James Walker obtained his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Washington in 1978. He subsequently served as a post-doc at the University of Pennsylvania, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of California at San Diego before joining the physics faculty at Western Washington University. Professor Walker's research interests include statistical mechanics, critical phenomena, and chaos. His many publications on the application of renormalization-group theory to systems ranging from absorbed monolayers to binary-fluid mixtures have appeared in Physical Review, Physical Review Letters, Physica, and a host of other publications. He has also participated in observations on the summit of Mauna Kea, looking for evidence of extra-solar planets.

Jim Walker likes to work with students at all levels, from judging elementary school science fairs to writing research papers with graduate students, and has taught introductory physics for many years. His enjoyment of this course and his empathy for students have earned him a reputation as an innovative, enthusiastic, and effective teacher. Jim's educational publications include "Reappearing Phases" (Scientific American, May 1987) as well as articles in the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher. In recognition of his contributions to the teaching of physics at Western Washington University, Jim was named the Boeing Distinguished Professor of Science and Mathematics Education for 2001-2003.

When he is not writing, conducting research, teaching, or developing new classroom demonstrations and pedagogical materials, Jim enjoys amateur astronomy, eclipse chasing, bird and dragonfly watching, photography, juggling, unicycling, boogie boarding, and kayaking. Jim is also an avid jazz pianist and organist. He has served as ballpark organist for a number of Class A minor league baseball teams, including the Bellingham Mariners, an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, and the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. He can play Take Me Out To The Ball Game in his sleep.

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