Rating: 
Summary: One of the weakest books...
Review: I have to say while this book is good for those that are mathphobic it avoids math to the point that even basic equations are mere footnotes. I believe that the author assumes that basic algebra is simply too hard. Part of the problem with a book that hardly mentions the math behind it is that one will do terrible on even the AP Physics B exam and will have no idea why some of these "concepts" make sense. While some things would be difficult to prove for some high school students, hiding the formulas from students that might want to take a college level physics course would be very much good. While the illustrations are cute they tend to be rather cartoonish. Excessive use of dubious illustrations makes the book longer than it needs to cover the material it does. I would guess that the author is targeting about 7th to 8th grade. While I've seen high schools and even a few colleges(mostly 2 year schools) use this book I think that it isn't appropriate for that level and that a physics book like this that is almost devoid of math is almost devoid of value for students beyond middleschool. Also I might add that for only a little more in price that one could buy many other higher quality physics textbooks.
Rating: 
Summary: Cool book make Physics cool!
Review: I just love Conceptual Physics. In a subject where calculation is needed, Hewitt's book make the subject easier and fun! I recommend thsi for every syudents!
Rating:
Summary: One of the weakest books...
Review: I took a class using this book after my HS physics course, and I wish I'd done it the other way around. I finally got a good grasp on how the physics works without relying on the math. Now I teach college physics labs, and I often try to incorporate Hewitt's conceptual framework into the picture before describing how to incorporate the mathematics. His examples are very compelling and he does a good job of teaching logical reasoning as well.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect book to begin physics
Review: I took a class using this book after my HS physics course, and I wish I'd done it the other way around. I finally got a good grasp on how the physics works without relying on the math. Now I teach college physics labs, and I often try to incorporate Hewitt's conceptual framework into the picture before describing how to incorporate the mathematics. His examples are very compelling and he does a good job of teaching logical reasoning as well.
Rating:
Summary: Well Written
Review: I took freshman physics in college. I picked up this book as a bit of a review. It is well worth reading. It is pitched at a level that a 12 year old could understand, but contains physics that would educate and entertain adults. I recommend getting the accompanying work book as well. There are concept questions and math questions. The math questions at the end of the chapters require knowledge of arithmetic ( not heavy algebra or calculus ). I recommend this book for those that just like to read educational material for fun.... this is a light enough read to allow that. I also recommend this book for science students that want to get the concepts of physics down, before they get bogged down in the math. It makes your higher level physics book much easier to read. If you dont get this book, you are really missin out on a good thing. Katherine
PS yes real girls do read physics
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I use this book all the time as a quick reference that gives me good insights.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Intro Book!
Review: I was very pleased to see this book still in print. I am a "over 40" returning student at the University of Alaska and a pre-Environmental Science major. I have met many young, bright students and one of my new friends is a Fine Arts major. She has turned me on to literature and theater and I share with her what I know about the physical universe. I still have my copy from 1971! Quite a positive review in itself considering selling last semester's books is a financial requirement for next semester for most students. I was hoping to find one for her and did! This book is laid out in a system and I found that each chapter leaves the reader mentally prepared to comprehend the next. The questions in the back of each chapter are a prime example in critical thinking, are fun and leaves one with a feeling of accomplishment. There is LITTLE OR NO MATH in this book. If you design rockets on your kitchen table in your spare time, this book is probably not for you. It is as its title suggests, conceptual. A great book for the new home schooled generation.
Rating:
Summary: Want to teach yourself physics?
Review: I would imagine that the answer to my subject heading is, for most people, NO! But for me it was YES!, as I'd never had a physics class, and it was essential, for research that I am conducting, that I have slightly more than an elementary grasp of physics. I turned to this book, and am glad that I did. This book, thankfully, is written in conceptual terms. There are few equations - because equations are necessary in science - but you don't need to know calculus or trigonometry to read this book and walk away with a solid foundation. The author has a clear and easy tone about his writing, and breaks complex concepts down into their simple building blocks so that a typical layperson can understand. I know - because I'm as typical a layperson as they come regarding the sciences. I can't recommend this highly enough.
Rating:
Summary: Difficult to understand
Review: The beginning of the book was relatively easy to understand, but from the middle to the end he completely lost me. The chapters covering electricity really got me. He writes as if we know what he is talking about. Even though I've already taken 2 semesters of physics I still had difficulty understanding.
Rating:
Summary: Started me on the path!
Review: The fourth edition of this text is what started me on the path to a masters degree in physics (achieved ten years ago). Now I am preparing to teach basic physics to remedial-level adult students and non-science majors and so am buying an updated copy of the book. This is a GREAT way to learn concepts for those who don't have the math skills for a standard course (as I didn't when I started all those years ago). I found it a great jumping off point, and I still return to my old text when I find I've forgotten my basics! I can't wait to read the new edition!
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