Portable TA: A Physics Problem Solving Guide, Volume I

Rating:
Summary: He explains the principles clearly but
Review: At times the font size for an equation appears to be about the half the font size of the other equations on the page. This happens sporadically in the book. Also, some of the labeling of the diagrams have an even SMALLER font size. This is annoying. Very annoying when you end up looking at the equation several times. The irony is that I took this physics course while I was in the navy via correspondence. The above was on the syllabus of thing not to do! In the end I can say this book helped me pass the course with a "B". He does show you how to approach a problem different ways. And the tests he has on the book ... excellent.

Rating:
Summary: He explains the principles clearly but
Review: The commentary is very good. The author shows different approaches to solve physics problems and which approach is better (and why). What is the downside? You will see an equation with a smaller font size. There is an inconsistency in how the smaller font size is applied. The commentary may be a page long with several equations. Usually one equation has the smaller font size. It appears to decrease to a #8 font. It does not stop there. Some of the labeling of the drawing is smaller. Looks like #6. This type of activity would not endear you to the TA or Prof. as they grade your exams. Hopefully, the next edition comes enclosed with a magnifying glass.

Rating:
Summary: Excellant commentary but get a magnifying glass
Review: The commentary is very good. The author shows different approaches to solve physics problems and which approach is better (and why). What is the downside? You will see an equation with a smaller font size. There is an inconsistency in how the smaller font size is applied. The commentary may be a page long with several equations. Usually one equation has the smaller font size. It appears to decrease to a #8 font. It does not stop there. Some of the labeling of the drawing is smaller. Looks like #6. This type of activity would not endear you to the TA or Prof. as they grade your exams. Hopefully, the next edition comes enclosed with a magnifying glass.

Rating:
Summary: Missing a Topic?
Review: This book was great. Elby's explanations of physics are uncomparable with textbooks'. However, I was really surprised at the fact that a whole topic was omitted from both volumes of his book. He seemed to have omitted "THERMODYNAMICS," a hardcore topic of physics. I thought that was unbelievable, but hey what can I say? Only 1/3 of my upcoming physics final will be on THERMODYNAMICS. Blah!