Physics Problems for Aspiring Physical Scientists and Engineers

An essential part of studying to become a physical scientist or engineer is learning how to solve problems. This book contains over 200 appropriate physics problems with hints and full solutions. The author demonstrates how to break down a problem into its essential components, and how to chart a course through them to a solution. With problem-solving skills being essential for any physical scientist or engineer, this book will be invaluable to potential and current undergraduates seeking a career in these fields. The book is divided into three parts: questions, hints and solutions. The questions section is subdivided into 15 chapters, each centred on a different area of physics, from elementary particles, through classical physics, to cosmology. The second section provides brief hints, whilst the third sets out full and explicit solutions to each problem. Most begin with thoughts that students might have after reading a problem, allowing the reader to understand which questions they should be asking themselves when faced with unfamiliar situations.

• Contains detailed model solutions to ensure readers not only understand the physics principles involved, but also how to apply them
• In order to develop the ability to pick out only relevant information, some problems offer unneeded data
• Students will learn to introduce suitable working variables and to use their general knowledge to help them find a solution, given that some problems appear to contain too little information