The Human Side of Science

"PRAISE FOR THE JOY OF PHYSICS:
 
“… makes genuine fun out of rigorous science… Wiggins’s friendly, stress-free approach will teach readers how to measure, observe and calculate, and he enriches his study with short history lessons and biographies of physics pioneers... Clever cartoons by Sydney Harris and quotes from such worthies as Jeff Foxworthy provide laugh-out-loud moments, while the very human travails of pioneers like Tesla and Bernoulli remind us that life (and science) is seldom easy, even for geniuses. A welcome volume, Wiggins’s gentle but thorough text could do much to quell perennial student bellyaching over introductory physics courses.”

—Publishers Weekly


“…an entertaining, informative romp through electromagnetism and light, dynamics, quantum mechanics and the big bang.”

—New Scientist  
 

“Filled with examples and simple demonstrations and experiments you can do yourself, it’s a hands-on approach to the fun of discovery.  Here is a route not only to understanding physics—which, after all, deals with the biggest cosmic questions such as workings of the universe—but doing physics.”

—Skeptical Inquirer
 

“…conveys the delight of understanding in a way that requires the reader to be comfortable with math no more complex than first-year algebra. Even more appealing is the manner in which the author uses math to explain a series of generally accessible experiments, with instructions that accompany many of the essays. Relevant cartoons by Sidney Harris amuse and enlighten the reader along the way… a fine resource for teachers who need to reinforce their own understanding of fundamental physics. It is a pleasure to read and will help teachers provide answers to students’ questions on the underlying principles of physical science… This book will reinforce the idea that physics is not only an important school subject but that it explains a great deal about the world we encounter every day.”

—NSTA Recommends, National Science Teachers Association
 

“…rather than relying just on clear explanations, amazing results and interesting anecdotes to engage readers, The Joy of Physics also takes readers through a series of easy and fun practical experiments – such as demonstrating simple harmonic motion with a yo-yo – that illustrate physical concepts. The book is also peppered with illustrations by the famous science cartoonist Sidney Harris and each chapter begins with a humorous quotation.”

—Physics World