In Praise of Simple Physics

<p><b>Fun puzzles that use physics to explore the wonders of everyday life</b> <p/>Physics can explain many of the things that we commonly encounter. It can tell us why the night is dark what causes the tides and even how best to catch a baseball. With <i>In Praise of Simple Physics</i> popular math and science writer Paul Nahin presents a plethora of situations that explore the science and math behind the wonders of everyday life. Roaming through a diverse range of puzzles he illustrates how physics shows us ways to wring more energy from renewable sources to measure the gravity in our car garages to figure out which of three light switches in the basement controls the light bulb in the attic and much much more. <p/>How fast can you travel from London to Paris? How do scientists calculate the energy of an atomic bomb explosion? How do you kick a football so it stays in the air and goes a long way downfield? Nahin begins with simpler problems and progresses to more challenging questions and his entertaining accessible and scientifically and mathematically informed explanations are all punctuated by his trademark humor. Readers are presumed to have some background in beginning differential and integral calculus. Whether you simply have a personal interest in physics' influence in the world or you're an engineering and science student who wants to gain more physics know-how this book has an intriguing scenario for you. <p/><i>In Praise of Simple Physics</i> proves that if we look carefully at the world around us physics has answers for the most astonishing day-to-day occurrences.</p>