Physics for Scientists and Engineers

ANALYSIS OF PROBLEMS USAGE DATA FROM WEBASSIGN GUIDED PROBLEMS. The authors used extensive user data gathered by WebAssign from professors and students to identify problems that contained muddled or unclear phrasing. The data was used to ensure that the problems professors assigned the most were retained for this new edition. In each chapter's problems set, the top quartile of problems that were assigned in WebAssign are given an icon for easy identification.

"WATCH IT" SOLUTION VIDEOS. Selected problems (indicated in each chapter's problem set with a "W" icon) appear as "Watch It" solution videos in Enhanced WebAssign and explain fundamental problem-solving strategies to help students step through the problem. Instructors can choose whether or not to include video hints of problem-solving strategies.

PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY. A General Problem Solving Strategy, outlined early in the text, provides a series of steps similar to those taken by professional physicists in solving problems. This problem solving strategy is revisited in each Worked Example, so students approach problems consistently, developing stronger problem-solving skills. The General Problem Solving Strategy is further reinforced by Problem-Solving Strategy boxes that provide additional tips for tackling specific types of problems.

WORKED EXAMPLES. Always a hallmark of the text, Worked Examples are presented in a visually appealing two-column format, providing conceptual explanations next to the math for every step. The examples closely follow the authors' proven General Problem Solving Strategy, which is introduced in Chapter 2 to reinforce good problem solving habits. About one-third of the worked examples include "What If?" extensions, which further reinforce conceptual understanding. Every Worked Example can be assigned and graded through the Enhanced WebAssign homework management system. Solutions are presented symbolically as much as possible with numbers substituted in at the last possible moment to help students think symbolically when they solve problems, instead of automatically looking to insert numbers into an equation to solve a problem.