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Articles & Books From Steven Holzner
An easy-to-follow guide to introductory physics, from the Big Bang to relativity All science, technology, engineering, and math majors in college and university require some familiarity with physics. Other career paths, like medicine, are also only open to students who understand this fundamental science. But don’t worry if you find physics to be intimidating or confusing.
Physics Essentials For Dummies (9781119590286) was previously published as Physics Essentials For Dummies (9780470618417). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product. For students who just need to know the vital concepts of physics, whether as a refresher, for exam prep, or as a reference, Physics Essentials For Dummies is a must-have guide.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 01-24-2022
Physics involves a lot of calculations and problem solving. Having on hand the most frequently used physics equations and formulas helps you perform these tasks more efficiently and accurately. This Cheat Sheet also includes a list physics constants that you’ll find useful in a broad range of physics problems.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-10-2022
Avoid difficulties when working on physics by knowing the common issues that can cause trouble in physics problems, understanding physical constants, and grasping principal physics equations.10 issues to avoid when solving physics problemsIf you get stumped working on physics formulas, take a deep breath, and recheck your work.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 07-08-2021
To confidently solve differential equations, you need to understand how the equations are classified by order, how to distinguish between linear, separable, and exact equations, and how to identify homogenous and nonhomogeneous differential equations.Learn the method of undetermined coefficients to work out nonhomogeneous differential equations.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-11-2022
Here’s a list of some of the most important equations in Physics II courses. You can use these physics formulas as a quick reference for when you’re solving problems in electricity and magnetism, light waves and optics, special relativity, and modern physics.Physics equations for electricity and magnetismElectricity and magnetism make up one of the most successful fields of study in physics.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-25-2016
Once you’ve figured out the type of differential equation you’re dealing with, you can move on to solving the problem by using the method of undetermined coefficients or the power series method. If a stubborn equation comes your way, try using Laplace transform solutions to help.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Newton’s Third Law of Motion is a famous one: “Whenever one body exerts a force on a second body, the second body exerts an oppositely directed force of equal magnitude on the first body.” If that doesn’t ring a bell, try this on for size: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
Put simply, this law of motion says that if your car pushes against Earth, then Earth pushes back against your car with the same amount of force.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Starting with the physics equation for the force of gravity, you can plug in the mass and radius of the Earth to calculate the force of gravity near the surface of the Earth.
The equation for the force of gravity is
and it holds true no matter how far apart two masses are.
The gravitational force between a mass and the Earth is the object’s weight.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Light waves — that is, electromagnetic waves — behave like other waves: They can reflect, refract (bend), and interfere with each other. Here are some wave formulas that are useful when you’re working with optics. You can determine the wave frequency and period, predict how fast light travels in various materials, and determine how light will bend in lenses and bounce off mirrors.