Mastering
Engage students with active learning. Mastering® provides access to trusted content built for today's digital learners. You can teach your course using customisable digital tools, features and assessments that improve student results.
Switch content of the page by the Role togglethe content would be changed according to the role
Pearson Physics, Global Edition, 1st edition
Published by Pearson (June 26, 2024) © 2025
- James S. Walker Western Washington University
eTextbook
from£28.99
Features
- Get instant access to your eTextbook
- Search, highlight, and add notes
- Create personalised flashcards
£57.99
- A print text (hardcover or paperback)
- Free shipping
Mastering
from£45.99
- Maximise engagement with active learning
- Create or customise your own assignments
- Give students access to guided practice and support
- Trusted authors and content with quality interactives
Title overview
Pearson Physics, Global Edition offers a “concepts first” approach to physics, supported by a superior, step-by-step problem-solving process. The text illustrates how physics applies to everything in our world and how theoretical concepts can be connected to everyday experiences. Comprehensive yet easy-to-follow discussions break down complex topics into understandable nuggets of knowledge and bolster students’ understanding of core topics and overarching principles in physics. Thorough assessments at the end of each chapter allow students to evaluate their progress and reinforce essential skills.
Hallmark features of this title
- Inquiry Lab features at the beginning of each chapter propose a fun activity and pose questions that help students explore some of the upcoming fundamental concepts discussed in the chapter.
- Physics Lab features, which are single-page lab activities that use easy-to-obtain materials, keep the learning process hands-on and engaging.
- Physics & You features throughout the book explain the physics behind interesting technologies, the impact of technology on society, and the role of physics in various careers.
- Quick Examples offer simple and concise solutions that model how to use equations and units introduced in the chapter.
- Conceptual Examples pose a question to test students’ theoretical understanding and then explain the logical reasoning and physics concepts needed to answer it.
- Math Help boxes, which accompany example problems within the text, point students to extra math support material contained in the Math Review appendix.
Table of contents
1. Introduction to Physics
- 1.1 Physics and the Scientific Method
- 1.2 Physics and Society
- 1.3 Units and Dimensions
- 1.4 Basic Math for Physics
- 1.5 Problem Solving in Physics
2. Introduction to Motion
- 2.1 Describing Motion
- 2.2 Speed and Velocity
- 2.3 Position-Time Graphs
- 2.4 Equation of Motion
3. Acceleration and Accelerated Motion
- 3.1 Acceleration
- 3.2 Motion with Constant Acceleration
- 3.3 Position-Time Graphs for Constant Acceleration
- 3.4 Free Fall
4. Motion in Two Dimensions
- 4.1 Vectors in Physics
- 4.2 Adding and Subtracting Vectors
- 4.3 Relative Motion
- 4.4 Projectile Motion
5. Newton’s Laws of Motion
- 5.1 Newton’s Laws of Motion
- 5.2 Applying Newton’s Laws
- 5.3 Friction
6. Work and Energy
- 6.1 Work
- 6.2 Work and Energy
- 6.3 Conservation of Energy
- 6.4 Power
7. Linear Momentum and Collisions
- 7.1 Momentum
- 7.2 Impulse
- 7.3 Conservation of Momentum
- 7.4 Collisions
8. Rotational Motion and Equilibrium
- 8.1 Describing Angular Motion
- 8.2 Rolling Motion and the Moment of Inertia
- 8.3 Torque
- 8.4 Static Equilibrium
9. Gravity and Circular Motion
- 9.1 Newton’s Law of Universal Gravity
- 9.2 Applications of Gravity
- 9.3 Circular Motion
- 9.3 Planetary Motion and Orbits
10. Temperature and Heat
- 10.1 Temperature, Energy, and Heat
- 10.2 Thermal Expansion and Energy Transfer
- 10.3 Heat Capacity
- 10.4 Phase Changes and Latent Heat
11. Thermodynamics
- 11.1 The First Law of Thermodynamics
- 11.2 Thermal Processes
- 11.3 The Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics
12. Gases, Liquids, and Solids
- 12.1 Gases
- 12.2 Fluids at Rest
- 12.3 Fluids in Motion
- 12.4 Solids
13. Oscillations and Waves
- 13.1 Oscillations and Periodic Motion
- 13.2 The Pendulum
- 13.3 Waves and Wave Properties
- 13.4 Interacting Waves
14. Sound
- 14.1 Sound Waves and Beats
- 14.2 Standing Sound Waves
- 14.3 The Doppler Effect
- 14.4 Human Perception of Sound
15. The Properties of Light
- 15.1 The Nature of Light
- 15.2 Color and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
- 15.3 Polarization and Scattering of Light
16. Reflection and Mirrors
- 16.1 The Reflection of Light
- 16.2 Plane Mirrors
- 16.3 Curved Mirrors
17. Refraction and Lenses
- 17.1 Refraction
- 17.2 Applications of Refraction
- 17.3 Lenses
- 17.4 Applications of Lenses
18. Interference and Diffraction
- 18.5 Interference
- 18.6 Interference in Thin Films
- 18.7 Diffraction
- 18.8 Diffraction Gratings
19. Electric Charges and Forces
- 19.1 Electric Charge
- 19.2 Electric Force
- 19.3 Combining Electric Forces
20. Electric Fields and Electric Energy
- 20.1 The Electric Field
- 20.2 Electric Potential Energy and Electric Potential
- 20.3 Capacitance and Energy Storage
21. Electric Current and Electric Circuits
- 21.1 Electric Current, Resistance, and Semiconductors
- 21.2 Electric Circuits
- 21.3 Power and Energy in Electric Circuits
22. Magnetism and Magnetic Fields
- 22.1 Magnets and Magnetic Fields
- 22.2 Magnetism and Electric Currents
- 22.3 The Magnetic Force
23. Electromagnetic Induction
- 23.1 Electricity from Magnetism
- 23.2 Electric Generators and Motors
- 23.3 AC Circuits and Transformers
24. Quantum Physics
- 24.1 Quantized Energy and Photons
- 24.2 Wave-Particle Duality
- 24.3 The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
25. Atomic Physics
- 25.1 Early Models of the Atom
- 25.2 Bohr’s Model of the Hydrogen Atom
- 25.3 The Quantum Physics of Atoms
26. Nuclear Physics
- 26.1 The Nucleus
- 26.2 Radioactivity
- 26.3 Applications of Nuclear Physics
- 26.4 Fundamental Forces and Elementary Particles
27. Relativity
- 27.1 The Postulates of Relativity
- 27.2 The Relativity of Time and Length
- 27.3 E = mc^2
- 27.4 General Relativity
Math Review
Appendices
- Appendix A: Selected Answers
- Appendix B: Additional Problems
- Appendix C: Tables
- Appendix D: Safety in the Laboratory
- Credits
- Index
Author bios
About our authors
James Walker obtained his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Washington in 1978. He subsequently served as a post-doc at the University of Pennsylvania, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of California at San Diego before joining the physics faculty at Washington State University in 1983. Professor Walker’s research interests include statistical mechanics, critical phenomena, and chaos. His many publications on the application of renormalization group theory to systems ranging from absorbed monolayers to binary-fluid mixtures have appeared in Physical Review, Physical Review Letters, Physica, and a host of other publications. He has also participated in observations on the summit of Mauna Kea, looking for evidence of extrasolar planets.
Jim Walker likes to work with students at all levels, from judging elementary school science fairs to writing research papers with graduate students, and has taught introductory physics for many years. His enjoyment of this course and his empathy for students have earned him a reputation as an innovative, enthusiastic, and effective teacher. Jim’s educational publications include “Reappearing Phases” (Scientific American, May 1987) as well as articles in the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher. In recognition of his contributions to the teaching of physics at Washington State University, Jim was named Boeing Distinguished Professor of Science and Mathematics Education for 2001–2003.
When he is not writing, conducting research, teaching, or developing new classroom demonstrations and pedagogical materials, Jim enjoys amateur astronomy, eclipse chasing, bird and dragonfly watching, photography, juggling, unicyling, boogie boarding, and kayaking. Jim is also an avid jazz pianist and organist. He has served as ballpark organist for a number of Class A minor league baseball teams, including the Bellingham Mariners, an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, and the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. He can play “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in his sleep.
Need help?Get in touch
Pearson eText
Extend learning beyond the classroom. Pearson eText is an easy-to-use digital textbook. It lets students customise how they study and learn with enhanced search and the ability to create flashcards, highlight and add notes all in one place. The mobile app lets students learn wherever life takes them, offline or online.
Play
Privacy and cookies
By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable upon changing cookie preferences. Disabling cookies may affect video functionality. More info...
Build confidence and help every learner achieve more
With Mastering®, you can use your experiences to combine interactive resources and real-world examples, helping students master challenging material, and gain the confidence they need to succeed — both in and out of the classroom.