Physics (Cliffs Quick Review)
by Linda Huetinck Ph.D., Scott Adams
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Book Reviews of Physics (Cliffs Quick Review)
Book Review: Does more harm than good
Summary: 1 Stars
I picked up this one when I needed refresher for a tutoring job that I took on recently. I have an advanced degree in physics and have been a teaching assistant at the university level for this type of physics, so I do qualify to review this book.
One of the major reason why I tried Cliff's Quick Review was that I had a very good experience with a couple of their high school math review books, namely geometry and pre-calculus. I was expecting to give me very quick overviews of what I remember learning but have since forgotten about the details. They did not disappoint.
The physics version, however, is an entirely different story. While it does give you a very superficial refresher of equations and concepts on most topics, the discussions are not very thorough and often erroneous. In fact, I became angry reading the authors' very half-baked discussions and descriptions. The diagrams, which to my mind are very important to visually understand physics, are not very meticulously drawn and sometimes wrong. Especially horrendous is the chapters on modern physics (nuclear physics, special relativity, etc.). At times I do not think that the authors even understand about what they are writing. For example, to understand special relativity, it is crucial that one properly identifies which are the observed and the rest-frame quantities, but the authors do not elaborate the point and just write down equations. It is a good thing few high school instructors emphasize those topics that students do not have to learn from the chapters from this book.
Overall, it is very clear that this book lacked proper editing by capable hands. One of those books that should not be recommended.
Book Review: Starts at the middle or end not at the beginning with additions as it should
Summary: 2 Stars
A good book of this type should start with the simplest formula for the concept then add to it with more advanced formulas. This book instead just dumps a mid to high complexity formula on the reader and attempts to clear up the mess in the associated paragraphs. Thus it is more like an appendix for those that already know the material. A waste of time to learn from and a confused review. See the Elastic Modules formula where such a simple concept is shown with only one complex formula rather than with simple formula building to complex.Book Review: So bad stopped at page 3
Summary: 1 Stars
I have purchased other Cliffs Reviews and have been well-pleased, so I was disappointed with this book. Thank goodness I borrowed it and did not pay money for it. This was the earliest I've ever given up on a book. Usually, even if the subject is extremely difficult, I can plow through a few chapters at least. Not so with this book. It became incomprehensible by the 3rd page. It assumes you have a PhD. in physics already and is anything but basic.Book Review: Not good to study for General Chemistry Praxis test
Summary: 3 Stars
I was going to use this to study for the General Teacher Praxis tests, but it does not cover the depth needed. The book might be good for someone who has recently taken a chemistry class, to fill in some blanks. But is not a good overall general class prep.
I did find "Basic Physics : A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides)" to be just what I was looking for.
Book Review: Cliffsnotes Physics
Summary: 2 Stars
I don't really recommend this book because I used for when I was physics a couple of years ago. It wasn't too helpful because many physics teachers teach physics very differently but maintain the same concepts. This book guides you differently. I found it to be no help to me at all. But I did purchase it for about eighty cents or so from the person.