Fundamentals of Physics: Chapters 1-20

The front cover is an image by Eric J. Heller depicting electron flow over a microscopically bumpy surface. The paths of the 100,000 electrons begin at the upper right but branch and fold back on one another in a surprising pattern as they spread toward the lower left. Electron flow is the subject of several chapters in this book and is especially important in the discussion of electric sparks. Some sparks. Some sparks are amusing, such as those generated when someone chomps down on a wintergreen LifeSaver-the brief blue glow that illuminates the mouth can be seen in a dark room (Chapter 21.) Other sparks are quite dangerous, such as those in electrostatic discharges that can accidental cause airborne dust to explode (Chapter 25). Take Your Seat-The Show's About To Begin! This 8th edition of Fundamentals of Physics includes hundreds of items about curious effects in the everyday world, written in the spirit of Jearl Walker's The Flying Circus of Physics. The original edition of The Flying Circus of Physics-in print for over 30 years in 10 languages-is a cult classic among physics students, physics instructors, and the general public. Electronic links to the new 2nd Edition of The Flying Circus of Physics are available in the electronic version of 8th edition of Fundamentals of Physics that is part of WileyPLUS, one of the online homework systems available with this book. WileyPLUS also includes electronic versions of all the end-of-chapter problems in Fundamentals of Physics and the interactive tutorials (several hundred) and hints (several thousand) written by author Jearl Walker.