200 Puzzling physics problems

200 Puzzling Physics Problems is aimed at strengthening a student's grasp of the laws of physics by applying them to situations that are practical, and to problems that yield more easily to intuitive insight than to brute-force methods and complex mathematics. The problems are chosen almost exclusively from classical (Le. non-quantum) physics, but are no easier for that. For the most part, these problems are intriguingly posed in accessible non-technical language. This requires the student to select the right framework in which to analyse the situation and to make decisions about which branches of physics are involved. The general level of sophistication needed to tackle most of the 200 problems is that of the exceptional school student, the good undergraduate, or the competent graduate student. The book should be valuable to undergraduates preparing for 'general physics' papers, either on their own or in classes or seminars designed for this purpose. It is even hoped that some physics professors will find the more difficult questions challenging. By contrast, the mathematical demands made are minimal, and do not go beyond elementary calculus. This intriguing book of physics problems should prove not only instructive and challenging, but also fun.

Contents

• Preface
• How to use this book
• Thematic order of the problems
• Physical constants
• Problems
• Hints
• Solutions