Physics for Scientists and Engineers (with PhysicsNOW and InfoTrac )
"Prior to the adoption of this book (PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS, 5th edition), the textbook was FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS by Halliday and Resnick. Although Halliday and Resnick's book was the textbook chosen by the Physics Department, many students were observed by the faculty to be studying from Serway's book. The students had acquired old used versions of the Serway book, and they were actively studying out of this book rather than the prescribed textbook. Serway's book became our students' popular choice. The Physics Department, recognizing this, adopted a "give them what they want" attitude, and accordingly Serway's book was made the textbook for the calculus-based undergraduate physics course.""Some of the general things I look for are the end-of-chapter questions and problems, and the quality of explanations. Feedback from students is also important--past students have given Serway more favorable reviews...another reason we went with Serway this semester.""Quick Quizzes are a really good component. Pitfall Preventions answered a number of my criticisms of the text. I am very pleased with the overall emphasis on conceptual understanding. I have been very pleased with Serway. I have no expectations of switching texts in the near future.""Would I use this text for my classes, both Engineers and Honors students? I certainly would.""Finally, I would like to add that my son is taking high school physics. He is using the non-calculus version of the text. He likes the book and he tells me that his fellow students do also."