Professor Povey's perplexing problems
Subtitle: pre-university physics and maths puzzles with solutions
By: Thomas Povey
Publisher: Oneworld Publications
Published: 2015
Place of publication: London, England
Language: eng
Number of pages: 374
ISBN-13: 9781780747750
Copyright date: 2015
Subjects: Mathematics; Problems, exercises; Physics; Science; Anecdotes
Description: In Professor Povey's Perplexing Problems, Thomas Povey shares 109 of his favorite problems in physics and maths. A tour de force of imagination and exposition, he guides us through uncompromisingly challenging territory that expands our minds and encourages a playful and exploratory approach to study. "The puzzles," he says, "are like toys. We should pick up the one we most enjoy, and play with it." Whether you are an aspiring scientist or an old-hand, pitting yourself against these problems will test your ability to think, and inspire you with curiosity and enthusiasm for physics. Presented with charm and wit, the questions span the gap between high-school and university-entrance standard material. Detailed answers are lightened with a fascinating and refreshing blend of scientific history, application and personal anecdote. On this delightful and idiosyncratic romp through pre-university maths and physics, the author shows us that behind every single one of these questions lies a new way of thinking about subjects we thought we had understood. He argues that engaging with the unfamiliar is key to forming deeper insights and developing intellectual independence. Professor Povey's Perplexing Problems is a manifesto that science should be playful, and a celebration of the curious.
Notes: Various printings.

Includes bibliographical references.
Table of contents: title: Geometry; title: Mathematics; title: Statics; title: Dynamics and collisions; title: Circular motion; title: Simple harmonic motion; title: Mad inventions and perpetual motion; title: Kinematics; title: Electricity; title: Gravity; title: Optics; title: Heat; title: Buoyancy and hydrostatics; title: Estimation.