Science for Everyone: Aptitude Test : Problems in Physics 1 Edition

The book grew out of Russian physics olympiads from 1968-1985, and quite clearly reveals the excellent Russian culture when it comes to physics competitions. The book covers mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electrodynamics, and optics, and has 240 problems in all.

The book challenges the readers to go on to explore elegant arguments to arrive at the solution with the use of minimal mathematics. Usually, the problem at hand can be breached in multiple ways, and Krotov attempts to look for the simplest one. It is true that the language of physics is mathematics but this book sticks to the theme of solving difficult problems by elementary techniques. Quite often, differential calculus is avoided by a physical argument, for example by change of frames or looking at a constraint and transforming it to a well-known case, path of least time in a mechanical case is interpreted as the path that light would follow, the relevant differential equation is reduced to the differential equation of a harmonic oscillator etc. Integral calculus is avoided at times by an intelligent use of summation or the technique of calculating area under a graph!

Caveat: No caveat. Simply brilliant!

Concluding Remarks: Excellent for physics enthusiasts at all levels. Highly recommended for the brilliant high-school student and a must for students appearing in physics contests, for instance the physics olympiads!

After having used the book in discussion for quite some time, i can say with conviction that it is a mechanics enthusiast's delight.

The problems test ones ability to use the theory known to them in a simple yet imaginative way.The algebra is not as elaborate as required in I.E.Irodov, so if Mr Irodov has dissappointed you, pick this one up!

I must warn you that this is not an IITJEE preparation book, however, so stick to H.C.Verma if the JEE is your target.

Solutions to all the problems are given so if you are a beginner wanting to develop your problem solving ablities, this is a good book for you.
All in all, a representation of some aesthetically pleasing problems to the mind of the physics lover.

This book is really good but if you have I.E.irodov then it won't be of much help as the problems are almost the same.I won't recommend this book if you are preparing it for exams like aiee or others but it is a thought provoking book, you can buy it if you have real interest in classical physics.

a very good book 4 physics maniacs!!!
cn even be consulted for iit jee n very thought provoking...........................................................................................................................

this book is one of the best books i have ever tried to delve.... if you are a psycho physics lover.. welcome this is a book for you.. there are some who have a misconception that it isn't a book for IIT JEE, but let me inform you it is. infact there are certain concept building questions and i have solved irodov as well, let me make it clear, apart from a few, there are scarce coincidence between the two.. both have different aroma