I just received a copy of the 13th edition of Paul Hewitt’s Conceptual Physics. What a wonderful milestone! I learned new things immediately upon opening the latest edition of this iconic text. Reading about how the Earth’s magnetic field magnetizes file cabinets, kitchen appliances, and food cans prompted me to get out a compass and begin exploring. And I didn’t know that cell phones employ fractal antennas that not only improve reception, but are capable of operating at different frequencies simultaneously. Good stuff indeed!
I was deeply moved by the last paragraph in Paul’s profile. Beautiful thoughts on the miracle of life and how we should treasure our existence. Much to ponder.
For decades, I, like thousands of others, have been learning and teaching from Conceptual Physics. I believe it was in 1974 that my friend and colleague Jim Hicks and I adopted the text for use in...