Specific heats and the equipartition law in introductory textbooks

American Journal of Physics

Volumn 64, Issue 8, 1996, Pages 995-1000

  Gearhart, Clayton A ^a  

^a Global Business Leadership Department   (United States)

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

EID: 0030523856     PISSN: 00029505     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1119/1.18316     Document Type: Article

References (63)

1. See for example F. Reif, Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1965), pp. 248ff.
2. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
3. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
4. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
5. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
6. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
7. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
8. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
9. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
10. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
11. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
12. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
13. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
14. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
15. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
16. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
17. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
18. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
19. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
20. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
21. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford,
22. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
23. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
24. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
25. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
26. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
27. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
28. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
29. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
30. Arguably, the number giving correct explanations is only five. A sixth gave a correct explanation in a footnote (in small print), after having given an incorrect explanation in the text! (See Ref. 27, below.) The textbooks are Marcelo Alonso and Edward J. Finn, Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1970); Harris Benson, University Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991); Frederick J. Bueche, Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986); Robert M. Eisberg and Lawrence S. Lerner, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1981); Paul M. Fishbane, Stephen Gasiorwicz, and Stephen T. Thornton, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1993); Michael Ference, Jr., Harvey B. Lemon, and Reginald J. Stephenson, Analytical Experimental Physics (University of Chicago, Chicago, 1956); Kenneth W. Ford, Classical and Modern Physics (Xerox College, Lexington, MA, 1973); Nathaniel H. Frank, Introduction to Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1939); W. H. Furry, E. M. Purcell, and J. C. Street, Physics for Science and Engineering Students (Blakiston, New York, 1952); Robert Resnick, David Halliday, and Kenneth S. Krane, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1992), 4th ed.; David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, Fundamentals of Physics (Wiley, New York, 1993), 4th ed.; Alvin Hudson and Rex Nelson, University Physics (Harcourt Brace Johanovich, New York, 1990), 2nd ed.; Frederick J. Keller, W. Edward Gettys, and Malcolm J. Skove, Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1993), 2nd ed.; Jerry B. Marion and William F. Hornyak, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1982); Robert Andrews Millikan, Duane Roller, and Earnest Charles Watson, Mechanics, Molecular Physics, Heat, and Sound (Ginn and Co., New York, 1937); Hans C. Ohanian, Physics (Norton, New York, 1989); Shelden H. Radin and Robert T. Folk, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982); Raymond A. Serway, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Saunders, Philadelphia, 1990), 3rd ed.; Francis W. Sears and Mark W. Zemansky, University Physics (Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1955); 2nd ed. (1963), 3rd ed.; (1970), 4th ed.; and Hugh D. Young, (1982), 6th ed.; (1987) 7th ed.; Hugh D. Young, (1992) 8th ed.; George Shortley and Dudley Williams, Principles of College Physics (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1967) 2nd ed.; A. L. Stanford and J. M. Tanner, Physics for Students of Science and Engineering (Academic, New York, 1985); Morton M. Sternheim and Joseph W. Kane, General Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), 2nd ed.; Paul A. Tipler, Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Worth, New York, 1991), 3rd ed.; Richard T. Weidner, Physics (Allyn and Bacon, Boston, 1989); Richard Wolfson and Jay M. Pasachoff, Physics (HarperCollins, New York, 1995); Hugh D. Young, Fundamentals of Mechanics and Heat (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964); Chris D. Zafiratos, Physics (Wiley, New York, 1985), 2nd ed. Since I am interested not in pointing fingers at any particular text, but in calling attention to a widespread problem, I have not explicitly stated which books give incorrect or misleading explanations. Readers will have little difficulty in making the identifications for themselves.
31. James Clerk Maxwell, "On the Dynamical Evidence of the Molecular Constitution of Bodies," in The Scientific Papers of James Clerk Maxwell, edited by W. D. Niven (Cambridge U.P., Cambridge and New York, 1890; reprinted Dover, New York, 1952), 2 vols. Vol. II, page 443.
32. Lord Kelvin, "Nineteenth Century Clouds over the Dynamical Theory of Heat and Light," Philos. Mag. 2 (6th series), 1-40 (1901), esp. p. 13ff.
33. Ludwig Boltzmann, Vorlesungen über Gastheorie, (Barth, Leipzig, 1896-1898), vols., reprinted in Roman U. Sexl (Ed.), Gesamtausgabe, Vol. 1 (Vieweg, Braunschwieg/Wiesbaden, 1981); trans. Stephen G. Brush, Lectures on Gas Theory (University of California, Berkeley, 1964), p. 332ff of the translation. See also Martin J. Klein, Paul Ehrenfest, Vol. 1: The Making of a Theoretical Physicist (North-Holland, New York, 1970), p. 109ff. Boltzmann thought it likely that molecules did in fact exchange rotational energy in collisions, but so slowly that such exchanges did not show up in specific heat measurements.
34. Ludwig Boltzmann, Vorlesungen über Gastheorie, (Barth, Leipzig, 1896-1898), vols., reprinted in Roman U. Sexl (Ed.), Gesamtausgabe, Vol. 1 (Vieweg, Braunschwieg/Wiesbaden, 1981); trans. Stephen G. Brush, Lectures on Gas Theory (University of California, Berkeley, 1964), p. 332ff of the translation. See also Martin J. Klein, Paul Ehrenfest, Vol. 1: The Making of a Theoretical Physicist (North-Holland, New York, 1970), p. 109ff. Boltzmann thought it likely that molecules did in fact exchange rotational energy in collisions, but so slowly that such exchanges did not show up in specific heat measurements.
35. Ludwig Boltzmann, Vorlesungen über Gastheorie, (Barth, Leipzig, 1896-1898), vols., reprinted in Roman U. Sexl (Ed.), Gesamtausgabe, Vol. 1 (Vieweg, Braunschwieg/Wiesbaden, 1981); trans. Stephen G. Brush, Lectures on Gas Theory (University of California, Berkeley, 1964), p. 332ff of the translation. See also Martin J. Klein, Paul Ehrenfest, Vol. 1: The Making of a Theoretical Physicist (North-Holland, New York, 1970), p. 109ff. Boltzmann thought it likely that molecules did in fact exchange rotational energy in collisions, but so slowly that such exchanges did not show up in specific heat measurements.
36. Ludwig Boltzmann, Vorlesungen über Gastheorie, (Barth, Leipzig, 1896-1898), vols., reprinted in Roman U. Sexl (Ed.), Gesamtausgabe, Vol. 1 (Vieweg, Braunschwieg/Wiesbaden, 1981); trans. Stephen G. Brush, Lectures on Gas Theory (University of California, Berkeley, 1964), p. 332ff of the translation. See also Martin J. Klein, Paul Ehrenfest, Vol. 1: The Making of a Theoretical Physicist (North-Holland, New York, 1970), p. 109ff. Boltzmann thought it likely that molecules did in fact exchange rotational energy in collisions, but so slowly that such exchanges did not show up in specific heat measurements.
37. Tipler, Ref. 2, p. 544ff.
38. But see the qualification in note 2.
39. The limitations of this approach will be explored below.
40. See for example Ralph H. Fowler, Statistical Mechanics (Cambridge U.P., New York, 1939), 2nd ed. page 79ff.
41. See for example David M. Dennison, "The Rotation of Molecules," Phys. Rev. 28, 318-333 (1926); R. de L. Kronig and I. I. Rabi, "The Symmetric Top in the Undulatory Mechanics," Phys. Rev. 29, 262-269 (1927). There are additional papers in the German literature. The interest in this model was probably due to its relevance for molecular spectroscopy.
42. See for example David M. Dennison, "The Rotation of Molecules," Phys. Rev. 28, 318-333 (1926); R. de L. Kronig and I. I. Rabi, "The Symmetric Top in the Undulatory Mechanics," Phys. Rev. 29, 262-269 (1927). There are additional papers in the German literature. The interest in this model was probably due to its relevance for molecular spectroscopy.
43. Linus Pauling and E. Bright Wilson, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1935), p. 275ff, Fowler, Ref. 9, pp. 21ff; 41ff.
44. See for example Pauling and Wilson, Ref. 11, pp. 275ff.
45. Fowler, Ref. 9, pp. 41-42; 79-82.
46. -15 m in radius. See below for an explanation of why no electronic contribution to the moment of inertia is included.
47. Fowler, Ref. 9, p. 79ff.
48. James Jeans, The Dynamical Theory of Gases (Dover, New York, 1925), 4th ed., pp. 392-393; Fowler, Ref. 9, p. 81; F. Reif, Ref. 1, p. 370; Robert P. Bauman, Modern Thermodynamics with Statistical Mechanics (Macmillan, New York, 1992), pp. 93, 97-98, 383.
49. James Jeans, The Dynamical Theory of Gases (Dover, New York, 1925), 4th ed., pp. 392-393; Fowler, Ref. 9, p. 81; F. Reif, Ref. 1, p. 370; Robert P. Bauman, Modern Thermodynamics with Statistical Mechanics (Macmillan, New York, 1992), pp. 93, 97-98, 383.
50. Not all sources are clear on this point; for example see John C. Slater, Quantum Theory of Matter (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1951), 1st ed., pp. 309-311, where the author appears to conflate excited electronic states in both monatomic and diatomic molecules with collective rotational energy levels. Slater seems later to have abandoned this point of view; it is not repeated in the second edition (Krieger, Huntington, NY, 1977).
51. There are a few exceptions. See for example Terrell L. Hill, An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics (Dover, New York, 1986), pp. 82-85 and 149-150; and Ralph Fowler and E. A. Guggenheim, Statistical Thermodynamics (Cambridge, New York, 1949), Chap. III, esp. pp. 102-106.
52. There are a few exceptions. See for example Terrell L. Hill, An Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics (Dover, New York, 1986), pp. 82-85 and 149-150; and Ralph Fowler and E. A. Guggenheim, Statistical Thermodynamics (Cambridge, New York, 1949), Chap. III, esp. pp. 102-106.
53. See for example Gerhard Herzberg, Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure (2nd ed., 2 vols.) (Van Nostrand, New York, 1950).
54. Albert Messiah, Quantum Mechanics, (North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1963), Vol. 2, Chap. 18; Hans A. Bethe, Intermediate Quantum Mechanics (Benjamin, New York, 1964), Chap. 11.
55. Albert Messiah, Quantum Mechanics, (North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1963), Vol. 2, Chap. 18; Hans A. Bethe, Intermediate Quantum Mechanics (Benjamin, New York, 1964), Chap. 11.
56. See for example Bernard L. Cohen, Concepts of Nuclear Physics (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1971), p. 147ff.
57. See P. A. M. Dirac, The Principles of Quantum Mechanics (Oxford U.P., New York, 1958), 4th ed., pp. 140-144. For the application of this theorem to nuclear rotations, see the detailed treatment in Amos deShalit and Herman Feshbach, Theoretical Nuclear Physics, Vol. I: Nuclear Structure (Wiley, New York, 1974), Chap. VI, esp. pp. 398-399. See also Aage Bohr and Ben R. Mottelson, Nuclear Structure. Volume II, Nuclear Deformations (Benjamin, New York, 1976), p. 7; and Cohen, Ref. 21, pp. 147-148.
58. See P. A. M. Dirac, The Principles of Quantum Mechanics (Oxford U.P., New York, 1958), 4th ed., pp. 140-144. For the application of this theorem to nuclear rotations, see the detailed treatment in Amos deShalit and Herman Feshbach, Theoretical Nuclear Physics, Vol. I: Nuclear Structure (Wiley, New York, 1974), Chap. VI, esp. pp. 398-399. See also Aage Bohr and Ben R. Mottelson, Nuclear Structure. Volume II, Nuclear Deformations (Benjamin, New York, 1976), p. 7; and Cohen, Ref. 21, pp. 147-148.
59. See P. A. M. Dirac, The Principles of Quantum Mechanics (Oxford U.P., New York, 1958), 4th ed., pp. 140-144. For the application of this theorem to nuclear rotations, see the detailed treatment in Amos deShalit and Herman Feshbach, Theoretical Nuclear Physics, Vol. I: Nuclear Structure (Wiley, New York, 1974), Chap. VI, esp. pp. 398-399. See also Aage Bohr and Ben R. Mottelson, Nuclear Structure. Volume II, Nuclear Deformations (Benjamin, New York, 1976), p. 7; and Cohen, Ref. 21, pp. 147-148.
60. 4] are common textbook examples.) Unlike systems with full (continuous) spherical or axial symmetry, these systems can rotate about all principal axes.
61. Two of the six texts that correctly explain equipartition (Marion and Hornyak, and Ford, Ref. 2) use a suitably simplified form of this symmetry argument to explain the absence of rotations about axes of symmetry. 25 See Ref. 16.
62. To take one widely discussed example, we could easily take conservation of momentum as primary, rather than derive it from Newton's laws. See Marcelo Alonso, "Physics teachers are more conservative than conservation laws," Am. J. Phys. 62, 13-14 (1994).
63. In support of this suggestion, it is noteworthy that two of the six texts that give correct explanations seem decidedly nervous about doing so. One states in the text that equipartition fails in diatomic molecules because the moment of inertia about the axis of symmetry is negligible, but then adds in small print in a footnote that "A proper justification is provided by modern quantum mechanics." A second book offers the same explanation with the observation that it was an "early attempt" which "leaves one feeling that the theory has been fudged," and goes on to state that the "correct reason" is given by quantum mechanics. It is difficult to avoid the impression that both authors were a little intimidated by the weight of textbook tradition!