Everyday physics as a brain teaser
"Denksport Physics" is a classic among physics books for everyday use. But the reader is warned - he should not read it from front to back, but should solve individual questions that interest him in his thoughts. The answers to this are listed as "Multiple Choice" and more than often you will be surprised by the correct answer.
Lewis Epstein undertakes a mammoth task by taking us through many areas of physics. The chapters in his book are "Mechanics", "Fluidics", "Heat", "Vibrations", "Light", "Electricity and Magnetism", "Relativity" and "Quanta". The author manages to amaze the reader with the first tasks - with actually simple questions: How does the "linkage" differ in steam locomotives that transport people or goods? Or what about the beefcake and the phone book?
Our solution methods and explanations are already put to the test here. However, each chapter also closes with a list of questions without (!) answers, and thus the reader is assured of a few more "agonizing" hours. The almost complete lack of mathematical formulas should be emphasized, which should at least be a pleasure for physics novices. Many classical theories are explained quickly and simply on the side - Maxwell, Galileo or Newton are therefore often quoted and do justice to their position in classical physics.
The variety of tasks and the good, clear and simplified explanation of the solution is impressive. And since there are also funny drawings, the reader should never despair even with the most complicated questions. In one of the last tasks of the book, the Zeno paradox is presented and resolved. His answer then even goes far beyond the question and also explains the sense of a central bank in the "multiplication of money" in our banking system. The reserve policy of the central banks is referred to in a hurry, but without calling it by name - practical fiscal comments are also made.
But there are also suggestions for improvement: the graphics are funny, but they are black and white and the solutions are often printed wrong (pages 16-21, 26, 29-30, 99-103, 229-231, 234, 354 -356: If it was intentional, then why not always - or will a re-release fix that?). The answer to the question about the rainbow is completely correct, but leaves the possible "second rainbow" (due to birefringence in the water droplets) completely unmentioned - especially in this book one would expect that the theory would be continued.
All in all, the reader doesn't like to put the book down. The questions and their amazing solutions are addictive. Puzzles and brain teasers in physics - a good mix.
