Paul Nahin is a master at explaining odd phenomena through straightforward mathematics. In this collection of twenty-six intriguing problems, he explores how mathematical physicists think. Always entertaining, the problems range from ancient catapult conundrums to the puzzling physics of a very peculiar material called NASTYGLASS鈥攁nd from dodging trucks to why raindrops fall slower than the rate of gravity. The questions raised may seem impossible to answer at first and may require an unexpected twist in reasoning, but sometimes their solutions are surprisingly simple. Nahin鈥檚 goal, however, is always to guide readers鈥攚ho will need only to have studied advanced high school math and physics鈥攊n expanding their mathematical thinking to make sense of the curiosities of the physical world.
The problems are in the first part of the book and the solutions are in the second, so that readers may challenge themselves to solve the questions on their own before looking at the explanations. The problems show how mathematics鈥攊ncluding algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus鈥攃an be united with physical laws to solve both real and theoretical problems. Historical anecdotes woven throughout the book bring alive the circumstances and people involved in some amazing discoveries and achievements.
More than a puzzle book, this work will immerse you in the delights of scientific history while honing your math skills.
Paul J. Nahin is the author of many popular math books, including In Praise of Simple Physics, Dr. Euler鈥檚 Fabulous Formula, and An Imaginary Tale (all Princeton). He is professor emeritus of electrical engineering at the University of New Hampshire. He received the 2017 Chandler Davis Prize for Excellence in Expository Writing in Mathematics.
"This book is without a doubt the most enjoyable, stimulating book of mathematical physics (and occasionally more pure branches of maths) puzzles that I have ever read. It鈥檚 essentially a series of cleverly, and occasionally fiendishly put-together mathematics and physics challenge questions, each of which gets you thinking in a new and fascinating way."鈥擩onathan Shock, Mathemafrica
"Reading Nahin is like reading through a select library of ancient Babylonian mathematical clay tablets. Surprises abound. . . . Nahin weaves much colorful history into his narrative."鈥擜ndrew Simoson, Mathematical Intelligencer
"Engaging. . . . The book contains a wealth of original problems. . . . An enjoyable read."鈥擜nton铆n Slav铆k, Zentralblatt MATH
"This reviewer found himself being drawn to a variety of unfamiliar settings with much interest and even fascination."鈥�Choice
"I certainly enjoyed [the book]!"鈥擜lan Stevens, Mathematics Today
"The potential audience for this book should be fairly large and go from highly talented high school students up through professionals in any STEM field."鈥擥eoffrey Dietz, MAA Reviews
鈥淎 fascinating tour de force of a variety of problems covering pure and applied mathematics, physics, and engineering that will keep your mind busy for days. You'll encounter lots of surprises, a healthy dose of challenging math, and many historical episodes told here for the first time. Highly recommended!鈥濃�擡li Maor, author of To Infinity and Beyond
鈥淚n this thrilling book, Paul Nahin captures the soul of mathematical physics in tall tales and delightful stories that invite the reader to relive the calculations that guided great inventors and pioneers throughout history.鈥濃�擟hristopher G. Tully, author of Elementary Particle Physics in a Nutshell
