Sink or Float: Thought Problems in Math and Physics

Keith Kendig9780883853399, 0883853396

Sink or Float: Thought Problems in Math and Physics is a collection of problems drawn from mathematics and the real world. Its multiple-choice format forces the reader to become actively involved in deciding upon the answer. The book s aim is to show just how much can be learned by using everyday common sense. The problems are all concrete and understandable by nearly anyone, meaning that not only will students become caught up in some of the questions, but professional mathematicians, too, will easily get hooked. The more than 250 questions cover a wide swath of classical math and physics. Each problem s solution, with explanation, appears in the answer section at the end of the book.

A notable feature is the generous sprinkling of boxes appearing throughout the text. These contain historical asides or little-known facts. The problems themselves can easily turn into serious debate-starters, and the book will find a natural home in the classroom.

---

Table of contents :
Cover……Page 1
Date-line……Page 2
Title page……Page 3
Series……Page 4
Preface……Page 7
Contents……Page 13
What Do You Think? A Sampler……Page 15
Geometry……Page 23
Numbers……Page 47
Astronomy……Page 59
Archimedes’ Principle……Page 81
Probability……Page 99
Classical Mechanics……Page 119
Electricity and Magnetism……Page 137
Heat and Wave Phenomena……Page 157
The Leaking Tank……Page 193
Linear Algebra……Page 211
What Do You Think? Answers……Page 231
Geometry Answers……Page 241
Numbers Answers……Page 259
Astronomy Answers……Page 267
Archimedes’ Principle Answers……Page 281
Probability Answers……Page 287
Mechanics Answers……Page 299
Electricity Answers……Page 309
Heat and Wave Phenomena Answers……Page 315
The Leaking Tank Answers……Page 331
Linear Algebra Answers……Page 337
Glossary……Page 353
References……Page 381
Problem Index……Page 383
Subject Index……Page 387
About the Author……Page 389