University Physics textbook topics

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SUMMARY

The latest edition of the University Physics textbook by Young does not include a discussion of "jerk," a term used in physics to describe the rate of change of acceleration. Multiple users confirmed that "jerk" is absent from the index and is generally not covered in introductory physics texts. The topic is considered too advanced for first-year students, with references to it primarily found in specialized literature, such as the Abraham-Lorentz-Dirac equation and the Landau-Lifshitz equation. Users suggested checking Amazon's "Look Inside" feature for the Table of Contents to verify content.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as acceleration and motion.
  • Familiarity with introductory physics textbooks and their typical content.
  • Knowledge of advanced physics topics like the Abraham-Lorentz-Dirac equation.
  • Experience using online book previews, such as Amazon's "Look Inside" feature.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Abraham-Lorentz-Dirac equation and its implications in classical physics.
  • Explore the Landau-Lifshitz series for advanced physics topics.
  • Investigate other introductory physics textbooks to compare coverage of advanced topics.
  • Learn about the applications and limitations of "jerk" in physics and engineering contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those interested in the scope of introductory textbooks and the inclusion of advanced concepts in educational materials.

rqjoe
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Does anyone have the latest University Physics (Young) textbook and know if there is a discussion of "jerk" in it? THanks, JP
 
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rqjoe said:
Does anyone have the latest University Physics (Young) textbook and know if there is a discussion of "jerk" in it? THanks, JP
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

If you go to Amazon's book section and search on the book, often you can "Look Inside" at the Table of Contents and other places. Have you tried that yet?
 
berkeman said:
If you go to Amazon's book section and search on the book, often you can "Look Inside" at the Table of Contents and other places.
Like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0321973615/?tag=pfamazon01-20

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rqjoe said:
Does anyone have the latest University Physics (Young) textbook and know if there is a discussion of "jerk" in it? THanks, JP

berkeman said:
If you go to Amazon's book section and search on the book, often you can "Look Inside" at the Table of Contents and other places. Have you tried that yet?

Using "Look Inside", I see that jerk is not in the index. This topic usually isn't discussed, .e.g., I just pulled (at random) a couple of other first-year texts off my shelf, I don't see it either of them.

I have a friend, a retired teacher, who wears a t-shirt that says "Don't be a ##\frac{d^3 x}{dt^3}##." I suppose one has to be a bit geeky to understand this.
 
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Thanks guys. Yes I did look at an on-line version of the books' TOC. And I did not find jerk. I could not find an index, so thanks for that info Mr. Jones. I did see mention of jerk in the synopsis for another book but as you say, it was VERY limited.

I was afraid this would be the answer.
 
The only question is for what "jerk", i.e., ##\dot{\vec{a}}## is good for. The only place in physics I ever got this quantity is in the notorious problem to describe radiation reaction to classical point particles, and there it makes a lot of trouble, which is resolved by making another approximation to eliminate it (i.e., going from the Abraham-Lorentz-Dirac equation which is flawed due to the fact that classical point particles make no sense and don't exist in a naive way, to the Landau-Lifshitz equation, which at least has less flaws). This stuff is, however, way beyond the level of this introductory textbook.
 
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Right. The one book (forgot the title) I saw "jerk" in, said the same thing; 'not used for much in physics.'
I have the 6th edition of University Physics and was thinking of updating to the newest one.
Wondered if they expanded scope to at least introduce things like this.
thanks guys
 

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