University Physics textbook topics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the presence of the concept of "jerk" in the latest edition of the University Physics (Young) textbook. Participants explore whether this topic is included in the textbook and its relevance in the context of introductory physics education.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the inclusion of "jerk" in the University Physics textbook, expressing curiosity about its discussion.
  • Another participant suggests using Amazon's "Look Inside" feature to check the Table of Contents for relevant information.
  • A later reply notes that "jerk" is not found in the index of the textbook and mentions that it is often not discussed in other introductory texts either.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about a retired teacher's humorous t-shirt referencing "jerk," indicating a niche understanding of the term.
  • Another participant reflects on the limited application of "jerk" in physics, specifically mentioning its role in radiation reaction problems and the complexities it introduces.
  • A participant with the 6th edition of the textbook expresses interest in whether the latest edition has expanded its scope to include such topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that "jerk" is not commonly discussed in introductory physics textbooks, but there is no consensus on its relevance or the extent of its treatment in the latest edition of University Physics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the limitations of the introductory level of the textbook in addressing advanced topics like "jerk," suggesting that it may not be suitable for deeper exploration of the concept.

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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