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An engaging collection of intriguing problems that shows you how to think like a mathematical physicistPaul 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 kind of glass called NASTYGLASS-and 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's goal, however, is always to guide readers-who will need only to have studied advanced high school math and physics-in 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-including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus-can 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.

Mathematics --- Almost surely. --- Ambiguity. --- Antiderivative. --- Approximation error. --- Arthur C. Clarke. --- Binomial coefficient. --- Binomial theorem. --- Birthday problem. --- Calculation. --- Cauchy–Schwarz inequality. --- Center of mass (relativistic). --- Centrifugal force. --- Closed-form expression. --- Coefficient. --- Combination. --- Computational problem. --- Conjecture. --- Continued fraction. --- Contradiction. --- Coprime integers. --- Counterexample. --- Crossover distortion. --- Cubic function. --- Derivative. --- Detonation. --- Diameter. --- Dimensional analysis. --- Dirac delta function. --- Disquisitiones Arithmeticae. --- Dissipation. --- Energy level. --- Enola Gay. --- Equation. --- Error. --- Expected value. --- Fermat's Last Theorem. --- Fictitious force. --- G. H. Hardy. --- Geometry. --- Googol. --- Gravitational constant. --- Gravity. --- Grayscale. --- Harmonic series (mathematics). --- Hypotenuse. --- Instant. --- Integer. --- Inverse-square law. --- Irrational number. --- MATLAB. --- Mass ratio. --- Mathematical joke. --- Mathematical physics. --- Mathematical problem. --- Mathematician. --- Mathematics. --- Mean value theorem. --- Metric system. --- Minicomputer. --- Monte Carlo method. --- Natural number. --- Oliver Heaviside. --- Paul J. Nahin. --- Pauli exclusion principle. --- Periodic function. --- Phase transition. --- Prime factor. --- Prime number. --- Probability theory. --- Probability. --- Projectile. --- Pure mathematics. --- Quadratic equation. --- Quadratic formula. --- Quantity. --- Quantum mechanics. --- Quintic function. --- Random number. --- Random search. --- Random walk. --- Remainder. --- Resistor. --- Richard Feynman. --- Right angle. --- Second derivative. --- Simulation. --- Slant range. --- Small number. --- Special case. --- Square root. --- Summation. --- The Drunkard's Walk. --- Theorem. --- Thermodynamic equilibrium. --- Thought experiment. --- Trepidation (astronomy). --- Uniform distribution (discrete). --- Upper and lower bounds. --- Weightlessness. --- Zero of a function.