Six Ideas that Shaped Physics is comprised of six units, providing a unique approach to a two- or three-semester calculus-based introductory physics course. The text is designed to teach students to apply basic physical principles to realistic situations, and to resolve contradictions between their preconceived notions and the laws of physics. Through integrated practice, students learn to solve realistic problems, and organize the ideas of physics into an integrated hierarchy.



Six Ideas that Shaped Physics is comprised of six units, providing a unique approach to a two- or three-semester calculus-based introductory physics course. The text is designed to teach students to apply basic physical principles to realistic situations, and to resolve contradictions between their preconceived notions and the laws of physics. Through integrated practice, students learn to solve realistic problems, and organize the ideas of physics into an integrated hierarchy.

The six units are
Unit C: Conservation laws constrain interactions
Unit N: The laws of physics are universal (Newtonian mechanics)
Unit R: The laws of physics are frame-independent (Relativity)
Unit E: Electricity and magnetism are unified
Unit Q: Matter behaves like waves (Quantum physics)
Unit T: Some processes are irreversible (Thermal physics)