Cambridge Advanced Mathematics: Mechanics 1
This new second edition of Mechanics 1 by Douglas Quadling takes the excellent and popular First Edition (published in 2000) and brings it into line with the new OCR teaching schemes for use from September 2004. Apart from the addition of some colour and some extra examples, this book is very little changed from its predecessor...which pleases me immensely.
Divided into eleven chapters covering each of the main themes within the Mechanics 1 teaching scheme, I believe that this book is one of the best texts around for this AS module. It is also part of an excellent series which cover all of the AS and A2 OCR mathematics modules.
First of all, the order of the chapters is more logical to me than many similar books. After an initial study of constant acceleration kinematics, students are introduced to simple forces. Application of forces is then developed through vertical motion and frictional forces through to Newton’s third law and applications involving pulleys. Resolving, combining and splitting forces and concepts of equilibrium are dealt with in separate chapters, as is conservation of momentum. The final chapter extends kinematics to include general motion in a straight line through the application of calculus.
Each chapter is well laid out with discrete sections of teaching material supported by simple diagrams, clear examples and student exercises relevant to that section. Key equations and statements are highlighted for ease of revision. Each chapter then concludes with questions based on the whole chapter, usually derived from past OCR papers which are well graded and cover all possible question types. The book also includes two practice examinations for this module, a simple but effective index and answers to all student questions.
Mechanics 1 is very comprehensive but never feels cluttered. In particular, diagrams are functional for modelling purposes rather than the pieces of artwork sometimes found in other books; exactly what I want as an ex-engineer now teaching mechanics, and very accessible to students.
Although this is an OCR Approved Publication, non-OCR examination centres will find this book meets all their needs in Mechanics 1 with the exception of Projectiles, which appears in OCR’s Mechanics 2 publication.
In a word – excellent!
Pete Lane - 2 ic maths and e-learning manager, Swinton Community School Maths and Computing College
Cambridge Advanced Mathematics: Mechanics 1 by Douglas Quadling
ISBN 0 521 54900 0
Paperback
Cambridge University Press
The Edinburgh Building
Shaftesbury Road
Cambridge
CB2 2RU
£8.50
US$16.00
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