BY

D. E. JONES, B.Sc.

LECTURER ON PHYSICS AT THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES

ABERYSTWYTH

London

MACMILLAN AND CO.

AND NEW YORK

THE value of the mental training obtained by solving algebraical problems and geometrical riders has so long been acknowledged that these form an essential part in all mathematical teaching. Although similar practice is quite as necessary in studying physical science, it is by no means equally easy for the student of physics to obtain it, for only the more recent textbooks contain any numerical examples, and these are generally insufficient in number and not carefully graduated. It is quite common to find students who have a correct knowledge of the general principles of physics, and can apply it intelligently in making a physical measurement, but who are yet unable to solve an easy problem or to calculate the results of their experimental work.

There can be no doubt that the best way of acquiring the necessary practice is by means of a regular series of quantitative experiments in the laboratory carried on side by side with the more general work of the lecture-room; but such concurrent work is not always practicable, especially with. large classes and in the earlier stages. Just as the student of dynamics has at first to confine his attention to questions of a more or less ideal nature, so in some departments of experimental physics (for example in electrostatics) the beginner must for a while content himself with somewhat theoretical problems in place

The examples in the present book (amounting over one thousand in number) consist for the m part of questions and problems framed for the use the Junior and Middle Physics Classes at the Al ystwyth College. To these have been added (at end of each chapter) questions from various Colle University and Scholarship papers of recent yea A list of some of the more important examinat papers from which these have been selected will found on page 45, and the source from which ea question is taken is in every case acknowledged. considerable number of typical examples have be solved, and answers (with occasional hints for soluti will be found at the end of the book. Explanat paragraphs have been inserted in the hope of givi assistance where experience seemed to show that it v most needed, but I have endeavoured not to trer upon the recognised province of the text-books.

The book has not been written with a view to t requirements of any special examination, but I ha made use of portions of the MSS. in teaching clas of students taking the Intermediate Science and P liminary Scientific Courses of the London Universi and believe it will be found suitable for students w are preparing for these examinations.

For assistance in reading proofs and working ( answers my best thanks are due to Mr. B. Skirrow, B.A., of the Mason Science College, Birmi ham'; to my assistant, Mr. R. W. Stewart; to Mr. F. Shurlock, B.A., of the Carmarthen Training Colleg and to one of my students, Mr. A. H. Leete.