An Introduction to Physical Science

A wide-ranging introduction to the physical sciences

An Introduction to Physical Science brings physics, chemistry, astronomy, meteorology, and geology together in one integrated course text. The fifteenth edition is built for students who need a broad, steady foundation in the physical sciences, with topics treated in both descriptive and quantitative ways.

The book moves from the basics of measurement and motion into force, energy, heat, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, and chemistry. From there it expands into Earth and space topics, including the solar system, the universe, the atmosphere, weather, plate tectonics, rocks, and geologic time. That breadth makes the text especially useful in survey courses where instructors want students to see how the physical sciences connect to one another.

What the fifteenth edition covers

• Measurement, motion, force, work, and energy
• Temperature, heat, waves, sound, optics, electricity, and magnetism
• Atomic and nuclear physics
• Chemical elements, bonding, reactions, and organic chemistry
• Earth, atmosphere, astronomy, and geology

Built for non-science majors

This is a text that emphasizes understanding first, with enough calculation and problem-solving to keep the material grounded. The chapter structure and end-of-chapter exercises support classroom use, study review, and independent reading. It is a strong fit for learners who want a single, coherent introduction to the major branches of physical science without being pushed too quickly into specialization.

Why it stands out

Rather than isolating each discipline, the book places them side by side, making it easier to see how the physical sciences form a connected picture of matter, motion, energy, Earth systems, and the universe. That integrated approach is exactly what many introductory courses need.