Mastering Physics -- Standalone Access Card -- for University Physics (13th Edition) 13th Edition

Fact: College textbooks are expensive. I skipped getting the Physics book that my professor "highly recommended" us to buy, but there was homework due every week that required access to the online questions of MasteringPhysics. Since I decided not to purchase the physics textbook,  University Physics with Modern Physics with MasteringPhysics (13th Edition) , which came with a "free" access code to the online questions, I purchased the code alone on Amazon.I ordered this item in April of 2012 with standard shipping from a seller on Amazon in UK for $28.54 plus shipping. Since it was standard shipping and shipped from the UK it did take a while (about a week and a half) so I was late on a few assignments but since it was cheaper than anywhere else ( most places sold for nearly $60) I did not mind.This item is basically a fancy printed piece of cardboard that is folded in half and sealed. When you open it, there is a flap that you peel off that reveals the extremely expensive line of scramble letters and numbers you paid a ridiculous amount of money for. It wasn't a very satisfying purchase but I needed it for my class. :(For students out there who are or will be using MasteringPhysics: the questions can get pretty tough! So here's a pro-tip: Google google google. I found more than half of my assigned questions online. Many people have already asked them on YahooAnswers so there are explanations on how to do them. Beware though, this program changes its numbers for each user on the same question so don't assume you'll have the same exact answers online or with your study buddy. Always work with the solution: find out how the problem is done and calculate your own answers. Also, sometimes if you're lucky, there are pdf files with questions and its answers out there too! So keep an eye out for those.And don't buy a used one. I heard that the code cannot be reset to a different user and passed on (or else I would love to do that myself). But I may be wrong, so do look into that before you decide to purchase a used code.I would rate this product one star just because I do not like the existence of it (because it exists I had to spend extra money to comply with my professors homework demands). But I'm giving it three stars because I was able to find it relatively cheap via amazon and its connection of sellers. Yay Amazon! (However I am disappointed to find that, five months later, the seller I had purchased this product from no longer sells this product. It could have been great for all other students out there looking to buy this same item.)So three stars because Amazon does a great job.

This book is for the electricity and magnetism portion of physics. The way concepts are explained is very helpful; however, the examples in this book are only reasonably helpful. Some of the problems that are given at the end of the chapter are super difficult and the caliber of questioning from within the chapter (the examples) to post-chapter (problems at the end of the chapter) is a wide range. While the examples will help you with the more easier problems, when you get to the more difficult problems you might find yourself stuck and not knowing what to do. That's just me though. I didn't consult the book as often as I should have so some concepts I know super well while others, it's fuzzier. Overall, this book is a helpful tool to have beyond just teacher's lectures. This book explains the concepts well and if you can understand the concepts then you should be golden.

this was a great resourse and guided my way through my physics course

Yep

It is confusing but I need it for a college calculus based physics class because I want to transfer from community college to a public university called MSU so I can major in electrical & computer engineering. After having to take and drop out of this class twice I am considering changing my major to communications. It is just hard to learn from.

This is a great book for most university students studying engineering / calculus based physics.One thing to be aware of is this is only volume 2, and will only contain certain chapters 21- 37 which primarily focuses on ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM. This would be suitable for the second series of physics as the courses usually go : Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism , Thermodynamics & Optics.Very detailed with lots of pictures, problems, examples, and a nice summary at the end.

I used mastering physics before and it can be helpful. However though, I was hoping after I activated the code I would get access to the e-text by hopefully selecting the book in a menu of some sort. Still haven't figured how to switch between books on mastering physics. Will update, or if you point me on the right direction. Thanks.

Despite the worn corners on the front cover, the pages are mostly organized.

Code did not work. Still waiting for refund