Physics: Investigate the Forces of Nature

Part of the Inquire and Investigate series, this interactive introduction to physics aims to give readers a working understanding of such topics as motion, electricity, and magnetism, presented through comics-style panels, allusions, and experiments. A skateboarder practicing tricks embodies principles like force and friction. For Newton's laws of motion, Gardner uses a theoretical train wreck as a way to discuss inertia and momentum (cartoon figures set up their own accident scenario with toy cars, and readers are invited to create their own car-wreck scenes). Physics computations are kept to a minimum, with the focus instead on providing a general familiarity with overarching ideas and sparking interest through hands-on methods. Ages 12%E2%80%9315. (July)