My introduction to physics occurred a long time ago. At that time, I had decided I wanted to be an engineer. I didn't really know what an engineer did, but I knew I wanted to be one.
I also knew that physics was a requirement for engineers. For me (looking back), physics was knowledge necessary to reach my end goal, plus I was fascinated with the subject.
That may not be the case for all students. For those students with a need for an introductory level of physics knowledge, the Head First Physics book will be a helpful supplement to any text associated with a formal course in physics, which can be initially intimidating--there are so many topics to cover. There is an interesting graphic on page 2 of the Head First Physics book that list over 60 topics. That graphic also appears on page 861--at the end of the book--and elsewhere throughout the book.
Most of the topics listed in that graphic are discussed in the Head First Physics book, in a way that is informal and non-threatening. To use the author's (and publisher's) words, the book is written in a "conversational style" and uses "multiple learning styles." This approach is effective, in my opinion, provided that the student recognizes that the book should be used as a supplement, as mentioned above.
I have two minor criticisms of this book. First, in Chapter 2, Units and Measurements, the author provides a useful discussion of significant digits and rounding for measurements. What is missing, in my opinion, is a least an introductory discussion of resolution versus accuracy.
Second, there is a discussion of experimentation in Chapter 5. However, what is missing, again in my opinion, is at least an introductory discussion of the scientific method: hypothesis, experiment, analysis, conclusion, new hypothesis, etc. The book is, after all, a science text.
Despite those criticisms, I recommend this book to any physics student.
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