The first edition, originally published in 1996, was the second science course written by Dr. Wile. Now, this award-winning physics course will get even better! The second edition of our physics course will have several features that enhance the value of the course: The illustrations will be in color instead of black and white. When Dr. Wile wrote the first edition of the physics course, he did not think he could assume that students who were taking the physics course had already taken his chemistry course. Thus, he decided to include a discussion of measurements and units as the first module of the physics course, even though it was also the first module of the chemistry course. After seven years of experience, we have found that the vast majority of students who are taking physics have taken chemistry. As a result, Dr. Wile has removed that module from the physics course. Instead, there is a four-page summary of what the student needs to know about measurements and units. If the student has not had chemistry or needs to review those concepts, the student is directed to a website that contains the first module of the chemistry course. Because this first module has been removed, there is room for more physics topics, such as a detailed discussion on the physical nature of light as well as additional topics on optics. Dr. Wile has been answering student questions on the course for seven years. Those questions have allowed him to realize what sections of the book could be written more clearly. Thus, this edition of the physics course is even more understandable than the first edition! For students who need more practice, there are extra practice problems for each module as well as detailed solutions to those problems in the solutions and tests guide. The student text has graphic icons that tell the student when there is a related multimedia presentation on the optional multimedia CD. There are 50% more experiments as compared to the first edition of the course. There is a special website available only to users of the second edition. This website will contain links to web resources such as animations and graphics which will enhance the material in the text. Advanced students who have the time and the ability to learn additional material will be directed to online resources which contain advanced subject matter. The tests in the solutions and tests guide contain a point system that will aid the parent/teacher in grading the tests. There are also cumulative tests in the solutions and tests guide if the parent/teacher wants to give the student quarterly, semester, or final exams. Finally, even though the module tests are found in the solutions and tests manual (so that the parent/teacher always has a copy of them), a second set of tests is also provided in a perforated booklet. This will allow the student to be given the tests without referring to the solutions and tests manual. Please note that because of the differences between the first and second editions, students in a group setting cannot use both. They must all have the same edition. 2 volume set: The first book, hardbound, is the student text, which contains all student material, on-your-own questions and solutions, laboratory exercises, and chapter study guides. Color illustrations and diagrams. The second book, softbound, is the solutions and tests manual, which contains answers to chapter study guides, tests, and test solutions. BW.