In this book, the author strives not so much to impart new knowledge to the reader, but to help him “find out what he knows,” that is, to deepen and revive the basic information from physics that he already has, teach him how to consciously manage it and encourage him to use it in many ways. . This is achieved by examining a motley series of puzzles, intricate questions, entertaining stories, amusing problems, paradoxes and unexpected comparisons from the field of physics, related to the range of everyday phenomena or drawn from well-known works of science fiction fiction. The compiler used the latter kind of material especially widely, considering it the most relevant to the purposes of the collection: excerpts from novels and stories by Jules Verne, Wells, Mark Twain and others are given. The fantastic experiences described in them, in addition to their temptingness, can also play an important role in the quality of teaching when teaching. live illustrations.
The compiler tried, as far as he could, to give the presentation an outwardly interesting form and to convey the attractiveness of the subject. He was guided by the psychological axiom that interest in a subject increases attention, facilitates understanding and, therefore, contributes to more conscious and lasting assimilation.
Contrary to the custom established for this kind of collections, in “Entertaining Physics” very little space is devoted to the description of funny and spectacular physical experiments. This book has a different purpose than collections that offer material for experimentation. The main goal of “Entertaining Physics” is to excite the activity of the scientific imagination, to accustom the reader to think in the spirit of physical science and to create in his memory numerous associations of physical knowledge with the most diverse phenomena of life, with everything with which he usually comes into contact. The attitude that the compiler tried to adhere to when revising the book was given by V.I. Lenin in the following words: “A popular writer leads the reader to a deep thought, to a deep teaching, based on the simplest and generally known data, pointing out with the help of simple reasoning or well-chosen examples of the main conclusions from these data, pushing the thinking reader to further and further questions. A popular writer does not assume a reader who does not think, does not want, or cannot think; on the contrary, he assumes in the undeveloped reader a serious intention to work with his head and helps him do this serious and difficult work, guides him, helping him take the first steps and teaching him to go further on his own "
In view of the interest shown by readers in the history of this book, we provide some bibliographic information about it.
“Entertaining Physics” was “born” a quarter of a century ago and was the first-born in the large book family of its author, which now numbers several dozen members.
“Entertaining physics” was lucky enough to penetrate - as letters from readers testify - into the most remote corners of the Union.
The significant distribution of the book, testifying to the keen interest of wide circles in physical knowledge, imposes on the author serious responsibility for the quality of its material. The awareness of this responsibility explains the numerous changes and additions to the text of “Entertaining Physics” during repeated editions. The book, one might say, was written during all 25 years of its existence. In the latest edition, barely half of the text of the first has been preserved, and almost none of the illustrations.
The author received requests from other readers to refrain from revising the text, so as not to force them “to purchase each re-edition because of a dozen new pages.” Such considerations can hardly relieve the author from the obligation to improve his work in every possible way. “Entertaining Physics” is not a work of fiction, but a scientific work, albeit a popular one. Its subject - physics - even in its initial foundations is constantly enriched with fresh material, and the book must periodically include it in its text.
On the other hand, one often hears reproaches that “Entertaining Physics” does not devote space to such topics as the latest advances in radio technology, the fission of the atomic nucleus, modern physical theories, etc. Reproaches of this kind are the fruit of a misunderstanding. “Entertaining Physics” has a very specific goal; consideration of these issues is the task of other works.
In addition to her second book, “Entertaining Physics” contains several other works by the same author. One is intended for a relatively unprepared reader who has not yet begun the systematic study of physics, and is entitled “Physics at Every Step” (published by “Detizdat”). The other two, on the contrary, refer to those who have already completed their high school physics course. These are “Entertaining mechanics” and “Do you know physics?”. The last book is like the completion of “Entertaining Physics”.
Ya. I. Perelman
Entertaining physics
FROM THE EDITOR
Proposed edition of “Entertaining Physics” by Ya.I. Perelman repeats the four previous ones. The author worked on the book for many years, improving the text and supplementing it, and for the last time during the author’s lifetime the book was published in 1936 (thirteenth edition). When releasing subsequent editions, the editors did not set as their goal a radical revision of the text or significant additions: the author selected the main content of “Entertaining Physics” in such a way that, while illustrating and deepening the basic information from physics, it is not outdated to this day. In addition, the time after 1936 so much has already passed that the desire to reflect the latest achievements of physics would have led to a significant increase in the book and to a change in its “face”. For example, the author’s text on the principles of space flight is not outdated, and there is already so much factual material in this area that one can only refer the reader to other books specifically devoted to this topic.
The fourteenth and fifteenth editions (1947 and 1949) were published under the editorship of prof. A. B. Mlodzeevsky. Associate Professor took part in the preparation of the sixteenth edition (1959 – 1960). V.A. Ugarov. When editing all publications published without an author, outdated figures were only replaced, projects that did not justify themselves were removed, and individual additions and notes were made.
In this book, the author strives not so much to impart new knowledge to the reader, but to help him “find out what he knows,” that is, to deepen and revive the basic information from physics that he already has, teach him how to consciously manage it and encourage him to use it in many ways. . This is achieved by examining a motley series of puzzles, intricate questions, entertaining stories, amusing problems, paradoxes and unexpected comparisons from the field of physics, related to the range of everyday phenomena or drawn from well-known works of science fiction fiction. The compiler used the latter kind of material especially widely, considering it the most relevant to the purposes of the collection: excerpts from novels and stories by Jules Verne, Wells, Mark Twain and others are given. The fantastic experiences described in them, in addition to their temptingness, can also play an important role in the quality of teaching when teaching. live illustrations.
The compiler tried, as far as he could, to give the presentation an outwardly interesting form and to convey the attractiveness of the subject. He was guided by the psychological axiom that interest in a subject increases attention, facilitates understanding and, therefore, contributes to more conscious and lasting assimilation.
Contrary to the custom established for this kind of collections, in “Entertaining Physics” very little space is devoted to the description of funny and spectacular physical experiments. This book has a different purpose than collections that offer material for experimentation. The main goal of “Entertaining Physics” is to excite the activity of the scientific imagination, to accustom the reader to think in the spirit of physical science and to create in his memory numerous associations of physical knowledge with the most diverse phenomena of life, with everything with which he usually comes into contact. The attitude that the compiler tried to adhere to when revising the book was given by V.I. Lenin in the following words: “A popular writer leads the reader to a deep thought, to a deep teaching, based on the simplest and generally known data, pointing out with the help of simple reasoning or well-chosen main examples conclusions from these data, leading the thinking reader to further and further questions. A popular writer does not assume a reader who does not think, does not want, or cannot think; on the contrary, he assumes in the undeveloped reader a serious intention to work with his head and helps him to do this serious and difficult work, guides him, helps him take his first steps and teaching move on on your own” [V. I. Lenin. Collection cit., ed. 4, vol. 5, p. 285.].
In view of the interest shown by readers in the history of this book, we provide some bibliographic information about it.
“Entertaining Physics” was “born” a quarter of a century ago and was the first-born in the large book family of its author, which now numbers several dozen members.
“Entertaining Physics” was lucky enough to penetrate – as letters from readers testify – into the most remote corners of the Union.
The significant distribution of the book, testifying to the keen interest of wide circles in physical knowledge, imposes on the author serious responsibility for the quality of its material. The awareness of this responsibility explains the numerous changes and additions to the text of “Entertaining Physics” during repeated editions. The book, one might say, was written during all 25 years of its existence. In the latest edition, barely half of the text of the first has been preserved, and almost none of the illustrations.
The author received requests from other readers to refrain from revising the text, so as not to force them “to purchase each re-edition because of a dozen new pages.” Such considerations can hardly relieve the author from the obligation to improve his work in every possible way. “Entertaining Physics” is not a work of fiction, but a scientific work, albeit a popular one. Its subject - physics - even in its initial foundations is constantly enriched with fresh material, and the book must periodically include it in its text.
On the other hand, one often hears reproaches that “Entertaining Physics” does not devote space to such topics as the latest advances in radio technology, the fission of the atomic nucleus, modern physical theories, etc. Reproaches of this kind are the fruit of a misunderstanding. “Entertaining Physics” has a very specific goal; consideration of these issues is the task of other works.
In school physics lessons, teachers always say that physical phenomena are everywhere in our lives. Only we often forget about this. Meanwhile, amazing things are nearby! Don't think that you need anything fancy to organize physical experiments at home. And here's some proof for you ;)
Magnetic pencil
What needs to be prepared?
- Battery.
- Thick pencil.
- Insulated copper wire with a diameter of 0.2–0.3 mm and a length of several meters (the longer, the better).
- Scotch.
Conducting the experiment
Wind the wire tightly, turn to turn, around the pencil, 1 cm short of its edges. When one row ends, wind another on top in the opposite direction. And so on until all the wire runs out. Don’t forget to leave two ends of the wire, 8–10 cm each, free. To prevent the turns from unwinding after winding, secure them with tape. Strip the free ends of the wire and connect them to the battery contacts.
What happened?
It turned out to be a magnet! Try bringing small iron objects to it - a paper clip, a hairpin. They are attracted!
Lord of Water
What needs to be prepared?
- A plexiglass stick (for example, a student’s ruler or a regular plastic comb).
- A dry cloth made of silk or wool (for example, a wool sweater).
Conducting the experiment
Open the tap so that a thin stream of water flows. Rub the stick or comb vigorously on the prepared cloth. Quickly bring the stick closer to the stream of water without touching it.
What will happen?
The stream of water will bend in an arc, being attracted to the stick. Try the same thing with two sticks and see what happens.
Top
What needs to be prepared?
- Paper, needle and eraser.
- A stick and a dry woolen cloth from previous experience.
Conducting the experiment
You can control more than just water! Cut a strip of paper 1–2 cm wide and 10–15 cm long, bend it along the edges and in the middle, as shown in the picture. Insert the sharp end of the needle into the eraser. Balance the top workpiece on the needle. Prepare a “magic wand”, rub it on a dry cloth and bring it to one of the ends of the paper strip from the side or top without touching it.
What will happen?
The strip will swing up and down like a swing, or spin like a carousel. And if you can cut a butterfly out of thin paper, the experience will be even more interesting.
Ice and Fire
(the experiment is carried out on a sunny day)
What needs to be prepared?
- A small cup with a round bottom.
- A piece of dry paper.
Conducting the experiment
Pour water into a cup and place it in the freezer. When the water turns to ice, remove the cup and place it in a container of hot water. After some time, the ice will separate from the cup. Now go out onto the balcony, place a piece of paper on the stone floor of the balcony. Use a piece of ice to focus the sun on a piece of paper.
What will happen?
The paper should be charred, because it’s not just ice in your hands anymore... Did you guess that you made a magnifying glass?
Wrong mirror
What needs to be prepared?
- A transparent jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Mirror.
Conducting the experiment
Fill the jar with excess water and close the lid to prevent air bubbles from getting inside. Place the jar with the lid facing up against the mirror. Now you can look in the “mirror”.
Bring your face closer and look inside. There will be a thumbnail image. Now start tilting the jar to the side without lifting it from the mirror.
What will happen?
The reflection of your head in the jar, of course, will also tilt until it turns upside down, and your legs will still not be visible. Lift the can and the reflection will turn over again.
Cocktail with bubbles
What needs to be prepared?
- A glass with a strong solution of table salt.
- A battery from a flashlight.
- Two pieces of copper wire approximately 10 cm long.
- Fine sandpaper.
Conducting the experiment
Clean the ends of the wire with fine sandpaper. Connect one end of the wire to each pole of the battery. Dip the free ends of the wires into a glass with the solution.
What happened?
Bubbles will rise near the lowered ends of the wire.
Lemon battery
What needs to be prepared?
- Lemon, thoroughly washed and wiped dry.
- Two pieces of insulated copper wire approximately 0.2–0.5 mm thick and 10 cm long.
- Steel paper clip.
- A flashlight bulb.
Conducting the experiment
Strip the opposite ends of both wires at a distance of 2–3 cm. Insert a paper clip into the lemon and screw the end of one of the wires to it. Insert the end of the second wire into the lemon, 1–1.5 cm from the paperclip. To do this, first pierce the lemon in this place with a needle. Take the two free ends of the wires and attach them to the contacts of the light bulb.
What will happen?
The light will light up!
On this page I will collect books on entertaining physics that I know: books that I have at home, links to stories and reviews about such books.
Please add in the comments what interesting scientific books you know.
N.M. Zubkova “Tasty Science” - Experiences and experiments in the kitchen for children from 5 to 9 years old. A simple thin book. I would lower the age, too simple and well-known experiments, such as floating an egg in salt water and wrapping ice cream in a fur coat. Mostly answers to children's “why?” Although, maybe I’m too demanding) So, in principle, everything is nice and understandable)
L. Gendenstein and others. “Mechanics”- a book from my childhood. In it, in the form of comics, friends become acquainted with the laws of mechanics. This acquaintance happens in a game, in a conversation, in general, casually. I really liked her then, and still do now. Maybe this is where my passion for physics began?
"Children's Encyclopedia". This Talmud is also from my childhood. It contains 5 volumes. There are also about art, and about geography, biology, history. And this one is in natural science. No matter how many times I open it, I am convinced that the previous encyclopedias are not the same as the current ones. The pictures are true black and white (mostly), but there is much more information.
A. V. Lukyanova “Real physics for boys and girls”. The first book on physics that I bought myself. What can I say? I wasn't immediately impressed. The book is large format, the drawings are beautiful, the paper is thick, the price is great. But essentially, not enough. But, in principle, you can read and look at pictures with your child. 
A. Dmitriev “Grandfather’s Chest”. I like this little brochure much better. Almost samizdat in design, but all the experiments and scientific toys are described in a very accessible and simple manner. 
Tom Titus "Scientific Fun". This book is highly praised everywhere, but I didn’t really like it either. The experiments are, yes, interesting. But there is no explanation. And without an explanation it somehow turns out to be meager. 
Y. Perelman “Entertaining mechanics”, “Physics at every step”, “Entertaining physics”. Perelman, of course, is a classic of the genre. True, his books are not for the little ones)
Bruno Donat "Physics in Games". It looks like Tom Titus, only somehow it’s easier for my perception and explanations of all the experiments and games are given. 
L.A. Sikoruk “Physics for kids”. It looks a bit like my “Mechanics” by Gendenstein from childhood. No, there are no comics here, but acquaintance with the physical laws of nature occurs in conversation and casually. I couldn’t find this book for sale, so I only have it in print. 
Nadezhda Lifanova
Project "Entertaining Physics"
Project for children of senior preschool age
« Entertaining physics»
Target project: Introduce children to science - physics, physical phenomena based on experimental activities.
Materials used: excerpts from books by Akim Milovanov « Physics for kids» , Elena Kachur “Children's encyclopedia with Chevostik "Fascinating physics» , A Kuznetsova "Conversations in the morning or physics for kids» , L. L. Sikoruk « Physics for kids» .
Working with parents: Encourage parents to actively participate in project.
List of suggested experiments for parents to conduct at home with children:
Experience with determining water level.
Experiment with sugar freezing "Colored Lollipops".
The force of friction in everyday life.
Albums for drawing with water.
Make a calendar of the child's height and weight from birth to graduation project.
Involve children in weighing food for cooking.
Is the furniture in the house level?
Overcoming weight in water “Is it easy for us to swim?”
Boat ride.
Observing fish in an aquarium.
Making and flying a kite.
Excursion to the planetarium.
Teach safe behavior at home when using electrical appliances and in the sun.
Work plan for October within project« Entertaining physics»
Week Topic Tasks
1 Introductory lesson: "What's happened physics?» Introduce children to concepts "science", « physics» , "scientists", famous scientists - physicists. Arouse interest in this science, a desire to know its laws.
2 "Body and Substance". Give children practical knowledge that all objects in in physics they call it a body, and the characteristics of objects (what things are made of)– substance.
3 "Liquids, gases and solids".
Introduce children to the properties of solid, liquid and gaseous bodies.
4 “Why does the wind blow?” Give children practical knowledge of how wind is created.
Work plan for November
Week Topic Tasks
1 “Properties of solid, liquid and gaseous bodies” Introduce children to the properties of solid, liquid and gaseous forms.
2 “Steam is also water! Or why is it raining? Give children practical knowledge of what evaporation is. Talk about the water cycle in nature.
3 “Why is it snowing?” Give children practical knowledge about the process freezing. Introduce the water molecule.
4 “Is the ice frozen or why do we need friction?” Introduce children to the force of friction.
Work plan for December
Topic Tasks
1
2 "Capillary forces and color wonders" Introduce children to the capillary forces of water. To provide practical knowledge about the capillary forces of water.
Work plan for January
Topic Tasks
3 “Secrets of gravity. Weight or the law of universal gravitation" "weight" and weight value in physics - gravity. To provide practical knowledge about weight and its use in everyday life.
4 “Secrets of gravity. Center of gravity". Give children practical knowledge of what the center of gravity is.
Work plan for February
Topic Tasks
1 “Secrets of gravity. Sustainability". Give children practical knowledge of what sustainability is.
2 “Overcoming weight in water. Hydraulics". Introduce children to the concept "hydraulics". Give practical ideas about lifting weight in water.
3 "Overcoming Weight in the Air". Give children a practical understanding of lifting weight in the air.
4 "Overcoming Weight in Space". Give children a practical idea of carrying weight in outer space.
Work plan for March
Topic Tasks
1 "The Wind's Story about Sound" Introduce children to the concept "sound".
2 “Sound or why does Bunny have long ears?” Give children practical knowledge of the meaning of sound.
3 “As it comes around, so it will respond!” Give children knowledge about what it is "echo". Introduce the properties of sound.
4 "Radio's story about electric current". Introduce children to concepts "electricity", "current". Introduce the properties of current.
Work plan for April
Topic Tasks
1 "Electricity in everyday life" To give children practical knowledge about electricity in everyday life, to teach safety rules when using electrical appliances.
2 "What is magnetism?" To provide practical knowledge about the magnetism of objects.
3 “What is optics? Or the Secrets of Light". Introduce children to the section physics - optics. Give knowledge about the reflection of light.
4 “I’m lying in the sun! Or why do we wear sunglasses?” Give children practical knowledge about the power of sunlight. Teach sun safety rules.
Bottom line project:
1. Arouse a stable cognitive interest in the world around us, the nature of things in children and parents.
2. Give practical knowledge and teach how to apply this knowledge in life about water, weight, light, sound, electricity.
Note: The third and fourth weeks of December and the first and second weeks of January are dedicated to the New Year's mini- project"New Year at the Gates and the Mystery of Christmas".
