Second Edition

Ruth Chabay & Bruce Sherwood

John Wiley & Sons, 2007

(Articles) (Contents) (Lecture Materials) (Adopters)

Matter & Interactions is a modern, calculus-based introductory physics textbook. It engages students in:

Starting analyses from fundamental principles rather than from secondary formulas.
Making macro-micro connections, based on the atomic nature of matter.
Modeling physical systems: making idealizations, simplifying assumptions, estimates.
Constructing computer models to predict the time evolution of system behavior.

20th century physics is integrated throughout the curriculum.

NEW: NSF funded collaborative project involving Purdue, Georgia Tech, and NC State :

Collaborative Research: Institutionalizing a Reform Curriculum in Large Universities

Articles describing aspects of the curriculum, including papers available by permission of the American Journal of Physics:

Chabay, R. W., & Sherwood, B. A. (1999). Bringing atoms into first-year physics. American Journal of Physics, 67: 1045-1050. pdf

Chabay, R. & Sherwood, B. (2004) Modern Mechanics. American Journal of Physics, 72: 439-445. pdf

Chabay, R. & Sherwood, B. (2006) Restructuring the introductory electricity and magnetism course. American Journal of Physics, 74(4), pp. 329-336. pdf

Chabay, R. & Sherwood, B. (2008) Computational physics in the introductory calculus-based course. American Journal of Physics, 76(4&5), pp. 307-313.

Detailed article on all aspects of M&I; a chapter from an on-line volume Research-based Reform of University Physics, edited by Redish and Cooney.

Contents of volumes and ordering information

Publically available lecture materials (demo software, videos)

For adopters

VPython: a free, open-source, multi-platform, 3D programming environment especially suitable for use by students in introductory physics courses (including novice programmers).

A distance learning version of Matter & Interactions for in-service high school physics teachers;
mechanics is offered every spring, and E&M every fall. A PowerPoint poster about this course, and teacher reflections about the course (mechanics and E&M).

Textbook errata
Development of this curriculum has been supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the Foundation.

The material located at this site is not endorsed, sponsored, or provided by or on behalf of
North Carolina State University.