An Introduction to Physical Science 13th edition

Textbook Cover

James T. Shipman, Jerry D. Wilson and Charles A. Higgins, Jr.
Publisher: Cengage Learning

enhanced content

Cengage Unlimited

Included in a Cengage Unlimited subscription. Learn More

eBook

eBook

Your students can pay an additional fee for access to an online version of the textbook that might contain additional interactive features.

lifetime of edition

Lifetime of Edition (LOE)

Your students are allowed unlimited access to WebAssign courses that use this edition of the textbook at no additional cost.

textbook resources

Textbook Resources

Additional instructional and learning resources are available with the textbook, and might include testbanks, slide presentations, online simulations, videos, and documents.


Access is contingent on use of this textbook in the instructor's classroom.

  • Chapter 1: Measurement
    • 1.1: The Physical Sciences
    • 1.2: Scientific Investigation
    • 1.3: The Senses
    • 1.4: Standard Units and Systems of Units
    • 1.5: More on the Metric System (8)
    • 1.6: Derived Units and Conversion Factors (12)
    • 1.7: Significant Figures (6)
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (1)
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (17)
    • Multiple Choice (13)

  • Chapter 2: Motion
    • 2.1: Defining Motion
    • 2.2: Speed and Velocity (10)
    • 2.3: Acceleration (8)
    • 2.4: Acceleration in Uniform Circular Motion (2)
    • 2.5: Projectile Motion (2)
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (16)
    • Multiple Choice (12)

  • Chapter 3: Force and Motion
    • 3.1: Force and Net Force (2)
    • 3.2: Newton's First Law of Motion
    • 3.3: Newton's Second Law of Motion (8)
    • 3.4: Newton's Third Law of Motion
    • 3.5: Newton's Law of Gravitation (6)
    • 3.6: Archimedes' Principle and Buoyancy (2)
    • 3.7: Momentum (6)
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (1)
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (12)
    • Multiple Choice (15)

  • Chapter 4: Work and Energy
    • 4.1: Work (8)
    • 4.2: Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy (8)
    • 4.3: Conservation of Energy (4)
    • 4.4: Power (6)
    • 4.5: Forms of Energy and Consumption
    • 4.6: Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (1)
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (18)
    • Multiple Choice (14)

  • Chapter 5: Temperature and Heat
    • 5.1: Temperature (6)
    • 5.2: Heat (6)
    • 5.3: Specific Heat and Latent Heat (6)
    • 5.4: Heat Transfer
    • 5.5: Phases of Matter
    • 5.6: The Kinetic Theory of Gases (6)
    • 5.7: Thermodynamics
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (18)
    • Multiple Choice (12)

  • Chapter 6: Waves and Sound
    • 6.1: Waves and Energy Propagation
    • 6.2: Wave Properties (4)
    • 6.3: Light Waves (6)
    • 6.4: Sound Waves (8)
    • 6.5: The Doppler Effect
    • 6.6: Standing Waves and Resonance
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (16)
    • Multiple Choice (13)

  • Chapter 7: Optics and Wave Effects
    • 7.1: Reflection (4)
    • 7.2: Refraction and Dispersion (4)
    • 7.3: Spherical Mirrors (4)
    • 7.4: Lenses (6)
    • 7.5: Polarization
    • 7.6: Diffraction and Interference
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (2)
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (1)
    • Multiple Choice (12)

  • Chapter 8: Electricity and Magnetism
    • 8.1: Electric Charge, Electric Force, and Electric Field (6)
    • 8.2: Current, Voltage, and Electrical Power (18)
    • 8.3: Simple Electric Circuits and Electrical Safety
    • 8.4: Magnetism
    • 8.5: Electromagnetism (4)
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (15)
    • Multiple Choice (13)

  • Chapter 9: Atomic Physics
    • 9.1: Early Concepts of the Atom
    • 9.2: The Dual Nature of Light (4)
    • 9.3: Bohr Theory of the Hydrogen Atom (6)
    • 9.4: Microwave Ovens, X-Rays, and Lasers
    • 9.5: Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
    • 9.6: Matter Waves (2)
    • 9.7: The Electron Cloud Model of the Atom
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (12)
    • Multiple Choice (14)

  • Chapter 10: Nuclear Physics
    • 10.1: Symbols of the Elements
    • 10.2: The Atomic Nucleus (4)
    • 10.3: Radioactivity and Half-Life (18)
    • 10.4: Nuclear Reactions (2)
    • 10.5: Nuclear Fission (2)
    • 10.6: Nuclear Fusion (2)
    • 10.7: Effects of Radiation
    • 10.8: Elementary Particles
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (2)
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (17)
    • Multiple Choice (15)

  • Chapter 11: The Chemical Elements
    • 11.1: Classification of Matter (6)
    • 11.2: Discovery of the Elements (4)
    • 11.3: Occurrence of the Elements
    • 11.4: The Periodic Table (15)
    • 11.5: Naming Compounds (3)
    • 11.6: Groups of Elements (2)
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (17)
    • Multiple Choice (12)

  • Chapter 12: Chemical Bonding
    • 12.1: Law of Conservation of Mass (4)
    • 12.2: Law of Definite Proportions (8)
    • 12.3: Dalton's Atomic Theory
    • 12.4: Ionic Bonding (8)
    • 12.5: Covalent Bonding (10)
    • 12.6: Hydrogen Bonding
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (19)
    • Multiple Choice (14)

  • Chapter 13: Chemical Reactions
    • 13.1: Balancing Chemical Equations (6)
    • 13.2: Energy and Rate of Reaction (2)
    • 13.3: Acids and Bases (4)
    • 13.4: Single-Replacement Reactions (4)
    • 13.5: Avogadro's Number (7)
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (8)
    • Multiple Choice (12)

  • Chapter 14: Organic Chemistry
    • 14.1: Bonding in Organic Compounds (2)
    • 14.2: Aromatic Hydrocarbons (2)
    • 14.3: Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (10)
    • 14.4: Derivatives of Hydrocarbons (4)
    • 14.5: Synthetic Polymers (4)
    • 14.6: Biochemistry
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (7)
    • Multiple Choice (12)

  • Chapter 15: Place and Time
    • 15.1: Cartesian Coordinates
    • 15.2: Latitude and Longitude (6)
    • 15.3: Time (8)
    • 15.4: Determining Latitude and Longitude (14)
    • 15.5: The Seasons and the Calendar
    • 15.6: Precession of the Earth's Axis
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (1)
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (6)
    • Multiple Choice (20)

  • Chapter 16: The Solar System
    • 16.1: The Solar System and Planetary Motion (12)
    • 16.2: Major Planet Classifications and Orbits
    • 16.3: The Planet Earth
    • 16.4: The Terrestrial Planets
    • 16.5: The Jovian Planets
    • 16.6: The Dwarf Planets
    • 16.7: The Origin of the Solar System
    • 16.8: Other Planetary Systems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (9)
    • Multiple Choice (18)

  • Chapter 17: Moons and Small Solar System Bodies
    • 17.1: Structure, Origin, and Features of the Earth's Moon (2)
    • 17.2: Lunar Motion Effects: Phases, Eclipses, and Tides (12)
    • 17.3: Moons of the Terrestrial Planets
    • 17.4: Moons of the Jovian Planets
    • 17.5: Moons of the Dwarf Planets
    • 17.6: Small Solar System Bodies: Asteroids, Meteoroids, Comets, and Interplanetary Dust
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (12)
    • Multiple Choice (26)

  • Chapter 18: The Universe
    • 18.1: The Celestial Sphere (6)
    • 18.2: The Sun: Our Closest Star
    • 18.3: Classifying Stars (4)
    • 18.4: The Life Cycle of Low-Mass Stars
    • 18.5: The Life Cycle of High-Mass Stars
    • 18.6: Galaxies
    • 18.7: Cosmology (2)
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (6)
    • Applying Your Knowledge (3)
    • Short Answer (14)
    • Multiple Choice (20)

  • Chapter 19: The Atmosphere
    • 19.1: Composition and Structure (4)
    • 19.2: Atmospheric Energy Content
    • 19.3: Atmospheric Measurements and Observations (8)
    • 19.4: Air Motion
    • 19.5: Clouds
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge (3)
    • Short Answer (14)
    • Multiple Choice (12)

  • Chapter 20: Atmospheric Effects
    • 20.1: Condensation and Precipitation
    • 20.2: Air Masses (6)
    • 20.3: Storms
    • 20.4: Atmospheric Pollution
    • 20.5: Climate and Pollution
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Applying Your Knowledge (3)
    • Short Answer (24)
    • Multiple Choice (12)

  • Chapter 21: Structural Geology and Plate Tectonics
    • 21.1: The Earth's Interior Structure
    • 21.2: Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading
    • 21.3: Plate Tectonics
    • 21.4: Plate Motion and Volcanoes
    • 21.5: Earthquakes
    • 21.6: Crustal Deformation and Mountain Building
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (4)
    • Applying Your Knowledge (7)
    • Short Answer (21)
    • Multiple Choice (12)

  • Chapter 22: Minerals, Rocks, and Volcanoes
    • 22.1: Minerals
    • 22.2: Rocks
    • 22.3: Igneous Rocks
    • 22.4: Igneous Activity and Volcanoes
    • 22.5: Sedimentary Rocks
    • 22.6: Metamorphic Rocks
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (7)
    • Applying Your Knowledge (2)
    • Short Answer (20)
    • Multiple Choice (20)

  • Chapter 23: Surface Processes
    • 23.1: Weathering
    • 23.2: Erosion
    • 23.3: Groundwater
    • 23.4: Shoreline and Seafloor Topography
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (2)
    • Applying Your Knowledge (3)
    • Short Answer (22)
    • Multiple Choice (12)

  • Chapter 24: Geologic Time
    • 24.1: Fossils
    • 24.2: Relative Geologic Time (4)
    • 24.3: Radiometric Dating (2)
    • 24.4: The Age of the Earth
    • 24.5: The Geologic Time Scale (2)
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems
    • Extra Problems (8)
    • Applying Your Knowledge
    • Short Answer (21)
    • Multiple Choice (19)

Questions Available within WebAssign

Most questions from this textbook are available in WebAssign. The online questions are identical to the textbook questions except for minor wording changes necessary for Web use. Whenever possible, variables, numbers, or words have been randomized so that each student receives a unique version of the question. This list is updated nightly.

Question Group Key
AYK - Applying Your Knowledge
E - Exercises
MC - Multiple Choice
SA - Short Answer
XP - Extra Problems


Question Availability Color Key
BLACK questions are available now
GRAY questions are under development


Group Quantity Questions
Chapter 1: Measurement
1.E 26 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025 026
1.MC 13 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013
1.SA 17 002 003 004 006 007 010 011 013 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 027 029
1.XP 1 001
Chapter 2: Motion
2.E 22 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022
2.MC 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
2.SA 16 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 010 011 012 013 014 019 020 021
Chapter 3: Force and Motion
3.E 24 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024
3.MC 15 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015
3.SA 12 001 004 005 007 008 009 010 014 016 023 027 029
3.XP 1 001
Chapter 4: Work and Energy
4.E 26 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025 026
4.MC 14 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014
4.SA 18 001 002 003 004 006 007 008 012 013 014 018 019 020 022 024 025 028 029
4.XP 1 001
Chapter 5: Temperature and Heat
5.E 24 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024
5.MC 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
5.SA 18 001 002 003 005 006 008 009 010 011 013 014 017 019 021 022 023 025 026
Chapter 6: Waves and Sound
6.E 18 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018
6.MC 13 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013
6.SA 16 001 002 004 006 007 008 010 012 013 014 016 017 018 019 020 021
Chapter 7: Optics and Wave Effects
7.E 18 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018
7.MC 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
7.SA 1 004
7.XP 2 001 002
Chapter 8: Electricity and Magnetism
8.E 28 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025 026 027 028
8.MC 13 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 014
8.SA 15 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 014 015 017
Chapter 9: Atomic Physics
9.E 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
9.MC 14 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014
9.SA 12 005 007 008 009 012 013 014 015 021 022 023 034
Chapter 10: Nuclear Physics
10.E 28 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025 026 027 028
10.MC 15 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015
10.SA 17 001 002 004 007 011 018 019 020 021 022 026 033 035 039 040 041 042
10.XP 2 001 002
Chapter 11: The Chemical Elements
11.E 30 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 024 025 026 027 028 030 031 032
11.MC 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
11.SA 17 001 005 006 007 008 010 011 013 015 018 019 022 024 025 027 031 032
Chapter 12: Chemical Bonding
12.E 30 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025 026 027 028 029 030
12.MC 14 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014
12.SA 19 001 002 004 005 007 009 010 011 012 014 017 019 020 022 023 025 029 030 033
Chapter 13: Chemical Reactions
13.E 23 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 020 021 022 023 024
13.MC 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
13.SA 8 002 003 007 012 021 026 033 038
Chapter 14: Organic Chemistry
14.E 22 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022
14.MC 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
14.SA 7 003 008 019 020 022 025 026
Chapter 15: Place and Time
15.E 28 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025 026 027 028
15.MC 20 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020
15.SA 6 005 006 008 013 017 028
15.XP 1 001
Chapter 16: The Solar System
16.E 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
16.MC 18 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018
16.SA 9 002 003 006 009 010 012 014 016 019
Chapter 17: Moons and Small Solar System Bodies
17.E 14 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014
17.MC 26 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025 026
17.SA 12 004 005 008 010 014 015 017 018 020 021 024 027
Chapter 18: The Universe
18.AYK 3 003 006 007
18.E 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
18.MC 20 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020
18.SA 14 002 005 007 009 013 016 017 020 024 026 030 034 037 042
18.XP 6 001 002 003 004 005 006
Chapter 19: The Atmosphere
19.AYK 3 001 002 005
19.E 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
19.MC 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
19.SA 14 001 003 004 006 009 013 014 015 017 019 022 023 025 026
Chapter 20: Atmospheric Effects
20.AYK 3 001 002 004
20.E 6 001 002 003 004 005 006
20.MC 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
20.SA 24 002 003 005 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 024 025 026 027 029
Chapter 21: Structural Geology and Plate Tectonics
21.AYK 7 001 002 003 004 005 006 007
21.MC 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
21.SA 21 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 012 013 014 015 018 020 021 022 024 026 028
21.XP 4 001 002 003 004
Chapter 22: Minerals, Rocks, and Volcanoes
22.AYK 2 004 005
22.MC 20 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020
22.SA 20 001 003 006 007 008 009 010 011 013 014 016 017 018 019 020 022 025 028 029 030
22.XP 7 001 002 003 004 005 006 007
Chapter 23: Surface Processes
23.AYK 3 001 002 006
23.MC 12 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012
23.SA 22 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 022 023 024
23.XP 2 002 003
Chapter 24: Geologic Time
24.E 8 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008
24.MC 19 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020
24.SA 21 001 002 005 008 011 012 015 017 019 020 021 022 023 026 027 028 032 035 038 040 044
24.XP 8 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008
Total 1189