Cover image for Physics over easy : breakfasts with Beth and physics
Title:
Physics over easy : breakfasts with Beth and physics
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Publication Information:
Singapore : World Scientific, 1996
ISBN:
9789810223571

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30000003366881 QC21.2.A92 1996 Open Access Book Book
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Summary

Summary

In easy-to-follow conversational language, this book reveals the mysteries of physics and tells about the physicists who made it possible, from the discovery of the laws of gravity by Isaac Newton and the construction of the first electric battery by Alessandro Volta, to the present century's development of solid-state electronics, nuclear arms and nuclear reactors, lasers, etc. The evolution of physics during four centuries is related in sixteen conversations that actually took place between the author, a professor of physics, and his wife, an intelligent listener not familiar with the subject. By asking questions and interjecting her own observations, she insists on sufficient clarity in the presentation so as to make the somewhat difficult seeming topics clearly understandable.Each breakfast topic can be read separately in less time than it takes to eat the meal. Anyone who has avoided studying physics so far, for whatever reason, (and this includes the author's wife) will gain an insight into what physics is and what physicists do. This book may also serve to refresh the understanding of those who have forgotten what they may have learned or who previously failed to fully grasp the subject. A glossary of commonly used terms at the back of the book provides a convenient reference to most of the concepts presented.


Reviews 1

Choice Review

Important ideas and theories are presented during "breakfast conversations" between Azaroff and his psychologist wife. Topics range from Aristotle to modern cosmology, and include Newtonian physics, thermodynamics, electricity, solid state physics, magnetism, waves, optics, special theory of relativity, the hydrogen atom, wave mechanics, structure of the atom, radioactivity, nuclear physics, elementary particle physics, conservation laws, and the Standard Model. All topics are presented descriptively, without mathematics; no mathematical or science preparation is necessary to read the book. Previous informal or formal experience with physics or science would help most readers, since the author does not treat in depth any of the many areas discussed. Appropriate for individuals with little or no formal training in science, for whom it could stimulate an interest in physics. General. D. S. Fielder SUNY College at Oneonta