Physics Books

Book SynopsisFor first examination from 2022, these resources meet the real needs of the physics classroom. Extensive research through lesson observations, teacher interviews and work with our research community (the Cambridge Panel) means that this coursebook with digital access meets the real teaching needs of the physics classroom. Exam-style questions ensure students feel confident approaching assessment. New features provide reflection opportunities and self-evaluation checklists develop responsible learners. The coursebook provides a range of enquiry questions, such as practical activities, group work and debate questions that develop 21st century skills. It supports English as a second language learners with key command terms, accessible language and glossary definitions.

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Book SynopsisRoger Penrose is one the world's foremost theoretical physicists, and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020. He has won numerous other prizes, including the Albert Einstein Medal, for his fundamental contributions to general relativity and cosmology. He is the bestselling author of The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe and Cycles of Time: An Extraordinary New View of the Universe. His other books include Fashion, Faith and Fantasy in the New Physics of the Universe, The Emperor's New Mind, Shadows of the Mind and, with Stephen Hawking, The Nature of Space and Time. He is the Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics Emeritus at the University of Oxford, and lives in Oxford.Trade ReviewPenrose has come closer than anyone to a rigorous discussion of the most intriguing problems of all: what are we? How do we think? And what is it that makes us human? * The Times *Clearly the product of a brilliant mind * Times Literary Supplement *His book may be the first accessible report to a general readership about the site, if not the actual substance, of the holy grail of consciousness - the precise point where quantum activity interacts with classical physical activity in the brain... His passionate attempt at popular exposition lends importance to a debate that he believes too crucial to be left to the specialists alone * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisNothing seems more real than time passing. We experience life as a succession of moments. But just as some of us see God as eternal, so physicists understand the truths of mathematics and the laws of nature as constant, transcending time. These laws dictate how the future will evolve: there is no freedom, no uncertainty about the future at all. Yet, argues Lee Smolin, this denial of time is holding back both physics, and our understanding of the universe. We need a major revolution in scientific thought: one that embraces the reality of time and places it at the centre of our thinking. Time, he concludes, is not an illusion: indeed, it is the best clue that we have to fundamental reality. Time Reborn explains how the true nature of time impacts on us, our world, and our universe.Trade ReviewOne of the most original living theorists ... He challenges not only Einstein's relativity, but also the very notion of natural laws as immutable truths * Economist *Brilliant and persuasive -- Ray Monk * Guardian *Provocative and stimulating ... Smolin reconceives the universe -- Christopher Potter * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisFeynman''s Tips on Physics is a delightful collection of Richard P. Feynman''s insights and an essential companion to his legendary Feynman Lectures on Physics With characteristic flair, insight, and humor, Feynman discusses topics physics students often struggle with and offers valuable tips on addressing them. Included here are three lectures on problem-solving and a lecture on inertial guidance omitted from The Feynman Lectures on Physics. An enlightening memoir by Matthew Sands and oral history interviews with Feynman and his Caltech colleagues provide firsthand accounts of the origins of Feynman''s landmark lecture series. Also included are incisive and illuminating exercises originally developed to supplement The Feynman Lectures on Physics, by Robert B. Leighton and Rochus E. Vogt.Feynman''s Tips on Physics was co-authored by Michael A. Gottlieb and Ralph Leighton to provide students, teachers, and enthusiasts alike an opTrade Review"Always worthwhile to return to the feet of the master." --Bill Gates, Wired

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Book SynopsisFeaturing a wealth of engaging content, this concept-based Course Book has been developed in cooperation with the IB to provide the most comprehensive support for the DP Physics specification, for first teaching from September 2023. It is packed full of questions, clear explanations and worked examples, plus extensive assessment preparation support.Use this print Course Book alongside the digital course on Oxford''s Kerboodle platform for the best teaching and learning experience. Oxford''s DP Science offer brings together the IB curriculum and future-facing functionality, enabling success in DP and beyond.

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Book SynopsisExam Board: SQA Level: Higher Subject: Physics First Teaching: August 2018 First Exam: May 2019Get your best grade with comprehensive course notes and advice from Scotland's top experts, fully updated for the latest changes to SQA Higher assessment. How to Pass Higher Physics Second Edition contains all the advice and support you need to revise successfully for your Higher exam. It combines an overview of the course syllabus with advice from top experts on how to improve exam performance, so you have the best chance of success.- Revise confidently with up-to-date guidance tailored to the latest SQA assessment changes - Refresh your knowledge with comprehensive, tailored subject notes- Prepare for the exam with top tips and hints on revision techniques- Get your best grade with advice on how to gain those vital extra marks

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Book SynopsisComplete course coverage for the best grades in the upcoming mocks and exams!Look no further than this immense CGP Student Book for comprehensive coverage of both years of OCR A A-Level Physics! It's packed with in-depth, accessible notes explaining every topic, supported by clear diagrams, photographs, tips and worked examples. To test students' knowledge and understanding, there are practice questions and exam-style questions throughout the book (with detailed answers included). There's also detailed guidance on Maths Skills and Practical Investigations, plus indispensable advice for success in the final exams. What's more, we've thrown in a free Online Edition that lets you read the entire book on a PC, Mac or tablet. When the book arrives, just use the unique code printed inside the cover to gain full access. Don't miss CGP's Student Books covering both years of OCR A A-Level Biology (9781789086676) and Chemistry (9781789086683).

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Book SynopsisNobel Prize winner Werner Heisenberg''s classic account explains the central ideas of the quantum revolution, and his celebrated Uncertainty Principle. Heisenberg reveals how words and concepts familiar in daily life can lose their meaning in the world of relativity and quantum physics.This in turn has profound philosophical implications for the nature of reality.

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Book SynopsisDouglas C. Giancoli obtained his BA in physics (summa cum laude) from UC Berkeley, his MS in physics at MIT, and his PhD in elementary particle physics back at UC Berkeley. He spent 2 years as a post-doctoral fellow at UC Berkeley's Virus lab developing skills in molecular biology and biophysics. His mentors include Nobel winners Emilio Segre and Donald Glaser. He has taught a wide range of undergraduate courses, traditional as well as innovative ones, and continues to update his textbooks meticulously, seeking ways to better provide an understanding of physics for students. Doug's favorite spare-time activity is the outdoors, especially climbing peaks. He says climbing peaks is like learning physics: it takes effort and the rewards are great. Table of Contents Introduction, Measurement, Estimating How Science Works Models, Theories, and Laws Measurement and Uncertainty; Significant Figures Units, Standards, and the SI System Converting Units Order of Magnitude: Rapid Estimating *Dimensions and Dimensional Analysis Describing Motion: Kinematics in One Dimension Reference Frames and Displacement Average Velocity Instantaneous Velocity Acceleration Motion at Constant Acceleration Solving Problems Freely Falling Objects *Variable Acceleration; Integral Calculus Kinematics in Two or Three Dimensions; Vectors Vectors and Scalars Addition of Vectors—Graphical Methods Subtraction of Vectors, and Multiplication of a Vector by a Scalar Adding Vectors by Components Unit Vectors Vector Kinematics Solving Problems Involving Projectile Motion Relative Velocity Dynamics: Newton's Laws of Motion Force Newton's First Law of Motion Mass Newton's Second Law of Motion Newton's Third Law of Motion Weight—the Force of Gravity; and the Normal Force Solving Problems with Newton's Laws: Free-Body Diagrams Problem Solving—A General Approach Using Newton's Laws: Friction, Circular Motion, Drag Forces Using Newton's Laws with Friction Uniform Circular Motion—Kinematics Dynamics of Uniform Circular Motion Highway Curves: Banked and Unbanked Nonuniform Circular Motion *Velocity-Dependent Forces: Drag and Terminal Velocity Gravitation and Newton's Synthesis Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation Vector Form of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation Gravity Near the Earth's Surface Satellites and "Weightlessness" Planets, Kepler's Laws, and Newton's Synthesis Moon Rises an Hour Later Each Day Types of Forces in Nature *Gravitational Field *Principle of Equivalence; Curvature of Space; Black Holes Work and Energy Work Done by a Constant Force Scalar Product of Two Vectors Work Done by a Varying Force Kinetic Energy and the Work-Energy Principle Conservation of Energy Conservative and Nonconservative Forces Potential Energy Mechanical Energy and Its Conservation Problem Solving Using Conservation of Mechanical Energy The Law of Conservation of Energy Energy Conservation with Dissipative Forces: Solving Problems Gravitational Potential Energy and Escape Velocity Power Potential Energy Diagrams; Stable and Unstable Equilibrium *Gravitational Assist (Slingshot) Linear Momentum Momentum and Its Relation to Force Conservation of Momentum Collisions and Impulse Conservation of Energy and Momentum in Collisions Elastic Collisions in One Dimension Inelastic Collisions Collisions in 2 or 3 Dimensions Center of Mass (cm) Center of Mass and Translational Motion *Systems of Variable Mass; Rocket Propulsion Rotational Motion Angular Quantities Vector Nature of Angular Quantities Constant Angular Acceleration Torque Rotational Dynamics; Torque and Rotational Inertia Solving Problems in Rotational Dynamics Determining Moments of Inertia Rotational Kinetic Energy Rotational plus Translational Motion; Rolling *Why Does a Rolling Sphere Slow Down? Angular Momentum; General Rotation Angular Momentum — Objects Rotating About a Fixed Axis Vector Cross Product; Torque as a Vector Angular Momentum of a Particle Angular Momentum and Torque for a System of Particles; General Motion Angular Momentum and Torque for a Rigid Object Conservation of Angular Momentum *The Spinning Top and Gyroscope Rotating Frames of Reference; Inertial Forces *The Coriolis Effect Static Equilibrium; Elasticity and Fracture The Conditions for Equilibrium Solving Statics Problems *Applications to Muscles and Joints Stability and Balance Elasticity; Stress and Strain Fracture Trusses and Bridges Arches and Domes Fluids Phases of Matter Density and Specific Gravity Pressure in Fluids Atmospheric Pressure and Gauge Pressure Pascal's Principle Measurement of Pressure; Gauges and the Barometer Buoyancy and Archimedes' Principle Fluids in Motion; Flow Rate and the Equation of Continuity Bernoulli's Equation Applications of Bernoulli's Principle: Torricelli, Airplanes, Baseballs,Blood Flow Viscosity *Flow in Tubes: Poiseuille's Equation, Blood Flow *Surface Tension and Capillarity *Pumps, and the Heart Oscillations Oscillations of a Spring Simple Harmonic Motion Energy in the Simple Harmonic Oscillator Simple Harmonic Motion Related to Uniform Circular Motion The Simple Pendulum *The Physical Pendulum and the Torsion Pendulum Damped Harmonic Motion Forced Oscillations; Resonance Wave Motion Characteristics of Wave Motion Types of Waves: Transverse and Longitudinal Energy Transported by Waves Mathematical Representation of a Traveling Wave *The Wave Equation The Principle of Superposition Reflection and Transmission Interference Standing Waves; Resonance Refraction Diffraction Sound Characteristics of Sound Mathematical Representation of Longitudinal Waves Intensity of Sound: Decibels Sources of Sound: Vibrating Strings and Air Columns *Quality of Sound, and Noise; Superposition Interference of Sound Waves; Beats Doppler Effect *Shock Waves and the Sonic Boom *Applications: Sonar, Ultrasound, and Medical Imaging Temperature, Thermal Expansion, and the Ideal Gas Law Atomic Theory of Matter Temperature and Thermometers Thermal Equilibrium and the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics Thermal Expansion *Thermal Stresses The Gas Laws and Absolute Temperature The Ideal Gas Law Problem Solving with the Ideal Gas Law Ideal Gas Law in Terms of Molecules: Avogadro's Number *Ideal Gas Temperature Scale—a Standard Kinetic Theory of Gases The Ideal Gas Law and the Molecular Interpretation of Temperature Distribution of Molecular Speeds Real Gases and Changes of Phase Vapor Pressure and Humidity Temperature of Water Decrease with Altitude Van der Waals Equation of State Mean Free Path Diffusion Heat and the First Law of Thermodynamics Heat as Energy Transfer Internal Energy Specific Heat Calorimetry— Solving Problems Latent Heat The First Law of Thermodynamics Thermodynamic Processes and the First Law Molar Specific Heats for Gases, and the Equipartition of Energy Adiabatic Expansion of a Gas Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, Radiation Second Law of Thermodynamics The Second Law of Thermodynamics— Introduction Heat Engines The Carnot Engine; Reversible and Irreversible Processes Refrigerators, Air Conditioners, and Heat Pumps Entropy Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics Order to Disorder Unavailability of Energy; Heat Death Statistical Interpretation of Entropy and the Second Law Thermodynamic Temperature; Third Law of Thermodynamics *Thermal Pollution, Global Warming, and Energy Resources Electric Charge and Electric Field Static Electricity; Electric Charge and Its Conservation Electric Charge in the Atom Insulators and Conductors Induced Charge; the Electroscope Coulomb's Law The Electric Field Electric Field Calculations for Continuous Charge Distributions Field Lines Electric Fields and Conductors Motion of a Charged Particle in an Electric Field Electric Dipoles *Electric Forces in Molecular Biology: DNA Structure and Replication Gauss's Law Electric Flux Gauss's Law Applications of Gauss's Law *Experimental Basis of Gauss's and Coulomb's Laws Electric Potential Electric Potential Energy and Potential Difference Relation between Electric Potential and Electric Field Electric Potential Due to Point Charges Potential Due to Any Charge Distribution Equipotential Lines and Surfaces Potential Due to Electric Dipole; Dipole Moment E→Determined from V Electrostatic Potential Energy; the Electron Volt Digital; Binary Numbers; Signal Voltage TV and Computer Monitors Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) Capacitance, Dielectrics, Electric Energy Storage Capacitors Determination of Capacitance Capacitors in Series and Parallel Storage of Electric Energy Dielectrics *Molecular Description of Dielectrics Electric Current and Resistance The Electric Battery Electric Current Ohm's Law: Resistance and Resistors Resistivity Electric Power Power in Household Circuits Alternating Current Microscopic View of Electric Current *Superconductivity *Electrical Conduction in the Human Nervous System DC Circuits EMF and Terminal Voltage Resistors in Series and in Parallel Kirchhoff's Rules EMFs in Series and in Parallel; Charging a Battery RC Circuits — Resistor and Capacitor in Series Electric Hazards and Safety Ammeters and Voltmeters— Measurement Affects Quantity Measured Magnetism Magnets and Magnetic Fields Electric Currents Produce Magnetic Fields Force on an Electric Current in a Magnetic Field; Definition of B→ Force on an Electric Charge Moving in a Magnetic Field Torque on a Current Loop; Magnetic Dipole Moment Applications: Motors, Loudspeakers, Galvanometers Discovery and Properties of the Electron The Hall Effect Mass Spectrometer Sources of Magnetic Field Magnetic Field Due to a Straight Wire Force between Two Parallel Wires Definitions of the Ampere and the Coulomb Ampère's Law Magnetic Field of a Solenoid and a Toroid Biot-Savart Law Magnetic Field Due to a Single Moving Charge Magnetic Materials—Ferromagnetism Electromagnets and Solenoids—Applications Magnetic Fields in Magnetic Materials; Hysteresis *Paramagnetism and Diamagnetism Electromagnetic Induction and Faraday's Law Induced EMF Faraday's Law of Induction; Lenz's Law EMF Induced in a Moving Conductor Electric Generators Back EMF and Counter Torque; Eddy Currents Transformers and Transmission of Power A Changing Magnetic Flux Produces an Electric Field *Information Storage: Magnetic and Semiconductor *Applications of Induction: Microphone, Seismograph, GFCI Inductance, Electromagnetic Oscillations, and AC Circuits Mutual Inductance Self-Inductance; Inductors Energy Stored in a Magnetic Field LR Circuits LC Circuits and Electromagnetic Oscillations LC Oscillations with Resistance (LRC Circuit) AC Circuits and Reactance LRC Series AC Circuit; Phasor Diagrams Resonance in AC Circuits Impedance Matching *Three-Phase AC Maxwell's Equations and Electromagnetic Waves Changing Electric Fields Produce Magnetic Fields; Displacement Current Gauss's Law for Magnetism Maxwell's Equations Production of Electromagnetic Waves Electromagnetic Waves, and Their Speed, Derived from Maxwell's Equations Light as an Electromagnetic Wave and the Electromagnetic Spectrum Measuring the Speed of Light Energy in EM Waves; the Poynting Vector Radiation Pressure Radio and Television; Wireless Communication Light: Reflection and Refraction The Ray Model of Light Reflection; Image Formation by a Plane Mirror Formation of Images by Spherical Mirrors Seeing Yourself in a Magnifying Mirror (Concave) Convex (Rearview) Mirrors Index of Refraction Refraction: Snell's Law The Visible Spectrum and Dispersion Total Internal Reflection; Fiber Optics *Refraction at a Spherical Surface Lenses and Optical Instruments Thin Lenses; Ray Tracing and Focal Length The Thin Lens Equation Combinations of Lenses Lensmaker's Equation Cameras: Film and Digital The Human Eye; Corrective Lenses Magnifying Glass Compound Microscope Aberrations of Lenses and Mirrors The Wave Nature of Light: Interference and Polarization Waves vs. Particles; Huygens' Principle and Diffraction Huygens' Principle and the Law of Refraction Interference-- Young's Double-Slit Experiment Intensity in the Double-Slit Interference Pattern Interference in Thin Films Michelson Interferometer Polarization *Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) *Scattering of Light by the Atmosphere Lumens, Luminous Flux, and Luminous Intensity Efficiency of Lightbulbs Diffraction Diffraction by a Single Slit or Disk Intensity in Single-Slit Diffraction Pattern Diffraction in the Double-Slit Experiment Interference vs. Diffraction Limits of Resolution; Circular Apertures Resolution of Telescopes and Microscopes; the λ Limit Resolution of the Human Eye and Useful Magnification Diffraction Grating The Spectrometer and Spectroscopy *Peak Widths and Resolving Power for a Diffraction Grating X-Rays and X-Ray Diffraction *X-Ray Imaging and Computed Tomography (CT Scan) *Specialty Microscopes and Contrast The Special Theory of Relativity Galilean–Newtonian Relativity The Michelson–Morley Experiment Postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity Simultaneity Time Dilation and the Twin Paradox Length Contraction Four-Dimensional Space-Time Galilean and Lorentz Transformations Relativistic Momentum The Ultimate Speed E = mc²; Mass and Energy Doppler Shift for Light The Impact of Special Relativity Early Quantum Theory and Models of the Atom Blackbody Radiation; Planck's Quantum Hypothesis Photon Theory of Light and the Photoelectric Effect Energy, Mass, and Momentum of a Photon Compton Effect Photon Interactions; Pair Production Wave-Particle Duality; the Principle of Complementarity Wave Nature of Matter Electron Microscopes Early Models of the Atom Atomic Spectra: Key to the Structure of the Atom The Bohr Model de Broglie's Hypothesis Applied to Atoms Quantum Mechanics Quantum Mechanics—A New Theory The Wave Function and Its Interpretation; the Double-Slit Experiment The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Philosophic Implications; Probability Versus Determinism The Schrödinger Equation in One Dimension-- Time-Independent Form *Time-Dependent Schrödinger Equation Free Particles; Plane Waves and Wave Packets Particle in an Infinitely Deep Square Well Potential (a Rigid Box) Finite Potential Well Tunneling through a Barrier Quantum Mechanics of Atoms Quantum-Mechanical View of Atoms Hydrogen Atom: Schrödinger Equation and Quantum Numbers Hydrogen Atom Wave Functions Multielectron Atoms; the Exclusion Principle Periodic Table of Elements X-Ray Spectra and Atomic Number *Magnetic Dipole Moment; Total Angular Momentum Fluorescence and Phosphorescence Lasers *Holography Molecules and Solids Bonding in Molecules Potential-Energy Diagrams for Molecules Weak (van der Waals) Bonds Molecular Spectra Bonding in Solids Free-Electron Theory of Metals; Fermi Energy Band Theory of Solids Semiconductors and Doping Semiconductor Diodes, LEDs, OLEDs Transistors: Bipolar and MOSFETs Integrated Circuits, 14-nm Technology Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity Structure and Properties of the Nucleus Binding Energy and Nuclear Forces Radioactivity Alpha Decay Beta Decay Gamma Decay Conservation of Nucleon Number and Other Conservation Laws Half-Life and Rate of Decay Decay Series Radioactive Dating Detection of Particles Nuclear Energy; Effects and Uses of Radiation Nuclear Reactions and the Transmutation of Elements Cross Section Nuclear Fission; Nuclear Reactors Nuclear Fusion Passage of Radiation Through Matter; Biological Damage Measurement of Radiation Dosimetry *Radiation Therapy *Tracers in Research and Medicine *Emission Tomography: PET and SPECT *Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR); Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Elementary Particles High-Energy Particles and Accelerators Beginnings of Elementary Particle Physics—Particle Exchange Particles and Antiparticles Particle Interactions and Conservation Laws Neutrinos Particle Classification Particle Stability and Resonances Strangeness? Charm? Towards a New Model Quarks The Standard Model: QCD and Electroweak Theory Grand Unified Theories Strings and Supersymmetry Astrophysics and Cosmology Stars and Galaxies Stellar Evolution: Birth and Death of Stars, Nucleosynthesis Distance Measurements General Relativity: Gravity and the Curvature of Space The Expanding Universe: Redshift and Hubble's Law The Big Bang and the Cosmic Microwave Background The Standard Cosmological Model: Early History of the Universe Inflation: Explaining Flatness, Uniformity, and Structure Dark Matter and Dark Energy Large-Scale Structure of the Universe Gravitational Waves—LIGO Finally . . . Appendices A. Mathematical Formulas B. Derivatives and Integrals C. Numerical Integration D. More on Dimensional Analysis E. Gravitational Force Due to a Spherical Mass Distribution F. Differential Form of Maxwell's Equations G. Selected Isotopes

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Book SynopsisExam Board: AQALevel & Subject: AS PhysicsFirst teaching: September 2015Next exams: June 2023 AQA approved

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Book SynopsisNew and updated resources tailored to the 2015 Advancing Physics specification in partnership with OCR. With new accessible format and features throughout, this Student Book retains the ethos of Advancing Physics while providing full support for the new linear qualification.

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Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, InspiringPhilosophy of physics is concerned with the deepest theories of modern physics - notably quantum theory, our theories of space, time and symmetry, and thermal physics - and their strange, even bizarre conceptual implications. A deeper understanding of these theories helps both physics, through pointing the way to new theories and new applications, and philosophy, through seeing how our worldview has to change in the light of what we learn from physics.This Very Short Introduction explores the core topics in philosophy of physics through three key themes. The first - the nature of space, time, and motion - begins by considering the philosophical puzzles that led Isaac Newton to propose the existence of absolute space, and then discusses how those puzzles change - but do not disappear - in the context of the revolutions in our understanding of space and time that came first from special, and then from general, relativity. The second - the emergence of irreversible behavior in statistical mechanics - considers how the microscopic laws of physics, which know of no distinction between past and future, can be compatible with the melting of ice, the cooling of coffee, the passing of youth, and all the other ways in which the large-scale world distinguishes past from future. The last section discusses quantum theory - the foundation of most of modern physics, yet mysterious to this day. It explains just why quantum theory is so difficult to make sense of, how we might nonetheless attempt to do it, and why the question has been highly relevant to the development of physics, and continues to be so.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: The methods and fruits of science 2: Motion and intertia 3: Relativity and its philosophy 4: Reduction and irreversibility 5: Mysteries of the quantum 6: Interpreting the quantum Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisHow does the physics we know today - a highly professionalised enterprise, inextricably linked to government and industry - link back to its origins as a liberal art in Ancient Greece? What is the path that leads from the old philosophy of nature and its concern with humankind''s place in the universe to modern massive international projects that hunt down fundamental particles and industrial laboratories that manufacture marvels? This Very Short Introduction introduces us to Islamic astronomers and mathematicians calculating the size of the earth whilst their caliphs conquered much of it; to medieval scholar-theologians investigating light; to Galileo, Copernicus, Kepler, and Newton, measuring, and trying to explain, the universe. We visit the ''House of Wisdom'' in 9th-century Baghdad; Europe''s first universities; the courts of the Renaissance; the Scientific Revolution and the academies of the 18th century; and the increasingly specialised world of 20th and 21st century science. Highlighting the shifting relationship between physics, philosophy, mathematics, and technology - and the implications for humankind''s self-understanding - Heilbron explores the changing place and purpose of physics in the cultures and societies that have nurtured it over the centuries. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewA comprehensive treatment of the history of physics in the West * David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer *Pick up a copy to get to grips with the 2500-year history of physics. * Tushna Commissariat, Physics World *Elegantly written and entertaining. * Daan Wegener, Isis Review *This book is essential reading. Insightful ... never boring. * Frost Magazine *delightful... Heilbron leaves us rooted in lived reality * Nature, Robert P. Crease *manages to pack an awful lot into that very short space ... interesting and informative for non-scientists * A Hermit's Progress *The book is effectively a short history of ideas that moves around the cultures of Europe depending on time and place, so there is a fascinating chapter on Islamic contributions. * Network Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: Invention and Diversity in Greece and Rome 2: Selection and Development in Islam 3: Domestication in the West 4: A Second Creation 5: Classical Physics and its Cure 6: From Old World to New 7: By Way of Conclusion References and Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisA writer, broadcaster, and photographer, Editorial Consultant Adam Hart-Davis is a popular and respected explainer of science and engineering. He presented the BBC series What the Romans Did For Us, followed by further programmes on the Victorians, Tudors and Stuarts, and Ancients. He also co-presented Tomorrow's World, Science Shack, The Cosmos: A Beginner's Guide, and Just Another Day, about the science and technology of everyday life. He is the author of more than 35 books on science, invention, and history.

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Book SynopsisRichard Feynman was the most brilliant and influential physicist of our time. Architect of quantum theories, enfant terrible of the atomic bomb project, caustic inquisitor on the space shuttle commission, ebulent bongo-player and storyteller - Feynman played a bewildering assortment of roles in the science of the post-war era.A brilliant interweaving of Richard Feynman''s colourful life and a detailed and accessible account of his theories and experiments.Trade Reviewthe book is a moving, beautifully written literate and perceptive account of Feynman's life. NATURE I came away from Genius feeling that I knew a lot more about Feynman and his play in 20th century science. SUNDAY TIMES Gleick's narrative, consistently measured and elegant is a formidable work of scientific biography. NEW STATESMEN thoughtful and fascinating. THE LITERARY REVIEW

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Book SynopsisPlease note this book is suitable for any student studying:Exam board: OCRLevel: A LevelSubject: Physics AFirst teaching: 2015; first exams: 2017Oxford Revise is a fresh, evidence-based approach to studying; created by the teacher-trusted Oxford Science author team and informed by the latest research into the best ways to make learning stick, it organises content in the most effective way for successful learning, ideal for independent study throughout the school year and in the lead-up to exams. Based on principles of cognitive science, the simple three-step Knowledge, Retrieval, and Practice approach helps students to organise information and commit it to long-term memory, improve retention and recall, and apply knowledge successfully with extensive exam-style practice. It''s everything students need to study effectively and fully prepare for their exams, in one convenient book. Each paperback purchased includes free access to an ebook version of the title. Details on how to access it

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Book SynopsisCovering AS1, AS2 and AS3 of the Physics AS specification from CCEA, this book provides a bank of 276 original practice questions with answers. They are not past paper questions and have all been subject to a detailed quality assurance process by an independent Physics expert. Useful for homework, setting as classwork or for pupil exam practice. Includes a set of questions on practical techniques and data analysis. Detailed answers include an indication of the process used to obtain the solution. Contents Unit AS 1: Forces, Energy and Electricity 1.1 Physical Quantities 1.2 Scalars and Vectors 1.3 Principle of Moments 1.4 Linear Motion 1.5 Dynamics 1.6 Newton’s Laws of Motion 1.7 Linear Momentum and Impulse 1.8 Work Done, Potential and Kinetic Energy 1.9 Electric Current, Charge, Potential Difference and Electromotive Force 1.10 Resistance and Resistivity 1.11 Internal Resistance and Electromotive Force 1.12 Potential Divider Circuits Unit AS 2: Waves, Photons and Astronomy 2.1 Waves 2.2 Refraction 2.3 Part 1, Lenses 2.3 Part 2, Defects of vision 2.4 Part 1, Superposition 2.4 Part 2, Interference 2.4 Part 3, Diffraction 2.5 Quantum Physics 2.6 Wave–Particle Duality 2.7 Astronomy Unit AS 3: Practical Techniques and Data Analysis AnswersTable of ContentsQuestions cover the following topics: 1.1 Physical Quantities, 1.2 Scalars and Vectors, 1.3 Principle of Moments, 1.4 Linear Motion, 1.5 Dynamics, 1.6 Newton's Laws of Motion, 1.7 Linear Momentum and Impulse, 1.8 Work Done, Potential & Kinetic Energy, 1.9 Electric Current & Charge, Potential Difference and Electromotive Forces, 1.10 Resistance and Resistivity, 1.11 Internal Resistance & Electromotive Force, 1.12 Potential Dividers, 2.1 Waves, 2.2 Refraction, 2.3 Lenses & Defects of Vision, 2.4 Superposition, Interference & Diffraction, 2.5 Quantum Physics, 2.6 Wave-particle Duality, 2.7 Astronomy, 3 Practical Techniques & Data Analysis

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Book SynopsisThis revision guide has been written to address the content of Units A2 1 and A2 2 of the Physics specification for CCEA. It is designed to support the textbook, Physics for CCEA A2 Level 2nd Edition, by providing students with a consistent approach to the subject throughout the course and as they prepare for their examinations. The chapters follow the outline of the CCEA specification, providing a summary of the key learning points, exercises and examination-style questions, with answers included. The book has been subject to a quality assurance check by an independent Physics expert. Contents Unit 4 (A2 1): Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics – 4.1 Deformation of Solids 4.2 Thermal Physics 4.3 Uniform Circular Motion 4.4 Simple Harmonic Motion 4.5 The Nucleus 4.6 Nuclear Decay 4.7 Nuclear Energy 4.8 Nuclear Fission and Fusion Unit 5 (A2 2): Fields and their Applications – 5.1 Force Fields 5.2 Gravitational Fields 5.3 Electric Fields 5.4 Capacitors 5.5 Magnetic Fields 5.6 Deflection of Charged Particles in Electric and Magnetic Fields 5.7 Particle Accelerators 5.8 Fundamental ParticlesTable of ContentsContents: Unit 4 (A2 1): Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics 4.1 Deformation of Solids 4.2 Thermal Physics 4.3 Uniform Circular Motion 4.4 Simple Harmonic Motion 4.5 The Nucleus 4.6 Nuclear Decay 4.7 Nuclear Energy 4.8 Nuclear Fission and Fusion Unit 5 (A2 2): Fields and their Applications 5.1 Force Fields 5.2 Gravitational Fields 5.3 Electric Fields 5.4 Capacitors 5.5 Magnetic Fields 5.6 Deflection of Charged Particles in Electric and Magnetic Fields 5.7 Particle Accelerators 5.8 Fundamental Particles Answers

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Book SynopsisThis CGP Complete Revision & Practice Guide is ideal for reference throughout both years of OCR A A-Level Physics and preparing for those tough final exams. It has straightforward study notes, helpful examples and full-colour diagrams. We've included plenty of exam practice with practice questions and exam-style questions (with detailed answers) - plus sections of mixed (synoptic) practice testing different parts of the course. To round things off there's a section of in-depth advice on Practical Skills. There's even a free Online Edition of the whole book - just use the code printed inside the book to access it on your PC, Mac or tablet. For even more practice don't miss CGP's A-Level Physics Exam Practice Workbook (9781782949251).

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Book SynopsisA thought-provoking book by a free thinker which encourages us to recognise the historic misconception of gravity.

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Book SynopsisTwenty years after Stephen Hawking's 9-million-copy selling A Brief History of Time, pioneering theoretical physicist Sean Carroll takes our investigation into the nature of time to the next level. You can't unscramble an egg and you can't remember the future. But what if time doesn't (or didn't!) always go in the same direction? Carroll's paradigm-shifting research suggests that other universes experience time running in the opposite direction to our own. Exploring subjects from entropy and quantum mechanics to time travel and the meaning of life, Carroll presents a dazzling new view of how we came to exist.Trade Review'Forget Stephen Hawking's Brief History: this mind-blowing book is the real deal... Fascinating.' * Times Higher Education, Book of the Week *'Carroll's insight will intrigue anyone... Most enjoyable.' * BBC Focus *

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Book SynopsisExam board: AQALevel & Subject: GCSE PhysicsFirst teaching: September 2016 Next exams: June 2023To support students in their completion of the required practicals on their GCSE Science (9-1) course, the Collins AQA lab book is the only resource that they need.This lab book will: provide students with all the information they need to perform their required practicals; including the method, apparatus needed, common mistakes and safety tips be the one place to record the outcomes of practicals, providing and easy reference for revision challenge students with extra questions designed to improve analysis, evaluation and maths skills prepare students for their examinations, with exam-style questions directly linked to the required practicals and apparatus use.

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Book SynopsisPaul G. Hewitt Becoming a physics instructor and textbook authordidn't seem a likely outcome of my earlier years. I grew up in Saugus (nearBoston), Massachusetts. In my high school years, an influential counselorconvinced me that I wouldn't have to take academic courses due to my talent forart. My passions at the time were drawing comic strips, rink roller-skating,and especially boxing, which helped repel school bullies. At age 17, I won thesilver medal of the New England Amateur Athletic Union in the 112-pound class.Shortly after that, I delivered newspapers, painted signs, and learnedsilk-screen printing in Boston, where I met life-long friend Ernie Brown, whoinfluenced me to spend two winters with him in Miami, Florida. I dedicated theeleventh edition of Conceptual Physics to Ernie. In 1953, during the Koreanconflict, I was abruptly drafted into the Army. I was fortunate, however, thatthe war ended on my last day of basic training at Camp Carson iTable of ContentsAbout Science Part One: MECHANICS Newton's First Law of Motion: Inertia Linear Motion Newton's Second Law of Motion Newton's Third Law of Motion Momentum Energy Rotational Motion Gravity Projectile and Satellite Motion Part Two: PROPERTIES OF MATTER The Atomic Nature of Matter Solids Liquids Gases Part Three: HEAT Temperature, Heat, and Expansion Heat Transfer Change of Phase Thermodynamics Part Four: SOUND Vibrations and Waves Sound Musical Sounds Part Five: ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM Electrostatics Electric Current Magnetism Electromagnetic Induction Part Six: LIGHT Properties of Light Color Reflection and Refraction Light Waves Light Emission Light Quanta Part Seven: ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS The Atom and the Quantum Atomic Nucleus and Radioactivity Nuclear Fission and Fusion Part Eight: RELATIVITY Special Theory of Relativity General Theory of Relativity Author Profile Appendices A. On Measurement and Unit Conversions B. More About Motion C. Graphing D. Vector Applications E. Exponential Growth and Doubling Time Odd-Numbered Answers Glossary Credits Index

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Book SynopsisCombining simple, stylish graphics with easy-to-understand text, Simply Physics is the perfect introduction to the subject for those who are short of time but hungry for knowledge. Compact and clear, this book covers the core concepts of physics in a refreshing and highly accessible way from gravitational fields and momentum to general relativity and the mysteries of quantum uncertainty. Using simple diagrams and directly worded explanations, each pared-back entry explains concepts more clearly and concisely than ever before. Whether you are studying physics at school or college, or simply want a jargon-free insight into what physics is all about, this essential guide gives you shortcuts and beelines to knowledge that will make you cry, At last! I understand!

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Book SynopsisThe Trouble with Physics is a groundbreaking account of the state of modern physics: of how we got from Einstein and Relativity through quantum mechanics to the strange and bizarre predictions of string theory, full of unseen dimensions and multiple universes.Lee Smolin not only provides a brilliant layman''s overview of current research as we attempt to build a ''theory of everything'', but also questions many of the assumptions that lie behind string theory. In doing so, he describes some of the daring, outlandish ideas that will propel research in years to come.

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Book SynopsisPlease note this title is suitable for any student studying: Exam Board: OCR Level: A Level Subject: PhysicsFirst teaching: September 2015First exams: June 2017Written by curriculum and specification experts in partnership with OCR, this Student Book supports and extends students through the new course while delivering the breadth, depth, and skills needed to succeed in the new AS and beyond. It develops true subject knowledge while also developing essential exam skills. This Student Book covers the second year of content required for the new OCR Physics A specification.

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Book SynopsisThis bestselling dictionary contains more than 9,500 entries on all aspects of chemistry, physics, biology (including human biology), earth sciences, computer science, and astronomy. This fully revised edition includes hundreds of new entries, such as bone morphogenetic protein, Convention on Biological Diversity, genome editing, Ice Cube experiment, multi-core processor, PhyloCode, quarkonium, and World Wide Telescope, bringing it fully up to date in areas such as nanotechnology, quantum physics, molecular biology, genomics, and the science of climate change. Supported by more than 200 diagrams and illustrations the dictionary features recommended web links for many entries, accessed and kept up-to-date via the Dictionary of Science companion website.Other features include short biographies of leading scientists, full page illustrated features on subjects such as the Solar System and Genetically Modified Organisms, and chronologies of specific scientific subjects including plastics, electronics, and cell biology.With concise entries on an extensive list of topics, this dictionary is both an ideal reference work for students and a great introduction for non-scientists.Trade ReviewWith its low cost, the excellent coverage of topics, and generally accessible scholastic tone adopted, this reviewer has no reservations in recommending A Dictionary of Science for acquisition by school, college or university libraries. * Gareth J. Johnson, Reference Reviews *Review from previous edition The book will appeal not just to scientists and science students but also to the interested lay person. And it passes the most difficult test of any dictionary - it is well worth browsing. * New Scientist *All entries are clear and brief, written in no-nonsense prose...A handy reference work. * TES *Handy and readable...for scientists aged nine to ninety * Nature *Oxford Dictionary of Science does a sound job of covering the science bases. * Jonathan Cowie, Concatenation *Table of ContentsPREFACE; CREDITS; DICTIONARY; APPENDICES

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Book SynopsisPhysics, the fundamental science of matter and energy, encompasses all levels of nature from the subatomic to the cosmic, and underlies much of the technology around us. Understanding the physics of our universe is an essential aspect of humanity''s quest to understand our environment and our place within it. Doing physics enables us to explore the interaction between environment and human society, and can help us to work towards the future sustainability of the planet.This Very Short Introduction provides an overview of how this pervasive science came to be and how it works: who funds it, how physicists are trained and how they think, and how physics supports the technology we all use. Sidney Perkowitz presents the theories and outcomes of pure and applied physics from ideas of the Greek natural philosophers to modern quantum mechanics, cosmology, digital electronics and energy production. Considering its most consequential experiments, including recent results in elementary particles, gravitational waves and materials science, he also discusses outside the lab, the effects of physics on society, culture, and humanity''s vision of its place in the universe. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewFrom quarks to kitchen refrigerators, Sidney Perkowitz leads us on an illuminating romp through physics. In clear language, he shows us how the simple curiosity of people about how the world works has led us to understandings that can be sharedof what's inside the earth to black holes light years away. Its physics! * Professor Roald Hoffmann, Nobel Prize laureate for Chemistry *Table of Contents1: It all began with the Greeks 2: What physics covers and what it doesn't 3: How physics works 4: Physics applied and extended 5: A force in society 6: Future physics: unanswered questions Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisThis Very Short Introduction uses Newton''s own unpublished writings to provide fascinating insight into the man who kept the Royal Society under his thumb, was Head of the Mint, and whose contributions to our understanding of the heavens and the earth are considered by many to be unparalleled. The author begins with the legends surrounding Newton before next exploring the forces that shaped his life, introducing, along the way, many of the key thinkers and politicians of the time. Although Newton''s science was largely revered (his reputation reached near-immortal status with the publication of the Principia), theologically, his beliefs were very controversial. He was a fanatical Protestant, and claimed that tribes like the Goths, Vandals, and Huns had tried to save the planet from the corruption of the Catholics. He was also convinced that he was specially chosen by God to protect the original, pure form of Christianity, and viewed any criticisms directed at him as a form of persecution. Resisting the urge to show how Newton''s views on alchemy, mathematics, physics, and religion complemented one another, the author instead emphasises that these were the very different obsessions of an extremely complex man whose beliefs at the time dominated England''s political, religious, and intellectual landscape. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewSlim yet informative...The style is elegant and he steers through the shoals of Newton's difficult personality - he made enemies everywhere he went - and the more controversial aspects of his career - the alchemy and heresy - with an assured hand. * Joe Cushley, What's On In London *Table of Contents1. A National Man ; 2. Playing philosophically ; 3. The Marvellous years ; 4. The censorious multitude ; 5. A true hermetic philosopher ; 6. One of God's choen few ; 7. The Divine Book ; 8. In the city ; 9. Lord and Master of all ; 10. Centaurs and other animals

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Book SynopsisContents 1. A A country boy 2. A Pins and string 3. A Philosophy 4. A Learning to juggle 5. A Blue and yellow make pink 6. A Saturn and statistics 7. A Cast of characters 8. A Spinning cells 9. A The beautiful equations 10. A The Laird at home 11. A The Cavendish 12. A Last days 13. A Maxwella s legacy 14.Trade Review"This is a wonderful, short biography that gives a vivid account of James Clerk Maxwell's life and work." (Materials Today, June 2004) "...an absorbing account of Maxwell's life and work" (Sunday Telegraph Review, 19th September 2004) "...provides the reader with the opportunity to understand Maxwell's contributions to modern science and technology." (The Mathematical Gazette, March 2005) "...a fascinating book about an inspiring man..." (Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, Vol.36, No.3, March 2005)Table of ContentsPreface. Acknowledgements. Chronology: principal events in Maxwell’s life. Cast of characters: Maxwell’s relations and close friends. Introduction. 1. A country boy: Glenlair 1831-1841. 2. Pins and string: Edinburgh Academy 1841-1847. 3. Philosophy: Edinburgh University 1847-1850 4. Learning to juggle: Cambridge 1850-1854. 5. Blue and yellow make pink: Cambridge 1854-1856. 6. Saturn and statistics: Aberdeen 1856-1860. 7. Spinning cells: London 1860-1862. 8. The beautiful equations: London 1862-1865. 9. The Laird at home: Glenlair 1865-1870. 10. The Cavendish: Cambridge 1870-1879. 11. Last days. 12. Maxwell’s legacy. Notes. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisDistinguished physicist examines emotive significance of time, time order of mechanics, time direction of thermodynamics and microstatistics, time direction of macrostatistics, time of quantum physics, more. 1971 edition.

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Book SynopsisIn addition to his ground-breaking research, Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg is known for a series of highly praised texts on various aspects of physics, combining exceptional physical insight with his gift for clear exposition. Describing the foundations of modern physics in their historical context and with some new derivations, Weinberg introduces topics ranging from early applications of atomic theory through thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, transport theory, special relativity, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and quantum field theory. This volume provides the basis for advanced undergraduate and graduate physics courses as well as being a handy introduction to aspects of modern physics for working scientists.Trade Review'By using the notion of fundamental constituents as the guiding historical and theoretical principle, Weinberg manages to lay the foundations of diverse disciplines (hydrodynamics, statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, thermodynamics, special relativity, quantum mechanics and even field theory) in less than 300 pages.' CERN Courier, Opinion Reviews'Whereas many textbooks forgo historical notes, Weinberg delights the reader by adding terse yet apt context to the physical concepts he introduces … It is as if he is imagining what students might be puzzled by and then solves those problems … everyone will want to have Foundations of Modern Physics on their bookshelf. There is always something new to be found in it, and - similar to having a conversation about physics with Weinberg - there is never a dull moment when reading it.' Melissa Franklin, Physics TodayTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Early atomic theory; 2. Thermodynamics and kinetic theory; 3. Early quantum theory; 4. Relativity; 5. Quantum mechanics; 6. Nuclear physics; 7. Quantum field theory: assorted problems; Bibliography; Author index; Subject index.

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 2 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 3 Beyond the Book 3 Where to Go from Here 4 Part 1: Getting Started with Astronomy 5 Chapter 1: Seeing the Light: The Art and Science of Astronomy 7 Astronomy: The Science of Observation 8 What You See: The Language of Light 10 They wondered as they wandered: Understanding planets versus stars 10 If you see a Great Bear, start worrying: Naming stars and constellations 12 The smaller, the brighter: Getting to the root of magnitudes 19 What do I spy? Spotting the Messier Catalog and other sky objects 20 Looking back on light-years 22 Keep on moving: Figuring the positions of the stars 23 Gravity: A Force to Be Reckoned With 26 Space: A Commotion of Motion 27 Chapter 2: Join the Crowd: Skywatching Activities and Resources 29 You’re Not Alone: Astronomy Clubs, Websites, Smartphone Apps, and More 30 Joining an astronomy club for star-studded company 30 Checking websites, magazines, software, and apps 31 Visiting Observatories and Planetariums 35 Ogling the observatories 35 Popping in on planetariums 39 Vacationing with the Stars: Star Parties, Eclipse Trips, Dark Sky Parks, and More 39 Party on! Attending star parties 40 Getting festive at an astro fest 42 Tapping into Astronomy on Tap 42 To the path of totality: Taking eclipse cruises and tours 42 Motoring to telescope motels 44 Chapter 3: Terrific Tools for Observing the Skies 47 Seeing Stars: A Sky Geography Primer 48 As Earth turns 48 keep an eye on the North Star 51 Beginning with Naked-Eye Observations 53 Using Binoculars or a Telescope for a Better View 56 Binoculars: Sweeping the night sky 56 Telescopes: When closeness counts 60 Planning Your First Steps into Astronomy 70 Chapter 4: Just Passing Through: Meteors, Comets, and Artificial Satellites 73 Meteors: Wishing on a Shooting Star 74 Spotting sporadic meteors, fireballs, and bolides 75 Watching meteor showers: No umbrella needed 77 Comets: Dirty Ice Balls or Icy Dirt Balls? 81 Making heads and tails of a comet’s structure 82 Waiting for the “comets of the century” 86 Hunting for the next great comet 87 Artificial Satellites: Enduring a Love–Hate Relationship 90 Skywatching for artificial satellites 91 Finding satellite viewing predictions 92 UFOs: Could some be aliens? 94 Part 2: Going Once Around the Solar System 95 Chapter 5: A Matched Pair: Earth and Its Moon 97 Putting Earth under the Astronomical Microscope 98 One of a kind: Earth’s unique characteristics 98 Spheres of influence: Earth’s distinct regions 100 Examining Earth’s Time, Seasons, and Age 102 Orbiting for all time 102 Tilting toward the seasons 104 Estimating Earth’s age 106 Making Sense of the Moon 107 Get ready to howl: Identifying phases of the Moon 108 In the shadows: Watching lunar eclipses 110 Cultivating an interest in the occult(ations) 112 Hard rock: Surveying lunar geology 113 Quite an impact: Considering a theory about the Moon’s origin 119 Chapter 6: Earth’s Near Neighbors: Mercury, Venus, and Mars 121 Mercury: Weird, Hot, and Mostly Metal 122 Dry, Acidic, and Hilly: Piercing the Veil of Venus 123 Dropping the ball: Probing Venus with DAVINCI+ and EnVision 125 Something in the air: Life in Venus’s clouds? 125 Red, Cold, and Barren: Uncovering the Mysteries of Mars 125 Where have almost all the air and water gone? (Long time passing) 126 Does Mars support life? 128 Differentiating Earth through Comparative Planetology 131 Observing the Terrestrial Planets with Ease 132 Understanding elongation, opposition, and conjunction 133 Viewing Venus and its phases 135 Watching Mars as it loops around 137 Outdoing Copernicus by observing Mercury 139 Chapter 7: Rock On: The Asteroid Belt and Near-Earth Objects 141 Taking a Brief Tour of the Asteroid Belt 141 Getting the Dirt on (and off) Asteroids 145 Understanding the Threat That Near-Earth Objects Pose 146 When push comes to shove: Nudging an asteroid 148 Forewarned is forearmed: Surveying NEAs to protect Earth 149 Searching for Small Points of Light 150 Helping to track an occultation 151 Timing an asteroidal occultation 152 Chapter 8: Great Balls of Gas: Jupiter and Saturn 153 The Pressure’s On: Journeying Inside Jupiter and Saturn 153 Almost a Star: Gazing at Jupiter 154 Scanning for the Great Red Spot 156 Shooting for Galileo’s moons 157 Our Main Planetary Attraction: Setting Your Sights on Saturn 161 Ringing around the planet 162 Storm chasing across Saturn 164 Monitoring a moon of major proportions 164 Venting about geysers on Enceladus 166 Chapter 9: Far Out! Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Beyond 169 Breaking the Ice with Uranus and Neptune 169 Bull’s-eye! Tilted Uranus and its features 170 Against the grain: Neptune and its biggest moon 171 Meeting Pluto, the Amazing Dwarf Planet 173 Defining Pluto the geophysical way 174 Getting to the heart of Pluto 174 Looking at Pluto’s makeup 177 The moon chip doesn’t float far from the planet 177 Buckling Down to the Kuiper Belt 178 Viewing the Outer Planets 180 Sighting Uranus 180 Distinguishing Neptune from a star 180 Straining to see Pluto 181 Hunting New Planet Number Nine 182 Part 3: Starting with Old Sol: Meeting Stars And Galaxies 185 Chapter 10: The Sun: Star of Earth 187 Surveying the Sunscape 188 The Sun’s size and shape: A great bundle of gas 189 The Sun’s regions: Caught between the core and the corona 189 Solar activity: What’s going on out there? 192 Solar wind: Playing with magnets 196 Solar CSI: The mystery of the missing solar neutrinos 197 Four billion and counting: The life expectancy of the Sun 198 Don’t Make a Blinding Mistake: Safe Techniques for Solar Viewing 199 Viewing the Sun by projection 199 Viewing the Sun through front-end filters 204 Fun with the Sun: Solar Observation 206 Tracking sunspots 206 Experiencing solar eclipses 208 Surfing solar observatories 212 Chapter 11: Taking a Trip to the Stars 215 Life Cycles of the Hot and Massive 216 Young stellar objects: Taking baby steps 217 Main sequence stars: Enjoying a long adulthood 218 Red giants and supergiants: Big and bigger 219 Closing time: Coming up on the tail end of stellar evolution 220 Star Color, Brightness, and Mass 226 Spectral types: What color is my star? 227 Star light, star bright: Luminosity classifications 228 The brighter they burn, the bigger they swell: Mass determines class 229 Making sense of the H-R diagram 230 Eternal Partners: Binary and Multiple Stars 232 Binary stars and the Doppler effect 232 Two stars are binary, but three’s a crowd: Multiple stars 234 Change Is Good: Variable Stars 235 Go the distance: Pulsating stars 236 Explosive neighbors: Flare stars 238 Nice to nova: Exploding stars 238 Stellar hide-and-seek: Eclipsing binary stars 241 Hog the starlight: Microlensing events 242 Your Stellar Neighbors 242 How to Help Scientists by Observing the Stars 245 Chapter 12: Galaxies: The Milky Way and Beyond 247 Unwrapping the Milky Way 248 How and when did the Milky Way form? 249 What shape is the Milky Way? 249 Where can you find the Milky Way? 251 Star Clusters: Meeting Galactic Associates 252 A loose fit: Open clusters 253 A tight squeeze: Globular clusters 255 Fun while it lasted: OB associations 256 Taking a Shine to Nebulas 257 Picking out planetary nebulas 259 Breezing through supernova remnants 261 Enjoying Earth’s best nebular views 261 Getting a Grip on Galaxies 264 Surveying spiral, barred spiral, and lenticular galaxies 265 Examining elliptical galaxies 266 Looking at irregular, dwarf, and low surface brightness galaxies 267 Gawking at great galaxies 268 Discovering the Local Group of galaxies 271 Checking out clusters of galaxies 272 Sizing up superclusters, cosmic voids, and great walls 272 Chapter 13: Falling for Black Holes and Quasars 275 Black Holes: Keeping Your Distance 275 Looking over the black hole roster 276 Poking around the black hole interior 277 Surveying a black hole’s surroundings 280 Warping space and time 281 Detecting black hole collisions 283 Watching stars get swallowed by black holes 284 Quasars: Defying Definitions 285 Measuring the size of a quasar 286 Getting up to speed on jets 287 Exploring quasar spectra 287 Active Galactic Nuclei: Welcome to the Quasar Family 288 Sifting through different types of AGN 288 Examining the power behind AGN 290 Questioning what ORCs are 291 Part 4: Pondering the Remarkable Universe 293 Chapter 14: Planets of Other Suns: Is Anybody Out There? 295 Discovering Alien Worlds 296 Changing ideas on exoplanets 296 Finding exoplanets 298 Meeting the (exo)planets 302 Catching Proxima fever: Focusing on red dwarfs 305 Finding Earth-class planets orbiting TRAPPIST-1 307 Checking out planets for fun and science 308 Astrobiology: How’s Life on Other Worlds? 309 Extremophiles: Living the hard way 309 Seeking life in the solar system 310 Using Drake’s Equation to Discuss SETI 313 SETI Projects: Listening for E.T. 316 The flight of Project Phoenix 317 Space scanning with other SETI projects 318 Hot targets for SETI 320 SETI@home 321 Chapter 15: Delving into Dark Matter and Antimatter 323 Dark Matter: Understanding the Universal Glue 323 Gathering the evidence for dark matter 324 Debating the makeup of dark matter 328 Taking a Shot in the Dark: Searching for Dark Matter 329 Looking for WIMPs and other microscopic dark matter 329 MACHOs: Making a brighter image 331 Mapping dark matter with gravitational lensing 331 Dueling Antimatter: Proving That Opposites Attract 333 Chapter 16: The Big Bang and the Evolution of the Universe 335 Evidence for the Big Bang 336 Inflation: A Swell Time in the Universe 337 Something from nothing: Inflation and the vacuum 339 Falling flat: Inflation and the shape of the universe 339 Dark Energy: The Universal Accelerator 340 Universal Info Pulled from the Cosmic Microwave Background 341 Finding the lumps in the cosmic microwave background 342 Mapping the universe with the cosmic microwave background 342 In a Galaxy Far Away: Standard Candles and the Hubble Constant 344 Standard candles: How do scientists measure galaxy distances? 344 The Hubble constant: How fast do galaxies really move? 345 The Fate of the Universe 346 Part 5: the Part of Tens 347 Chapter 17: Ten Strange Facts about Astronomy and Space 349 You Have Tiny Meteorites in Your Hair 349 A Comet’s Tail Often Leads the Way 350 Earth Is Made of Rare and Unusual Matter 350 High Tide Comes on Both Sides of Earth at the Same Time 350 On Venus, the Rain Never Falls on the Plain 350 Rocks from Mars Dot Earth 351 Pluto Was Discovered from the Predictions of a Wrong Theory 351 Sunspots Aren’t Dark 351 A Star in Plain View May Have Exploded, But No One Knows 352 The Same Supernova or Quasar May Be Seen in Different Places 352 Chapter 18: Ten Common Errors about Astronomy and Space 353 “The Light from That Star Took 1,000 Light-Years to Reach Earth” 353 There’s No Gravity in Space 354 Summer Comes When Earth Is Closest to the Sun 354 The Back of the Moon Is Dark 354 The “Morning Star” or “Evening Star” Is a Star 355 The Asteroid Belt Is Crowded 355 Nuking a “Killer Asteroid” on a Collision Course for Earth Will Save Us 355 The Sun Is an Average Star 356 The Hubble Space Telescope Gets Up Close and Personal 356 The Big Bang Is Dead 356 Part 6: Appendixes 357 Appendix A: Star Maps 359 Appendix B: Glossary 367 Index 373

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Book SynopsisProvides a bank of approximately 200 original (not from past papers) questions with answers and covers units A2 1, A2 2 and A2 3. Useful for homework, setting as classwork or for pupil exam practice. Includes questions on practical techniques and data analysis. The detailed answers include an indication of the process used to obtain the solution. Has been subject to a detailed quality assurance process by an independent Physics expert. Contents Unit 4 (A2 1): Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics – 4.1 Deformation of Solids 4.2 Thermal Physics 4.3 Uniform Circular Motion 4.4 Simple Harmonic Motion 4.5 The Nucleus 4.6 Nuclear Decay 4.7 Nuclear Energy 4.8 Nuclear Fission and Fusion Unit 5 (A2 2): Fields and their Applications – 5.1& 5.2 Force Fields and Gravitational Fields 5.3 Electric Fields 5.4 Capacitors 5.5 Magnetic Fields 5.6 Deflection of Charged Particles in Electric and Magnetic Fields 5.7 & 5.8 Particle Accelerators and Fundamental Particles Unit 6 (A2 3): Practical Techniques and Data Analysis – Table of Contents4.1 Deformation of Solids 4.2 Thermal Physics 4.3 Uniform Circular Motion 4.4 Simple Harmonic Motion 4.5 The Nucleus 4.6 Nuclear Decay 4.7 Nuclear Energy 4.8 Nuclear Fission and Fusion 5.1 Force Fields 5.2 Gravitational Fields 5.3 Electric Fields 5.4 Capacitors 5.5 Magnetic Fields 5.6 Deflection of Charged Particles in Electric and Magnetic Fields 5.7 Particle Accelerators 5.8 Fundamental Particles Practical Techniques & Data Analysis

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Book SynopsisThis clear, concise Complete Revision & Practice book from CGP is a perfect way to prepare for the OCR B A-Level Physics exams - it covers every topic from both years of the course. It's packed with straightforward explanations, helpful examples and full-colour diagrams throughout. Practice questions and exam-style questions (with answers) are included for every topic, and the book is rounded off with a section of in-depth advice on Practical Skills. And finally, a free Online Edition of the whole book is included - just use the code printed inside the book to access it on your PC, Mac or tablet!

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Book SynopsisJohn Gribbin gained a PhD from the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge (then under the leadership of Fred Hoyle) before working as a science journalist for Nature and later New Scientist. He is the author of several bestselling popular science books, including In Search of Schrödinger's Cat, Science: A History, In Search of the Multiverse, Quantum Computing, and Six Impossible Things. He is a Senior Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sussex and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

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Book SynopsisThe Cambridge IGCSE & O Level Complete Physics Student Book is at the heart of delivering the course. It has been fully updated and matched to the latest Cambridge IGCSE (0625) & O Level (5054) Physics syllabuses, ensuring it covers all the content that students need to succeed.The Student Book is written by Stephen Pople, experienced and trusted author of our previous, best-selling edition, and Anna Harris. It has been reviewed by subject experts globally to ensure it meets teachers'' needs. The book offers a rigorous approach, with a light touch to make it engaging. Varied and flexible assessment-focused support and exam-style questions improve students'' performance and help them to progress, while the enriching content equips them for further study.The Student Book is available in print, online or via a great-value print and online pack. The supporting Exam Success Guide and Practical Workbook help students achieve top marks in their exams, while the Workbook, for independent pract

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Waterstones Best Science Book of the Year""A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year""Engaging and illuminating, al-Khalili argues that a scientific approach is 'one of humankind’s great riches and the birthright of everyone.'"---Hannah Beckerman, The Observer"A little book of calm that is very welcome in these strange times."---Simon Ings, New Scientist"An easily digestible, pocket-sized guide in how to think more scientifically, and how this can benefit us in everyday life."---Sara Rigby, BBC Science Focus"Professor Jim Al-Khalili of Surrey University is a distinguished theoretical physicist who has also worked wonders in making science accessible and engaging. This short book encapsulates his achievement in its combination of concision (under 200 pages), lucidity and rigour. . . . In practice, this is not just a book about science but a short guide to how we live now."---Matthew D’Ancona, Tortoise Media"Al-Khalili aims to empower readers to use critical thinking to evaluate the news, as well as their own knowledge and beliefs. He succeeds easily, with each chapter dedicated to a lesson readers can apply to their lives. . . . Readers overwhelmed by information overload will find this a balm." * Publishers Weekly *"An extremely readable account. . . .a good basic primer to the scientific way of thinking."---Gautam Gangopadhyay, Contemporary Physics

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Book Synopsis"Some people say, 'How can you live without knowing?' I do not know what they mean. I always live without knowing. That is easy. How you get to know is what I want to know."--Richard P. Feynman Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard P. Feynman (1918-88) was that rarest of creatures--a towering scientific genius who could make himself understood byTrade Review"Feynman's depth and zing leap from the page."--Nature "[Richard Feynman] combined scientific genius with regular-guy language... Now his daughter, Michelle Feynman--born three years after he received the Nobel in 1965--has edited a collection of quotes from his voluminous output of books, lectures, essays, articles and scientific papers."--Washington Post "So much has been said by and about the charismatic physicist Richard Feynman that it is no surprise to find that his witticisms fill a book nearly 400 pages long... A fun present for any Feynman fanboys and fangirls in your life."--Physics World "Deeply learned... Highly detailed and utterly convincing."--Tarek Masoud, Perspectives on Politics "[Feynman] was, after all, a Nobel Prize winning scientist, yet he wrote often with great lucidity and humor, much of which is on display in this collection."--Acadiana LifeStyleTable of ContentsA Brief Note on Sources ix Foreword, by Brian Cox xi Reflections on Richard Feynman, by Yo-Yo Ma xv Preface: My Quotable Father, by Michelle Feynman xvii Chronology xxiii Youth 3 Family 15 Autobiographical 23 Art, Music, and Poetry 51 Nature 57 Imagination 83 Humor 89 Love 103 Philosophy and Religion 109 Nature of Science 123 Curiosity and Discovery 165 How Physicists Think 185 The Quantum World 197 Science and Society 213 Mathematics 223 Technology 241 War 249 Challenger 261 Politics 271 Doubt and Uncertainty 281 Education and Teaching 293 Advice and Inspiration 317 Intelligence 327 The Nobel Prize 333 Worldview 345 The Future 355 Honoring Richard Feynman 363 Acknowledgments 383 Photo Credits 387 Sources 389 Index 397

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Book SynopsisPlease note this title is suitable for any student studying:Exam Board: OCR Level: A Level Year 1 and AS Subject: Physics First teaching: September 2015 First exams: June 2016Written by curriculum and specification experts, this Student Book supports and extends students throughout their course whilst delivering the breadth, depth, and skills needed to succeed at A Level and beyond.

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Book SynopsisThe importance of complexity is well-captured by Hawking''s comment: Complexity is the science of the 21st century. From the movement of flocks of birds to the Internet, environmental sustainability, and market regulation, the study and understanding of complex non-linear systems has become highly influential over the last 30 years.In this Very Short Introduction, one of the leading figures in the field, John Holland, introduces the key elements and conceptual framework of complexity. From complex physical systems such as fluid flow and the difficulties of predicting weather, to complex adaptive systems such as the highly diverse and interdependent ecosystems of rainforests, he combines simple, well-known examples -- Adam Smith''s pin factory, Darwin''s comet orchid, and Simon''s ''watchmaker'' -- with an account of the approaches, involving agents and urn models, taken by complexity theory. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. Complex systems ; 2. Complex physical systems ; 3. Complex adaptive systems ; 4. Agents, networks, degree, and recirculation ; 5. Specialization and diversity ; 6. Emergence ; 7. Co-evolution and the formation of niches ; 8. Putting it all together ; Further reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisIntroduction to Quantum Mechanics is an introduction to the power and elegance of quantum mechanics. Assuming little in the way of prior knowledge, quantum concepts are carefully and precisely presented, and explored through numerous applications and problems.Trade Review“This review has long felt that the current selection of books lack rigor and do not address thoroughly enough how quantum is fundamentally done; this one does a good job...recommended.” (Choice, Vol. 41, No. 5, January 2004)Table of ContentsForeword. Editor's preface to the Manchester Physics Series. Author's Preface. Chapter 1. Planck's Constant in Action. Chapter 2. The Schrodinger Equation. Chapter 3. Position and Momentum. Chapter 4. Energy and Time. Chapter 5. Square Wells and Barriers. Chapter 6. The Harmonic Oscillator. Chapter 7. Observables and Operators. Chapter 8. Angular Momentum. Chapter 9. The Hydrogen Atom. Chapter 10. Identical Particles. Atoms. Hints to Selected problems. Further reading. Index. Physical constants and conversion factors.

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