Soul of the Night
Originally published two decades ago, The Soul of the Night is a classic work that is a must for those interested in the relationship between science and faith.
Feynman’s Thesis
Richard Feynman's never previously published doctoral thesis formed the heart of much of his brilliant and profound work in theoretical physics. Entitled "The Principle of Least Action in Quantum Mechanics," its original motive was to quantize the classical action-at-a-distance electrodynamics. Because that theory adopted an overall space-time viewpoint, the classical Hamiltonian approach used in the conventional formulations of quantum theory could not be used, so Feynman turned to the Lagrangian function and the principle of least action as his points of departure.The result was the path integral approach, which satisfied -- and transcended -- its original motivation, and has enjoyed great success in renormalized quantum field theory, including the derivation of the ubiquitous Feynman diagrams for elementary particles. Path integrals have many other applications, including atomic, molecular, and nuclear scattering, statistical mechanics, quantum liquids and solids, Brownian motion, and noise theory. It also sheds new light on fundamental issues like the interpretation of quantum theory because of its new overall space-time viewpoint.The present volume includes Feynman's Princeton thesis, the related review article "Space-Time Approach to Non-Relativistic Quantum Mechanics" [Reviews of Modern Physics 20 (1948), 367-387], Paul Dirac's seminal paper "The Lagrangian in Quantum Mechanics'' [Physikalische Zeitschrift der Sowjetunion, Band 3, Heft 1 (1933)], and an introduction by Laurie M Brown.
Compass
Compass chronicles the misadventures of those who attempted to perfect the magnetic compass--so precious to sixteenth-century seamen that, by law, any man found tampering with it had his hand pinned to the mast with a dagger. From the time man first took to the seas until only one thousand years ago, sight and winds were the sailor's only navigational aids. It was not until the development of the compass that maps and charts could be used with any accuracy--even so, it would be hundreds of years and thousands of shipwrecks before the marvelous instrument was perfected. And its history up to modern times is filled with the stories of disasters that befell sailors who misused it. In this page-turning history of man's search for reliable navigation of treacherous sea routes around the globe, Alan Gurney brings to life the instrument Victor Hugo called "the soul of the ship."
The Grip of Gravity
Gravity is one of the most inexplicable forces of nature, controlling everything, from the expansion of the Universe to the ebb and flow of ocean tides. The search for the laws of motion and gravitation began more than two thousand years ago, a quest that Prabhakar Gondhalekar recounts in The Grip of Gravity. Beginning with Aristotle and concluding with Planck, Gondhalekar outlines a 'genealogy' of gravity and lucidly explains how previous explanations have shaped the most recent development in the field, string theory. In this work, physicist and astronomer Gondhalekar describes experiments, both planned and proposed, and clearly explains natural phenomena like ocean tides, seasons, ice ages, the formation of planets, stars, and exotic objects like black holes and neutron stars, which are all controlled by gravity. Including anecdotes and thumb-nail sketches of the personalities involved, The Grip of Gravity provides an introduction to the foundation of modern physics and shows how the current developments in string theory may lead to a new and radical interpretation of gravity. Prabhakar Gondhalekar is an Honorary Fellow in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College, London. Until his retirement in 1998, he was the head of the Space Astronomy Group at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, where he had been a researcher for 18 years. His research has included a number of topics in galactic and extragalactic astronomy, with his major work focusing on the interstellar medium and active galactic nuclei. Gondhalekar has been awarded Royal Society, Leverhulme Trust, and NATO Research Fellowships to do research in universities in the United States and Israel.
The New Ambidextrous Universe
"What makes Gardner so appealing is his ease in exploring deep ideas . . . and making them accessible to the interested but nontechnical reader. This is a special talent and no one has ever displayed it quite as well as he does." -- Los Angeles Times"Absorbing; enlightening; lucid; witty; inventive. An exemplar of science writing at its very best." -- American Mathematical MonthlyA substantial revision of Martin Gardner's earlier well-known work on mirror symmetry and asymmetry, The New Ambidextrous Universe takes readers on an extraordinary journey. With Gardner's guidance, they explore the two fundamental scientific discoveries of the past century: the asymmetric DNA helix and the overthrow of parity (left-right symmetry) in particle physics. Along the way, students will find absorbing and thought-provoking treatments of some of the deepest mysteries in modern physics.Author of more than 60 books, Martin Gardner has influenced and inspired generations of scientists, scholars, and other readers, especially those with an interest in mathematics. He originated Scientific American's popular Mathematical Games column, which he wrote from 1956 until his retirement from the magazine three decades later. This republication of his revised edition of an earlier work features a new appendix of notes and corrections.
Astronomy Hacks
Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion. This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a 'scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party. Astronomy Hacks begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to: Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer Choose the Best Binocular Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely Upgrade Your Optical Finder Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment The O'Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don't dream it-you do it--and Astronomy Hacks brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.
Space Systems Failures
There have been many remarkable achievements, such as the Galileo probe which parachuted into Jupiter's atmosphere, to the joy of the engineers who built it. But there have also been many humiliating failures. Sometimes the cause is a silly procedural error, such as a minus sign instead of a plus sign in a computer program, or a mix up between Imperial and Metric units. The Russian craft Phobos 1 was lost en route to Mars after being sent an incorrect command, because the spacecraft's computer was insufficiently robust to reject it. More recently, NASA has suffered the loss of several missions to Mars, including one due to a simple computer programming error. In Space Systems Failures, David Harland (here working with co-author Ralph Lorenz) describes the many quite fascinating tales of woe involving failures of rockets, satellites and deep space missions in his inimitable style, providing a unique insight into the trials and tribulations of exploration at the high frontier.
The Pleasure Of Finding Things Out
This collection from scientist and Nobel Peace Prize winner highlights the achievements of a man whose career reshaped the world's understanding of quantum electrodynamics. The Pleasure of Finding Things Out is a magnificent treasury of the best short works of Richard P. Feynman-from interviews and speeches to lectures and printed articles. A sweeping, wide-ranging collection, it presents an intimate and fascinating view of a life in science-a life like no other. From his ruminations on science in our culture to his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, this book will fascinate anyone interested in the world of ideas.
The Story Of Space Station Mir
The Mir space station has unquestionably been one of the most significant contributions to the Soviet/Russian space programme. The experience of long-duration human space flight gained from its continued operation was justifiably considered vital to the International Space Station and to future interplanetary exploration. Near the end of its operational life, Mir was much in the news as dangerous fires and other mishaps threatened the life its the astronauts, yet Mir was also a legendary workhorse on the road to long-term space colonization. This book reviews the origins of the Soviet space station programme, in particular the highly successful Salyuts 6 and 7, describes Mir's structure, environment, power supply and manoeuvring systems, and provides a comprehensive account of how it was assembled and how it operated in orbit. This book is essential for anyone who is interested in the history of humans in space or who is looking for lessons to apply to the ISS.
Mad About Modern Physics
More mind-bending fun in physicsThe sequel to the popular Mad About Physics, Mad About Modern Physics promises endless hours of entertaining, challenging fun. With detailed answers to hundreds of questions (""Are fluorescent lights dangerous to your health?"", ""What is a fuel cell?""), the book is also a treasure trove of fun science trivia. Featuring diagrams and illustrations throughout, this fascinating physics compendium will educate and captivate students, teachers, and science buffs alike.FRANKLIN POTTER, Ph.D., is a retired physicist from the University of California at Irvine. He continues to conduct research in elementary particle physics and cosmology, as well as consult in physics education.CHRISTOPHER JARGODZKI, Ph.D., is Professor of Physics at Central Missouri State University. He is also founder and director of Center for Cooperative Phenomena. He was born and raised in Poland, and received his Ph.D. in quantum field theory from the University of California at Irvine.
Nobel Laureates and Twentieth-Century Physics
Using an original approach, Mauro Dardo recounts the major achievements of twentieth-century physics--including relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, the invention of the transistor and the laser, superconductivity, binary pulsars, and the Bose-Einstein condensate--as each emerged. His year-by-year chronicle, biographies and revealing personal anecdotes help bring to life the main events since the first Nobel Prize was awarded in 1901. The work of the most famous physicists of the twentieth century--including the Curies, Bohr, Heisenberg, Einstein, Fermi, Feynman, Gell-Mann, Rutherford, and Schr繹dinger--is presented, often in the words and imagery of the prize-winners themselves. Mauro Dardo is Professor of Experimental Physics at Amedeo Avogadro University. He has served as Dean of the new Faculty of Sciences at the University of Turin in Alessandria, Piedmont, and has also served as Director of the university's new department of Sciences and Advanced Technologies.
An Introduction To The Theory Of The Boltzmann Equation
Boltzmann's equation (or Boltzmann-like equations) appears extensively in such disparate fields as laser scattering, solid-state physics, nuclear transport, and beyond the conventional boundaries of physics and engineering, in the fields of cellular proliferation and automobile traffic flow. This introductory graduate-level course for students of physics and engineering offers detailed presentations of the basic modern theory of Boltzmann's equation, including representative applications using both Boltzmann's equation and the model Boltzmann equations developed within the text. It emphasizes physical aspects of the theory, and it represents a practical resource for researchers and other professionals. The problems following each chapter are intended as learning examples, and they frequently extend and generalize the text material. Additional editorial features include a historical introduction, references, and subject and author indexes. 1971 edition.
Einstein's Clocks, Poincare's Maps
Clocks and trains, telegraphs and colonial conquest: the challenges of the late nineteenth century were an indispensable real-world background to the enormous theoretical breakthrough of relativity. And two giants at the foundations of modern science were converging, step-by-step, on the answer: Albert Einstein, an young, obscure German physicist experimenting with measuring time using telegraph networks and with the coordination of clocks at train stations; and the renowned mathematician Henri Poincare, president of the French Bureau of Longitude, mapping time coordinates across continents. Each found that to understand the newly global world, he had to determine whether there existed a pure time in which simultaneity was absolute or whether time was relative Esteemed historian of science Peter Galison has culled new information from rarely seen photographs, forgotten patents, and unexplored archives to tell the fascinating story of two scientists whose concrete, professional preoccupations engaged them in a silent race toward a theory that would conquer the empire of time.
Navigating the Night Sky
- Aimed at anyone who marvels at the night sky and who wishes to learn to recognise constellations and identify the brightest stars by name. It is essentially a practical book, which accompanies the reader on their celestial explorations, guiding their way around the stars. Previous specialist knowledge is not required in order to use the book. Anyone can enjoy it, from the youngest student to the interested adult.
Introduction to Superconductivity
Well known for its accessibility to graduate students and experimental physicists, this volume emphasizes physical arguments and minimizes theoretical formalism. The second edition of this classic text features revisions by the author that improve its user-friendly qualities, and an introductory survey of latter-day developments in classic superconductivity enhances the volume's value as a reference for researchers. Starting with a historical overview, the text proceeds with an introduction to the electrodynamics of superconductors and presents expositions of the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory and the Ginzburg-Landau theory. Additional subjects include magnetic properties of classic type II superconductors; the Josephson effect (both in terms of basic phenomena and applications and of the phenomena unique to small junctions); fluctuation effects in classic superconductors; the high-temperature superconductors; special topics (such as the Bogoliubov method, magnetic perturbations and gapless superconductivity, and time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory); and nonequilibrium superconductivity. 1996 edition.
Continuum Mechanics
The mechanics of fluids and the mechanics of solids represent the two major areas of physics and applied mathematics that meet in continuum mechanics, a field that forms the foundation of civil and mechanical engineering. This unified approach to the teaching of fluid and solid mechanics focuses on the general mechanical principles that apply to all materials. Students who have familiarized themselves with the basic principles can go on to specialize in any of the different branches of continuum mechanics. This text opens with introductory chapters on matrix algebra, vectors and Cartesian tensors, and an analysis of deformation and stress. Succeeding chapters examine the mathematical statements of the laws of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy as well as the formulation of the mechanical constitutive equations for various classes of fluids and solids. In addition to many worked examples, this volume features a graded selection of problems (with answers, where appropriate). Geared toward undergraduate students of applied mathematics, it will also prove valuable to physicists and engineers.
Elementary Statistical Physics
Noteworthy for the philosophical subtlety of its foundations and the elegance of its problem-solving methods, statistical mechanics can be employed in a broad range of applications -- among them, astrophysics, biology, chemistry, nuclear and solid state physics, communications engineering, metallurgy, and mathematics. Geared toward graduate students in physics, this text covers such important topics as stochastic processes and transport theory in order to provide students with a working knowledge of statistical mechanics.To explain the fundamentals of his subject, the author uses the method of ensembles developed by J. Willard Gibbs. Topics include the properties of the Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions; the interrelated subjects of fluctuations, thermal noise, and Brownian movement; and the thermodynamics of irreversible processes.Negative temperature, magnetic energy, density matrix methods, and the Kramers-Kronig causality relations are treated briefly. Most sections include illustrative problems. Appendix. 28 figures. 1 table.
Sync
At the heart of the universe is a steady, insistent beat, the sound of cycles in sync. Along the tidal rivers of Malaysia, thousands of fireflies congregate and flash in unison; the moon spins in perfect resonance with its orbit around the earth; our hearts depend on the synchronous firing of ten thousand pacemaker cells. While the forces that synchronize the flashing of fireflies may seem to have nothing to do with our heart cells, there is in fact a deep connection. Synchrony is a science in its infancy, and Strogatz is a pioneer in this new frontier in which mathematicians and physicists attempt to pinpoint just how spontaneous order emerges from chaos. From underground caves in Texas where a French scientist spent six months alone tracking his sleep-wake cycle, to the home of a Dutch physicist who in 1665 discovered two of his pendulum clocks swinging in perfect time, this fascinating book spans disciplines, continents, and centuries. Engagingly written for readers of books such as Chaos and The Elegant Universe, Sync is a tour-de-force of nonfiction writing.
Mapping and Naming the Moon
Almost thirty years after the Apollo missions, "Tranquillity Base", "Hadley Rille", or "Taurus-Littrow" are names still resonant with the enormous achievements represented by the lunar landings. But how did these places get their names? Who named Copernicus crater? Where did all those names on lunar maps come from, and what stimulated their selection? Ewen Whitaker traces the origins and evolution of the present-day systems for naming lunar features such as craters, mountains, valleys and dark spots. The connections between the prehistoric and historic names, and today's gazetteer are clearly described. Beautiful lunar maps spanning four centuries of progress wonderfully illustrate the unfolding of our ability to map the Moon. Rare, early photographs add to the sense of history. Comprehensive appendices and the bibliography make this delightful book a work of lasting reference and scholarship.
Time's Arrow
Written by a well-known professor of physiology at McGill University, this text presents an informative exploration of the basis of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, detailing the fundamental dynamic properties behind the construction of statistical mechanics.Topics include maximal entropy principles; invertible and noninvertible systems; ergodicity and unique equilibria; asymptotic periodicity and entropy evolution; and open discrete and continuous time systems. The author demonstrates that the black body radiation law can be deduced from maximal entropy principles; discusses sufficient conditions for the existence of at least one state of thermodynamic equilibrium; describes the behavior of entropy in asymptotically periodic systems and the necessary and sufficient condition for the evolution of entropy to a global maximum; and presents the three main types of ergodic theorems and theory proofs. He also explores the potential of incomplete knowledge of dynamical variables, measurement imprecision, and the effects of noise in entropy increases.Geared toward physicists and applied mathematicians with an interest in the foundations of statistical mechanics, this text is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses.
Simply Einstein
In clear, understandable terms, physicist Richard Wolfson explores the ideas at the heart of relativity and shows how they lead to such seeming absurdities as time travel, curved space, black holes, and new meaning for the idea of past and future. Drawing from years of teaching modern physics to nonscientists, Wolfson explains in a lively, conversational style the simple principles underlying Einstein's theory. Relativity, Wolfson shows, gave us a new view of space and time, opening the door to questions about their flexible nature: Is the universe finite or infinite? Will it expand forever or eventually collapse in a big crunch? Is time travel possible? What goes on inside a black hole? How does gravity really work? These questions at the forefront of twenty-first-century physics are all rooted in the profound and sweeping vision of Albert Einstein's early twentieth-century theory. Wolfson leads his readers on an intellectual journey that culminates in a universe made almost unimaginably rich by the principles that Einstein first discovered.
Coming of Age in the Milky Way
From the second-century celestial models of Ptolemy to modern-day research institutes and quantum theory, this classic book offers a breathtaking tour of astronomy and the brilliant, eccentric personalities who have shaped it. From the first time mankind had an inkling of the vast space that surrounds us, those who study the universe have had to struggle against political and religious preconceptions. They have included some of the most charismatic, courageous, and idiosyncratic thinkers of all time. In Coming of Age in the Milky Way, Timothy Ferris uses his unique blend of rigorous research and captivating narrative skill to draw us into the lives and minds of these extraordinary figures, creating a landmark work of scientific history.
Making Your Own Telescope
A book that has been used with great success by countless amateur astronomers, this volume presents complete and detailed instructions and numerous diagrams showing how to construct a do-it-yourself telescope. No complicated mathematics are involved, and no prior knowledge of optics or astronomy is needed to follow the text's step-by-step directions, which also offer instruction in the fundamentals of practical optics.Contents: 1. Story of the Telescope. 2. Materials and Equipment. 3. Mirror Grinding. 4. The Pitch Lap. 5. Polishing-Testing-Correcting. 6. The Paraboloid. 7. The Diagonal. 8. Tube Parts-Alignment-The Finder. 9. Eyepieces and Related Problems. 10. The Mounting. 11. Aluminizing and Cleaning. 12. Setting Circles-Equatorial Adjustment. 13. Optical Principles-Atmosphere-Magnitudes. 14. A Second Telescope. Appendixes. Index.
Star Watch
Your Passport to the Universe The night sky is alive with many wonders--distant planets, vast star clusters, glowing nebulae, and expansive galaxies, all waiting to be explored. Let respected astronomy writer Philip Harrington introduce you to the universe in Star Watch, a complete beginner's guide to locating, observing, and understanding these celestial objects. You'll start by identifying the surface features of the Moon, the banded cloud tops of Jupiter, the stunning rings of Saturn, and other members of our solar system. Then you'll venture out beyond our solar system, where you'll learn tips and tricks for finding outstanding deep-sky objects from stars to galaxies, including the entire Messier catalog--a primary goal of every serious beginner. Star Watch features a detailed physical description of each target, including size, distance, and structure, as well as concise directions for locating the objects, handy finder charts, hints on the best times to view each object, and descriptions of what you'll really see through a small telescope or binoculars and with the naked eye. Star Watch will transport you to the farthest depths of space--and return you as a well-traveled, experienced stargazer.
Perturbation Techniques in Mathematics, Engineering & Physics
An introduction to a variety of perturbation techniques for ordinary differential equations, this work outlines applications through specific examples. Mathematicians, engineers, and applied scientists will find its exposition entirely accessible.The first part covers the classical perturbation techniques. Dr. Bellman begins with a readily solved linear algebraic equation that exhibits some of the versatility of the Lagrange expansion theorem. This leads by easy stages to a discussion of the matrix exponential and to a brief excursion into the domain of Poincar矇 and Lyapunov, where invariant imbedding is illustrated. Subsequent discussions of alternative perturbation techniques employ dynamic programming. The second chapter concentrates on nonlinear differential equations, presenting renormalization techniques of Lindstedt and Shohat and averaging techniques by Bellman and Richardson. The concluding chapter considers a variety of questions centering on a second-order linear differential equation, explaining the applications of the WKB-Liouville method and asymptotic series.Exercises, comments, and an annotated bibliography follow each demonstration of technique. The text presupposes a course in intermediate calculus and rudiments of the theory of ordinary differential equations. For the engineer, physicist, or mathematician working in fields requiring the solution of differential equations, this text provides a stimulating introduction to analytical approximation techniques.
My Big Toe
Book 1 of the MY Big TOE trilogy. My Big TOE, written by a nuclear physicist in the language contemporary culture, unifies science and philosophy, physics and metaphysics, mind and matter, purpose and meaning, the normal and the paranormal. The entirety of human experience (mind, body, and spirit) including both our objective and subjective worlds is brought together under one seamless scientific understanding. Book 1: Awakening - Section 1 provides a partial biography of the author that is pertinent to the subsequent creation of this trilogy. This brief look at the author's unique experience and credentials sheds some light upon the origins of this highly unusual work. Section 2 lays out and defines the basic conceptual building blocks needed to construct My Big TOE's conceptual foundation. It discusses the cultural beliefs that trap our thinking into a narrow and limited conceptualization of reality, defines the basics of Big Picture epistemology and ontology; logically infers the nature of time, space, and consciousness as well as describes the basic properties, purpose, and mechanics of our reality. Many of the concepts initiated in Section 2 are more fully explained in Book 2.
My Big Toe
Book 2 of the MY Big TOE trilogy. My Big TOE, written by a nuclear physicist in the language contemporary culture, unifies science and philosophy, physics and metaphysics, mind and matter, purpose and meaning, the normal and the paranormal. The entirety of human experience (mind, body, and spirit) including both our objective and subjective worlds is brought together under one seamless scientific understanding. Book 2: Discovery - Section 3 develops the interface and interaction between we the people and our digital consciousness reality. It derives and explains the characteristics, origins, dynamics, and function of ego, love, and free will. It derives our larger purpose. Finally, Section 3 develops the psi uncertainty principle as it explains and interrelates psi phenomena, free will, love, consciousness evolution, reality, human purpose, entropy and physics. Section 4 lays out an operational and functional model of consciousness that further develops the results of Section 3 and supports the conclusions of Section 5. The origins and nature of digital consciousness are described. Our physical universe, our science, and our perception of a physical reality are logically derived. The mind-matter dichotomy is solved as physical reality is directly derived from the nature of digital consciousness. The origins and nature of digital consciousness are described along with how artificial intelligence (AI), as embodied in AI Guy, leads to artificial consciousness, which leads to actual consciousness and to us. Section 4 derives our physical universe, our science, and our perception of a physical reality. The mind-matter dichotomy is solved as physical reality is directly derived from the nature of digital consciousness.
Introduction to Tensor Calculus, Relativity and Cosmology
This elementary introduction pays special attention to aspects of tensor calculus and relativity that students tend to find most difficult. Its use of relatively unsophisticated mathematics in the early chapters allows readers to develop their confidence within the framework of Cartesian coordinates before undertaking the theory of tensors in curved spaces and its application to general relativity theory.Topics include the special principle of relativity and Lorentz transformations; orthogonal transformations and Cartesian tensors; special relativity mechanics and electrodynamics; general tensor calculus and Riemannian space; and the general theory of relativity, including a focus on black holes and gravitational waves. The text concludes with a chapter offering a sound background in applying the principles of general relativity to cosmology. Numerous exercises advance the theoretical developments of the main text, thus enhancing this volume's appeal to students of applied mathematics and physics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Preface. List of Constants. References. Bibliography.
Conversations on the Dark Secrets of Physics
In Conversations on the Dark Secrets of Physics, Teller returns to the fundamentals of physics to share with readers his unbridled enthusiasm for the world of physical reality -- from the nature of molecules to quantum mechanics and superconductors, from the elementary laws of thermodynamics to how planets, asteroids, and comets develop their orbits. By simplifying the math and forgoing the often-confusing technical jargon, Teller helps the reader break through physic's bewildering formulas and equations and get to the wonders of our physical universe. A timeless and personal explanation of the importance of physics in our life, Conversations on the Dark Secrets of Physics is certain to become a classic.
Celestial Harvest
Discover more than 300 celestial wonders that can be viewed with common ""backyard"" telescopes. Describes and locates sun, moon, planets, star clusters, supernova remnants, and other phenomena. 1998 edition.
Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software
In the tradition of Being Digital and The Tipping Point, Steven Johnson, acclaimed as a "cultural critic with a poet's heart" (The Village Voice), takes readers on an eye-opening journey through emergence theory and its applications. A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOKA VOICE LITERARY SUPPLEMENT TOP 25 FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEARAN ESQUIRE MAGAZINE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Explaining why the whole is sometimes smarter than the sum of its parts, Johnson presents surprising examples of feedback, self-organization, and adaptive learning. How does a lively neighborhood evolve out of a disconnected group of shopkeepers, bartenders, and real estate developers? How does a media event take on a life of its own? How will new software programs create an intelligent World Wide Web? In the coming years, the power of self-organization -- coupled with the connective technology of the Internet -- will usher in a revolution every bit as significant as the introduction of electricity. Provocative and engaging, Emergence puts you on the front lines of this exciting upheaval in science and thought.
Lie Groups for Pedestrians
According to the author of this concise, high-level study, physicists often shy away from group theory, perhaps because they are unsure which parts of the subject belong to the physicist and which belong to the mathematician. However, it is possible for physicists to understand and use many techniques which have a group theoretical basis without necessarily understanding all of group theory. This book is designed to familiarize physicists with those techniques. Specifically, the author aims to show how the well-known methods of angular momentum algebra can be extended to treat other Lie groups, with examples illustrating the application of the method.Chapters cover such topics as a simple example of isospin; the group SU3 and its application to elementary particles; the three-dimensional harmonic oscillator; algebras of operators which change the number of particles; permutations; bookkeeping and Young diagrams; and the groups SU4, SU6, and SU12, an introduction to groups of higher rank. Four appendices provide additional valuable data.
Introduction to Light
Designed as a text for a one-semester, nonmathematical optics course at the undergraduate level, this well-illustrated text is addressed to art majors but is also suitable for students of fashion, theater, photography, and the liberal arts. Four parts constitute this introductory volume: Part I discusses the nature of light, including early ideas of light (a newly revised chapter for this edition), and classical and modern theories. Part II concerns the manipulation of light, including such topics as geometrical optics, polarization, lasers, and holography; Part III explores vision, including the eye and seeing; and Part IV examines color, in terms of light and color in nature and color science. Three appendices deal with lens and mirror equations, Snell's law, and scientific notation.Questions at the end of each chapter offer students a chance to test their grasp of the material. The presentation is almost completely nonmathematical in manner, making this book widely accessible to students of all backgrounds and to other readers curious about this ubiquitous but mysterious natural phenomenon.
Atom
The story of matter and the history of the cosmos from the perspective of a single oxygen atom, told with the insight and wit of one of the most dynamic physicists and writers working today. Through this astonishing work, he manages to stoke wonder at the powers and unlikely events that conspired to create our solar system, our ecosystem, and us.
Thinking about Physics
Physical scientists are problem solvers. They are comfortable "doing" science: they find problems, solve them, and explain their solutions. Roger Newton believes that his fellow physicists might be too comfortable with their roles as solvers of problems. He argues that physicists should spend more time thinking about physics. If they did, he believes, they would become even more skilled at solving problems and "doing" science. As Newton points out in this thought-provoking book, problem solving is always influenced by the theoretical assumptions of the problem solver. Too often, though, he believes, physicists haven't subjected their assumptions to thorough scrutiny. Newton's goal is to provide a framework within which the fundamental theories of modern physics can be explored, interpreted, and understood. "Surely physics is more than a collection of experimental results, assembled to satisfy the curiosity of appreciative experts," Newton writes. Physics, according to Newton, has moved beyond the describing and naming of curious phenomena, which is the goal of some other branches of science. Physicists have spent a great part of the twentieth century searching for explanations of experimental findings. Newton agrees that experimental facts are vital to the study of physics, but only because they lead to the development of a theory that can explain them. Facts, he argues, should undergird theory. Newton's explanatory sweep is both broad and deep. He covers such topics as quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, field theory, thermodynamics, the role of mathematics in physics, and the concepts of probability and causality. For Newton the fundamental entity in quantum theory is the field, from which physicists can explain the particle-like and wave-like properties that are observed in experiments. He grounds his explanations in the quantum field. Although this is not designed as a stand-alone textbook, it is essential reading for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, professors, and researchers. This is a clear, concise, up-to-date book about the concepts and theories that underlie the study of contemporary physics. Readers will find that they will become better-informed physicists and, therefore, better thinkers and problem solvers too.
Eureka!
"Eureka" ist eine Sammlung der bemerkenswertesten und unterhaltsamsten Geschichten 羹ber die gro?en wissenschaftlichen Entdeckungen, die die Welt ver瓣ndert haben. Das Buch setzt die Tradition von 'Hellman's Great Feuds in Science' fort und erz瓣hlt ein Dutzend Wissenschaftsgeschichten, die sich allesamt auf die besondere Dramatik des unmittelbaren "Heureka Moments" gr羹nden, der vielen wissenschaftlichen Entdeckungen gemeinsam ist. Angefangen beim Amateurwissenschaftler Joseph Priestly, der im 18. Jahrhundert auf die Existenz des Sauerstoffs gesto?en ist, jedoch ohne eine wirkliche Ahnung davon zu haben, was er eigentlich gefunden hatte, bis hin zu dem 14-j瓣hrigen Fernseh-Pionier Philo Farnsworth, dem die Idee f羹r einen Fernsehbildschirm beim Pfl羹gen der elterlichen Felder in Idaho kam. Unter den hier vorgestellten Wissenschaftlern befinden sich Ber羹hmtheiten wie Darwin, Einstein und Watson Crick, aber auch etwas obskure Pers繹nlichkeiten, wie z.B. der Chemiker Kekul矇 und der Mathematiker Benoit Mandelbrot. Bei allen Entdeckungen spielten Gl羹ck, gutes Timing und ein wacher Geist eine wesentliche Rolle. "Eureka" - eine ebenso spannende wie unterhaltsame Lekt羹re.
The Hole in the Universe: How Scientists Peered over the Edge of Emptiness and F
An adventure into the heart of Nothing by best-selling author K. C. Cole. Once again, acclaimed science writer K. C. Cole brings the arcane and academic down to the level of armchair scientists in The Hole in the Universe, an entertaining and edifying search for nothing at all. Open the newspaper on any given day and you will read of a newly discovered planet, star, and so on. Yet scientists and mathematicians have spent generations searching the far reaches of the universe for that one elusive state--nothingness. Although this may sound like a simple task, every time the absolute void appears within reach, something new is discovered in its place: a black hole, an undulating string, an additional dimension of space or time--even another universe. A fascinating and literary tour de force, The Hole in the Universe is a virtual romp into the unknown that you never knew wasn't there.
Distant Wanderers: The Search for Planets Beyond the Solar System
Recent discoveries of planet-like objects circling other sun-like stars have stirred enormous interest in what other planets may exist in the universe, and whether they support intelligent life, or at least could do so. This book will take us into the thick of this search for extrasolar planets. Unlike other books, it will focus on the people behind the searches--many of whom the author knows--and the extraordinary technology that is on the drawing boards to detect planets and their characteristics, thus bringing us to the cutting edge of knowledge of the subject.
Symmetry Principles in Solid State and Molecular Physics
This respected high-level text, aimed at professionals and students working on the theory of solids, is particularly valuable for its application of group theory to solid state and molecular physics. The author -- Distinguished Professor of Physics at City College of New York, widely known for his work in optics, lasers, and solid-state physics -- devotes the first three chapters to a distillation of the most relevant ideas and theorems of group theory (at the group point level) and then leads readers directly into group theory applications.Professor Lax provides examples in optical absorption selection rules, spin-orbit coupling, and crystal field theory, plus a complete demonstration of projection techniques. He also develops short-cut and invariant methods for solving molecular vibration problems and for determining the form of crystal tensors; develops the translational properties of crystals, including Bravais lattices and space groups; and explains relevant applications to electron phonon scattering, optical absorption selection rules, electronic energy bands, electron dynamics, and effective Hamiltonians. To illustrate several of these topics, and to show the relation between the microscopic and macroscopic views of elasticity, the author presents a complete study of the diamond structure.Among the unique features of this volume are its use of subgroup techniques, its consideration of the influence of time reversal on selection rules, its use of shell theorems and invariance techniques to construct the form of tensors, and its use of broken symmetry to relate the symmetry of valence and molecular orbitals to the symmetry of electron molecular wave functions. The book also contains more than 200 carefully selected problems.
The New World of Mr Tompkins
Mr. Tompkins is back! The mild-mannered bank clerk with the short attention span and vivid imagination has inspired, charmed, and informed young and old alike since the publication of the hugely successful Mr Tompkins in Paperback (by George Gamow) in 1965. Now, this highly affable character returns to embark on a set of adventures that explore the extreme edges of the universe--the smallest, the largest, the fastest, and the farthest. Just by following the experiences and dreams of Mr. Tompkins, readers discover and come to know the merry dance of cosmic mysteries, including: Einstein's theory of relativity, bizarre effects near light-speed, the birth and death of the universe, black holes, quarks, space warps and antimatter, the fuzzy world of the quantum, and that ultimate cosmic mystery--love. The story of Mr. Tompkins' journey to the frontiers of modern physics will delight and inform all readers. Russell Stannard is a best-selling popular science writer and the author of the critically acclaimed Uncle Albert series of science books for children.
Detonation
Detonation, as the authors point out, differs from other forms of combustion "in that all the important energy transfer is by mass flow in strong compression waves, with negligible contributions from other processes like heat conduction." Experiments have shown that these waves have a complex transverse structure, and have puzzled scientists by yielding some results that are at odds with the theoretical predictions. This newly corrected edition of a classic in its field serves as a comprehensive review of both experiments and theories of detonation ― focusing on the steady (i.e. time-independent), fully developed detonation wave, rather than on the initiation or failure of detonation. After an introductory chapter the authors explore the "simple theory," including the Zeldovich-von Newmann-Doering model, and experimental tests of the simple theory. The chapters that follow cover flow in a reactive medium, steady detonation, the nonsteady solution, and the structure of the detonation front. The authors have succeeded in making the detailed, difficult theoretical work more accessible by working out a number of simple cases for illustration.The original edition of this book influenced many other scientists to pursue theories and experiments in detonation physics. This new, corrected edition will be welcomed by physicists, chemists, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the phenomenon of detonation. 1979 edition.
Hitler's Uranium Club
This book contains the first expertly annotated transcripts of the Farm Hall conversations, and brings insights into the progress of the German bomb project during World War II, the thoughts of German scientists during that time, and their attempts to grapple with what they had done (and not done) as participants in the Reich's war effort.
Mad About Physics
Warum k繹nnen Sie um die Ecke h繹ren, aber nicht schauen? Sie haben sich diese Frage auch schon gestellt? In dieser unterhaltsamen Kuriosit瓣tensammlung finden Sie Antworten auf viele derart dr瓣ngende Probleme des Alltags. Ob Rennauto, Springfloh oder verschwindender Elefant, hier werden paradox erscheinende physikalische Zusammenh瓣nge aufgekl瓣rt, die nicht nur Wissenschaftlern Kopfzerbrechen bereiten. H羹bsch gestaltet mit Abbildungen, Karikaturen und Anekd繹tchen - hervorragend auch als Geschenk geeignet! (12/00)
Selling the True Time
This book studies the transition from local to national timekeeping, a process that led to Standard Time--the world-wide system of timekeeping by which we all live. Prior to the railroads' adoption of Standard Railway Time in 1883, timekeeping was entirely a local matter, and America lacked any uniform system to coordinate times and public activities. For example, in the middle of the nineteenth century, Boston had three authoritative times, which differed by seconds and minutes. The story begins in the 1830s with the building of the first railroads. Since railway safety depended upon maintaining the temporal separation of trains through precise timing, railroads were the first to establish time standards to govern their operations. The railroads' switch to five time standards indexed to the Greenwich meridian inaugurated the modern era of public timekeeping and led directly to cities adopting Greenwich-indexed civil time zones. Central to the story are those college and university astronomers who, starting in the 1850s, sold time signals to nearby cities and railroads. From the start, they competed with other entrepreneurs trying to make money by selling time. Decades of negotiations, government lobbying, and battles over customers followed, all in the name of "public service." Improvements by a host of clockmakers, civil and electrical engineers, telegraph and railway technicians, and instrument makers finally changed the market for accurate time. Public timekeeping became the realm of business investors. Despite the efforts of astronomers and various of their Congressional supporters, who argued for the necessity of a national system of time authorized by the federal government, the railroads' success with their own system blocked legislation for a national system of time until the First World War. By then, a single source for correct time dominated the public's timekeeping: the U.S. Naval Observatory's noon signal. In this first comprehensive, scholarly history of timekeeping in America, the author has drawn upon a rich, untapped archival record, municipal and legislative documents, newspapers, and science and engineering journals to challenge several myths that have grown up around the subject.
Astronomy for All Ages
Kids and adults can explore outer space from their own backyards with this handy book of unusual and engaging activities. By simply looking up at the sky- with the unaided eye- parents, camp counselors, and other group leaders can help children identify, understand, and appreciate the inhabitants of the Milky Way and galaxies beyond. With this book, amateur star-gazers will become acquainted with the constellations, planets, and phases of the moon; how compasses, sundials, and telescopes work; and what causes shooting stars and other galactic phenomena. Down-to-earth explanations of astronomical events and concepts helps readers navigate their way through the stars.
Statistical Mechanics
In the 1950s, the distinguished theoretical physicist Wolfgang Pauli delivered a landmark series of lectures at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. His comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals of classical and modern physics was painstakingly recorded not only by his students but also by a number of collaborators whose carefully edited transcriptions resulted in a remarkable six-volume work. This volume, the fourth in the series, represents a concise course on statistical mechanics, centering on the historic development of the basic ideas and on the logical structure of the theory. Major chapter headings include General Statistical Mechanics, Brownian Motion, and Quantum Statistics. Originally published in 1973, the text remains an important resource thanks to Pauli's manner of presentation. As Victor F. Weisskopf notes in the Foreword to the series, Pauli's style is "commensurate to the greatness of its subject in its clarity and impact. . . . Pauli's lectures show how physical ideas can be presented clearly and in good mathematical form, without being hidden in formalistic expertise." Alone or as part of the complete set, this volume represents a solid introduction to statistical mechanics that will be invaluable to individuals, as well as to libraries and other institutions.
Search for Superstrings- Symmetry and the
Since Einstein's time, a "theory of everything" -- one coherent mathematical model that would encompass all the forces and particles of nature -- has become the Holy Grail of physics, and its pursuit has resulted in some of the most extraordinary ideas in the history of science. This invaluable primer at last enables all of us to understand these ideas. John Gribbin provides a brief, succinct, accessible overview of the hundred-year saga of particle physics, explaining everything from the basics (how subatomic particles work) to the cutting-edge research that has produced dazzling new models of the universe, among them the radical theories of "superstrings" -- the hypothesis that particles are loops of vibrating "string" -- and "supersymmetry".
Practical Astrophotography
Almost all amateur astronomers want to take photographs of the night sky. For all but the simplest star-trail pictures, this involves machinery - a telescope drive - to track the stars, essential to compensate for the rotation of the earth. The task becomes even more complicated when photographing very small or very faint objects that require high magnification or very long exposure times.Amateurs have many options according to their requirements, technical ability, and budget. Astrophotography for Amateurs looks at all the possibilities, including normal ("wet") photography, CCD imaging, and modern techniques of computer enhancement. There are sections about photographing different classes of astronomical object from the Moon to faint nebulae, as well as a thorough look at the equipment needed.
