The New Physics

by Paul C.W. Davies (Editor)

Physics affects the way we live and, ultimately, how life itself functions. This new take on a classic text investigates key frontiers in modern physics. Exploring our universe, from the particles within atoms to the stars making up galaxies, it reveals the vital role invisible mechanisms play in the world around us, and explains new techniques, from nano-engineering and brain research to the latest advances in high-speed data networks and custom-built materials. Written by leading international experts, each of the nineteen chapters will fascinate scientists in all disciplines, as well as anyone wanting to know more about the world of physics. First Edition Hb (1989) 0-521-30420-2 First Edition Pb (1992) 0-521-43831-4

Genres: Physics, Science, Nonfiction

526 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Paul Charles William Davies AM is a British-born physicist, writer and broadcaster, currently a professor at Arizona State University as well as the Director of BEYOND: Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science. He has held previous academic appointments at the University of Cambridge, University of London, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, University of Adelaide and Macquarie University. His research interests are in the fields of cosmology, quantum field theory, and astrobiology. He has proposed that a one-way trip to Mars could be a viable option.

In 2005, he took up the chair of the SETI: Post-Detection Science and Technology Taskgroup of the International Academy of Astronautics.

Reviews

[Aina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The New Physics is an amazing summary of developments in modern physics. Each lecture is written by a leader in the relevant field and edited by Paul Davies to ensure the ideas are communicated well both for technical and non-technical audiences. The reviews in each chapter are detailed enough to be interesting and illuminating for a physics student but contain little mathematics and a lot of diagrams not to lose the interest of a general reader.
"Could this string theory be the long-awaited unified theory of all low energy phenomena in nature? The amazing part of the story is that the equivalence principle of Einstein's emerges from the theory, and doesn't have to be put in as Einstein did. But would such a theory be a Theory of Everything? The answer in my opinion is No. As remarked before, all theories which descend from higher to lower dimensions must contain massive particles in multiples of the Planck mass. Since no direct tests of the existence of interaction of such objects can ever be feasible, there will always remain the experimentally unexplored area of these higher masses and energies (in addition to the different level of mystery associated with the quantum of action, which still has to be incorporated within the structure of the theory). What we are saying is that before this can be called a Theory of Everything, one must prove, at least, a uniqueness theorem which states that if a theory fits all known phenomena at low energies, it can have only one extrapolation to higher energies. From all past experience, this is unlikely - even as regards basic framework. (Think of the framework of Newtonian gravity versus that of Einstein's gravity.)"

[Larry Gerovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professor Paul Davies does an excellent job in covering the small things on a quantum scale all the way to the largest of things like the universe. Some knowledge of math is helpful but not really required to understand. Want to know about Baryons, Mesons, Quarks and Hardrons... after reading this book you will have a basic understanding.

[Danelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful! I love the New Physics! It's mysterious and awesome and giving us a great glimpse into the boundaries of this world.

[Damion Paul Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly wide ranging and detailed, this book is about physics with hard science, not speculation.