Relativity and Quantum Mechanics: Principles of Modern Physics

by Paul Fleisher, Patricia Keeler (Illustrator)

Have you ever wondered why it seems like you are standing still – even though you are on a planet that is moving through space? Albert Einstein wondered why. Do you know what the famous equation E=mc2 means? Einstein could have explained it! Do you know why black holes exist? In this engaging book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws of relativity and quantum mechanics. With easy-to-understand concepts and experiments, readers are introduced to the basic principles of modern physics in an exciting way.This edition of Paul Fleisher’s Secrets of the Universe has been fully revised by the author and features all of the original illustrations by Patricia Keeler.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Physics

100 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Bernie4444]

Something practical

This book is part of the “Secrets of the Universe” series.

Reading the introduction makes you want to regurgitate. Even though the target reader grade is sitting at nine, the author, Paul Fleisher, talks down to the reader in the most fundamental way.

After you get past the introduction it is Relativity and Quantum Mechanics relatively without the math. You will find the book more of a history of how our concept of light and the makeup of the atom changes down through the ages. He sights key discoveries and concepts. And drops names such as Niels Bohr, Albert Einstein, Max Plank, and Werner Heisenberg.

Before you get a chance to yawn this is one of the few books that has practical experiments to prove the laws and not just take my word for its theories. Try the Red or Blue light on a motion detector that proves that “the shorter the wave = the higher the energy.”

The information is split into logical and short chapters:
1. Relativity
2. Quantum Mechanics
3. Conservation of Mass/Energy
4. The Uncertainty Principle

Included are references to further reading and websites to visit.

[Heather Tully]

This is the first one in the series that left me a bit confused. I think I’ll need to do some more studying before we read this in term 3!

Pre-read of 2022-2023 educational year.

[Bethanyanne]

We read this one last for homeschool year 7 and I’m glad- it was the hardest book in the series.

[Brit Chhangur]

Pre-read for AO year 7. These books make these concepts so clear. The illustrations (both drawings/sketches and word-pictures) make complicated laws understandable and the experiments are easy to implement. This particular book has been the most difficult of the series so far, and I don't think there were any experiments!

[Devin Bostick]

Solid quick high level one sitting

[Lindsey]

Really great series, with clear explanations and good illustrations of the experiments discussed. 13yo looked forward to reading these.

[Bikerider99]

Highly recommended as an introduction to this complicated field of science. Good examples provided to illustrate the concepts.

[s]

i learned most of this in chem already but still enjoyable

[Robert Davis]

An elementary introduction to the theories and pioneers of physics.

[Aaron Wong]

Makes the imposingly difficult easy to understand with elegant and inspired analogies.

[Carolyn Page]

It wasn't too hard for me to read! I'm not dumb, but I'm more of a right brain than a left brain. Explained these concepts and principles in clear, simple terms.