Nuclear Physics

by W. Heisenberg

The Nobel Prize-winning physicist offers a fascinating popular introduction to nuclear physics from early atomic theory to its transformative applications.

Theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg is famous for developing the uncertainty principle, which bears his name, and for his pioneering work in quantum mechanics. A central figure in the development of the atomic bomb and a close colleague of Albert Einstein, Heisenberg wrote Nuclear Physics "for readers who, while interested in natural sciences, have no previous training in theoretical physics."

Compiled from a series of his lectures on the subject, Heisenberg begins with a short history of atomic physics before delving into the nature of nuclear forces and reactions, the tools of nuclear physics, and its world-changing technical and practical applications. Nuclear Physics is an ideal book for general readers interested in learning about some of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of the twentieth century.

Genres: Science, Physics, Nonfiction, History

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1947

Reviews

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a walk down memory lane for me. The author, creator of the uncertainty principle, writing 65 years ago when I was in high school physics, gives an overview of that which was known about nuclear physics before the construction of the really giant accelerators of today.
The annoying thing today is our discovery that we are only even aware of just 5% of the matter and energy comprising our universe. The dark mater and dark energy are the big deal now.
I certainly despair that I will not live to learn anything about the 95%.

[Kyle Gumm · Rating 3 out of 5]

To begin with, this review does not reflect the work in this book. I read this book because I got it for free, and I can appreciate how well-written and informative it was. However, I know nothing about physics and am not that interested in it (I also don’t read much in this genre), so the book just wasn’t for me. I had no clue what the author was talking about more than half the time.

[Trent Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the science has developed significantly since when this book was published, it still provides a very accessible introduction to the early foundations of nuclear physics, and the history of its development.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read that gives a historical overview of nuclear physics from the perspective of the mid 20th century. If you would like a good, but dated overview this will work, and while you won't have the full story of the nucleus, the historical way of looking at things is interesting to see.

[Neermukta Rathore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book

[Jess SQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Perfect refresher for preparing to take Atomic Physics at my Institute this spring.

[Lee Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, it gave a very good introduction to nuclear physics and went into sufficient detail on the aspect of nuclear transmutations of elements. It is also interspersed with a nice run down of the history of nuclear physics and an appendix briefly outlining the German war effort to create a nuclear pile. Being dated in the 50's this book obviously pre-dates the discovery of quarks but does mention the nuclear forces and that there must be some reason for them.

[Arman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to nuclear physics as it contains a lot of clear explanations by Werner Heisenberg for the few main equations and ideas of the subject at its early years.I recommend it to everyone as a beginning step.