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Understanding Physics
Understanding Physics <> Hardcover <> DavidC.Cassidy <> Springer
874 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
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April 29, 2017
Very useful introduction to the basic concepts and theories in physics.
This book consists of two parts. In part one (9 chapters) the central theme is motion, force and energy. Topics include: Greek Astronomy, the Copernican Revolution, Galilei's study of motion, Newton's world system, thermodynamics, the kinetic molecular theory of gases and special relativity. Each chapter touches on the most important topics, and puts them (if possible) in a chronological order. Even the mathematical parts are easy to follow for interested laypeople.
The second part (9 chapters) is much harder to follow though. It starts with electromagnetism and via the atomic discoveries of the twentieth century concludes with quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. Even though these topics are the most interesting part of the book, the math in part 2 is much harder to follow (speaking as a layperson). But the authors do a good job to contextualize and deepen the theories where possible.
In all, this is a very strong introduction into physics. The only downside is that general relativity is not treated in the entire book. Which does seem weird, since it has had so much influence on astronomy and cosmology...
(I read the e-book version, so I have no idea about the quality of the hardcover version, especially the quality of the pictures, which is black-and-white in the digital version...)
This book consists of two parts. In part one (9 chapters) the central theme is motion, force and energy. Topics include: Greek Astronomy, the Copernican Revolution, Galilei's study of motion, Newton's world system, thermodynamics, the kinetic molecular theory of gases and special relativity. Each chapter touches on the most important topics, and puts them (if possible) in a chronological order. Even the mathematical parts are easy to follow for interested laypeople.
The second part (9 chapters) is much harder to follow though. It starts with electromagnetism and via the atomic discoveries of the twentieth century concludes with quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. Even though these topics are the most interesting part of the book, the math in part 2 is much harder to follow (speaking as a layperson). But the authors do a good job to contextualize and deepen the theories where possible.
In all, this is a very strong introduction into physics. The only downside is that general relativity is not treated in the entire book. Which does seem weird, since it has had so much influence on astronomy and cosmology...
(I read the e-book version, so I have no idea about the quality of the hardcover version, especially the quality of the pictures, which is black-and-white in the digital version...)
Displaying 1 of 1 review