Particles And the Universe

by Kyle Kirkland

Nuclear physics investigates the properties and behavior of the central portion, or nucleus, of the atom. This branch of physics had perhaps the biggest impact on the world in the 20th century because it evolved into the knowledge used to build the most destructive weapons people have ever known. The atomic bombs that ended World War II, and the weapons race that followed, changed the course of history. But applications of nuclear physics have also provided enormous energy for useful purposes, generating about 16 percent of the world's electricity. Particles and the Universe documents how modern physics formed and how it continues to evolve. Each chapter of this book delves into the observations, theories, and tests of a particular topic, including nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, particle physics, relativity, and cosmology.

Genres: Physics, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published May 30, 2007

Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book on a whim and was DELIGHTED that it made even the most complicated physics theories accessible. Props to Kyle Kirkland for not only making me want to read more about quantum physics but also piquing my interest in the other books in this series. Anyways, teleportation is real, extremely important particles have names like "charmed" and "strange," and black holes are literally incomprehensible.

[Branislav Bajlovski · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I would ever have a need to explain physics to a person that is not into science, I would think of this book as a concept.
Hope that there will be new edition, if not already, with LIGO and CERN findings included.

[Navid Aliakbarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice introduction to modern physics

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and informative for the novice. I would recommend this book as a good introduction.

[Sam knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for those that want to be aware of the many sciences that deal with "particles and the universe" as the title implies. From nuclear physics to cosmology this book pretty much gives a not too broad introduction on these topics (but doesn't speculate on them all that much either. This book is purely for introductory purposes, like any one of the other books in the series.

[Pedro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to physics. It's full of does little knowledge nuggets that every new physics enthusiasts would love.

[Ethan French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirkland did a great job of explaining both nuclear physics and astrophysics, while putting it in terms most people could digest and comprehend. A must for anyone interested in studying physics.