This book examines constants, the role they play in the laws of physics, and whether indeed constants can be verified. From the laboratory to the depths of space, it explores the paths of gravitation, general relativity and new theories such as that of superstrings. Coverage investigates the solidity of the foundations of physics and discusses the implications of the discovery of the non-constancy of a constant. The book even goes beyond the subject of constants to explain and discuss many ideas in physics, encountering along the way, for example, such exciting details as the discovery of a natural nuclear reactor at Oklo in Gabon.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
From the reviews:
"This book is an English translation of a French text originally published in 2005 . . It addresses the problem of the potential variation of the fundamental constants following the announcement in 1999 of a possible small change in the fine structure constant a. . it is quite scholastic and may interest students of secondary school level and interested laymen." (Vladimir Pletser, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008)
"Uzan (Institut d'Astrophsique de Paris) and Leclercq (Pour la Science, Paris) presents a brief history of the development of physics itself. . The style is informal and the logic is clear. The attention to detail is very good, especially considering the expected audience. This is a fine book and belongs in college libraries. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers/libraries." (K. L. Schick, Choice, Vol. 46 (6), February, 2009)
