Great Ideas in Physics
Published on 1. September 1991
Book
Paperback/Softback
352 pages
978-0-07-037937-4 (ISBN)
Description
This is an interdisciplinary textbook in physics for non-science majors and is accessible to students with little science background. The text focuses on four ideas: the conservation of energy, the second law of thermodynamics, the relativity of time, and the wave-particle duality of nature. Each idea, occupying a separate chapter, is first discussed in its scientific terms. The treatment uses only pre-calculus mathematics. The new edition contains quantitative problems with solutions, though emphasis is placed on concepts, rathter than facts. Each idea is also discussed in terms of its direct impact on the humanities, using excerpts from science greats as well as famous authors and philosophers.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
McGraw-Hill Education - Europe
Target group
College/higher education
Weight
3700 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-07-037937-4 (9780070379374)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Content
Part 1 The conservation of energy: conservation laws; gravitational energy; kinetic energy; units length, mass, weight and energy; conservation laws and human freedom; heat energy; the conservation of energy and the limited lifetime of the world; reactions to possible violations of the conservation of energy. Part 2 The second law of thermodynamics (increase of disorder in the world): reversible and irreversible phenomena; states of a system and probability of configurations; mechanical energy and heat; the irreversible flow of heat; doing work with heat; entropy and order; resistance to the implications of the Second Law; the Second Law applied to human society; the Second Law used to refute the theory of evolution. Part 3 The relativity of time: relativity in brief; science leading to the theory of relativity - abolition of absolute space and time; Einstein's approach to science; the influence of the theory of relativity on literature; relativity and sculpture. Part 4 The wave-particle duality of nature (quantum theory): waves; the photoelectric effect; the double-slit experiment; the role of the observer and the nature of reality; quantum physics and language; the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and the demise of determinism in science; determinism, causality, and choice in the quantum world. Appendices: a review of some basic mathematics; the Second Law of thermodynamics and the behaviour of systems with large numbers of molecules.