MTU Library Catalogue

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Seven ideas that shook the universe / Nathan Spielberg and Bryon D. Anderson.

By: Spielberg, Nathan.
Contributor(s): Anderson, Bryon D.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: New York : John Wiley & Sons, c1995Edition: 2nd ed.Description: xi, 355 p. : ill. ; 24cm.ISBN: 0471306061 .Subject(s): Physics | Mechanics | AstronomyDDC classification: 530
Contents:
Introduction -- Copernican astronomy -- Newtonian mechanics and causality -- The energy concept -- Entropy and probability -- Electromagnetism and reality -- Quantum theory and the end of causality -- Conservation principles and symmetries -- Epilogue.
Holdings
Item type Current library Call number Copy number Status Barcode
General lending MTU Bishopstown Library Lending 530 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) 1 Available 00115644
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A fascinating look at seven of the most important and revolutionary ideas of physics. The authors have updated the material in view of recent developments and expanded their discussion of the impact of developments in physics on philosophy, literature and the arts. Mathematical explanations of concepts are provided as well as the addition of more questions and several algebra-based problems.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- Copernican astronomy -- Newtonian mechanics and causality -- The energy concept -- Entropy and probability -- Electromagnetism and reality -- Quantum theory and the end of causality -- Conservation principles and symmetries -- Epilogue.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

  • Copernican Astronomy
  • Newtonian Mechanics and Causality
  • The Energy Concept
  • Entropy and Probability
  • Electromagnetism and Reality
  • Quantum Theory and the End of Causality
  • Conservation Principles and Symmetries
  • Epilogue
  • Index

Reviews provided by Syndetics

School Library Journal Review

YA A nontechnical discussion of the major aspects of physics, this is a revised edition of a college text intended for liberal arts majors. The ``seven ideas'' include: Copernican astronomy, Newtonian mechanics, the energy concept, entropy and probability, relativity, quantun theory, and conservation principles and symmetries. In the first two sections Spielberg and Anderson give an exciting historical account of the events that gave rise to what is now known as classical physics. They make readers understand the importance of the work of such men as Kepler, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and others. The authors also do a fairly good job of making readers understand the excitement in the new physics of today (quarks, leptons, the color force, etc.). The ideas of relativity and quantum physics are not as vividly presented, but on the whole, the book succeeds in providing a descriptive lesson on the ``history of physics.'' High-school physics and chemistry students, as well as teachers, should find the book useful as a reference. Robyn Schuster, Episcopal High School , Bellaire (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Spielberg and Anderson examine the most influential concepts in physics, from the sun-centered universe of Copernicus to the symmetries of quarks. Discussions of history focus on prior theory and experiment, with the context for Newtonian mechanics defined by introducing ``the procedures and mental tools of science'' and analyzing the six laws of motion. Supplemented by algebraic formulas and scientific postulates, a wide range of ideas is charted, with jargon explained and important experiments cited in readable prose. The authors make enlightening connections especially in their discussion of energy between the working world and the ivory towers of science and between past and future research. Later material covers Einstein and relativity and the world of submicroscopic particles. A swift and thorough catch-up on science for those who discovered its charms after school was out. Notes, references, and index. VND. 500.2 Physics / Mechanics / Astronomy [CIP] 86-15996