General Physics category: 2746 books

This classic study presents a single theory of light, integrating two theories previously thought to be irreconcilable. The author shows that quantum theory is a natural development of wave theory, and that together they constitute a single valid theory of light. Aimed at students with an intermediate-level knowledge of physics.

Grappling with the first and second laws of thermodynamics can test the intellectual mettle of even the most dedicated student of the physical sciences. Approaching the subject for the first time may raise more queries and doubts than are usually handled in the basic, straightforward textbook. Based...

This paper describes a brief history of symmetry and symmetry breaking in physics, describes the concepts of symmetry and symmetry breaking (both spontaneous and explicit, and explores spontaneous symmetry breaking in quantum field theory, giving examples accompanied by Feynman Diagrams and simplified...

Two unabridged addresses summarizing aspects of Einstein’s Special and General Theories of Relativity comprise this succinct volume. The first, Ether and Relativity, was delivered in 1920 and examines the properties demanded of the ether of space by the theory of relativity. Geometry and Experience,...

I add to my original essay of the same name that posited space must be infinite, by supposing that there are two types of spaces, one finite and one infinite. Finite space is the space that is essential for matter to exist. It is indivisible from that matter. This is the space that can be measured,...

The geeks will inherit the earth. With well over two hundred episodes and a dozen seasons, The Big Bang Theory is one of America’s favorite television series, bringing a new class of character to mainstream television: the science nerd. In spite of its evident popularity and influence...

Common to all matter and its smallest and most fundamental unit, the atom determines the properties of a substance and how it responds to other materials and stimuli. Dividing the atom further reveals several smaller particles whose activity forms the heart of nuclear physics. Readers will discover...

Many of the world’s most common processes and interactions are governed by the laws of thermodynamics and mechanics. While the transfer, release, or absorption of heat often accompany chemical reactions or seem inherent to mechanical systems, they are also familiar to anyone who has ever spent time...

This book takes a broad and eclectic view of the water that all humanity depends upon, probing its role in human life and in the history of our planet, as well as surveying the latest scientific understanding of purification techniques and standards for the protection of water quality. The...

This book discusses the fun side of the quest to develop fusion energy—a modern equivalent of the hunt for the Holy Grail. After more than 70 years of research, despite great progress, the goal has not been realized. Do you have to be crazy to love quests like this? Not really, but you do have to...

“First Magnitude” is an entry-level book for readers with brightly lit skies. Its purpose is to show them that all is not lost, that they can still enjoy personal astronomy and have an appreciation of the heavens no matter where they live. It concentrates on the Sun, Moon, the five bright planets,...

In 140 pages, two masterly popularisers present 140 explanations of the biggest questions in physics - in the form of 10 or so tweets per page. They set themselves the challenge of boiling down what is essential on each subject into sentences of 140 characters, and the results are both entertaining...

A Nobel-prize winning physicist takes on the essential question: what are we made of? Our understanding of nature's deepest reality has changed radically, but almost without our noticing, over the past twenty-five years. Transcending the clash of older ideas about matter and space, acclaimed...

To see video demonstrations of key concepts from the book, please visit this website: http://www.press.uchicago.edu/sites/timewarp/ Sci-fi makes it look so easy. Receive a distress call from Alpha Centauri? No problem: punch the warp drive and you're there in minutes. Facing a catastrophe that...