Great Ideas in Physics

Author/creator Lightman, Alan P., 1948- Author
Format Electronic
Edition3rd ed.,Revised
Publication InfoBlacklick : McGraw-Hill Companies, The
Description300 p. ill 08.800 x 06.000 in.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from eBooks on EBSCOhost
Subjects

Summary Annotation <p>The conservation of energy, the second law of thermodynamics, the theory of relativity, quantum mechanics&#173;&#173;together, these concepts form the foundation upon which modern physics was built. But the influence of these four landmark ideas has extended far beyond hard science. There is no aspect of twentieth-century culture&#173;&#173;including the arts, social sciences, philosophy, and politics&#173;&#173;that has not been profoundly influenced by them.</p><p>In<i>Great Ideas in Physics</i>, Alan Lightman clearly explains the physics behind each of the four great ideas and deftly untangles for lay readers such knotty concepts as entropy, the relativity of time, and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Throughout the book he uses excerpts from the writings of scientific luminaries such as Newton, Kelvin, Einstein, and de Broglie to help place each in its proper historical perspective. And with the help of expertly annotated passages from the works of dozens of writers, philosophers, artists, and social theorists, Lightman explores the two-way influences of these landmark scientific concepts on our entire human culture and the world of ideas.</p>
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
LCCN 00022999
ISBN9780071357388
ISBN0071357386 (Trade Paper) Active Record
Standard identifier# 9780071357388
Stock number0071357386 00016072

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