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This book is the first of its kind devoted to the key role played
by light and electromagnetic radiation in the universe. Readers are
introduced to philosophical hypotheses such as the economy,
symmetry and the universality of natural laws, and are then guided
to practical consequences such as the rules of geometrical optics
and even Einstein's well-known but mysterious relationship, E =
mc2. Most chapters feature a pen picture of the life and character
of a relevant scientific figure. These 'Historical Interludes'
include, among others, Galileo's conflicts with the Inquisition,
Fourier's taunting of the guillotine, Neils Bohr and World War II,
and the unique character of Richard Feynman.The second edition has
been revised and made more accessible to the general reader.
Whenever possible, the mathematical material of the first edition
has been replaced by appropriate text to give a verbal account of
the mystery of the phenomenon of light and how its understanding
has developed from pre-historic to present times. The emphasis is
on reading for interest and enjoyment; formulae or equations which
underpin and reinforce the argument are presented in a form which
does not interfere with the flow of the text.The book will be of
interest to students and teachers, as well as general readers
interested in physics.
This book is the first of its kind devoted to the key role played
by light and electromagnetic radiation in the universe. Readers are
introduced to philosophical hypotheses such as the economy,
symmetry and the universality of natural laws, and are then guided
to practical consequences such as the rules of geometrical optics
and even Einstein's well-known but mysterious relationship, E =
mc2. Most chapters feature a pen picture of the life and character
of a relevant scientific figure. These 'Historical Interludes'
include, among others, Galileo's conflicts with the Inquisition,
Fourier's taunting of the guillotine, Neils Bohr and World War II,
and the unique character of Richard Feynman.The second edition has
been revised and made more accessible to the general reader.
Whenever possible, the mathematical material of the first edition
has been replaced by appropriate text to give a verbal account of
the mystery of the phenomenon of light and how its understanding
has developed from pre-historic to present times. The emphasis is
on reading for interest and enjoyment; formulae or equations which
underpin and reinforce the argument are presented in a form which
does not interfere with the flow of the text.The book will be of
interest to students and teachers, as well as general readers
interested in physics.
Quantum theory revolutionized physics at the beginning of the last
century. Einstein was one of its originators, but as the
implications of the theory emerged, he began to have doubts. Are
the most basic physical processes based on probability? Is the
Universe governed by chance? Do physical objects have an
independent existence or do they exist only in our perception? The
ramifications may appear bizarre but they are inherent to this
perplexing subject.The Quantum Adventure deals with the birth and
growth of quantum mechanics. It explains the "classical dilemma"
which faced physics at the start of the 20th Century and goes on to
show how quantum mechanics emerged and flourished. Difficult and
abstract concepts are treated with minimal mathematics and maximal
physical imagery. Snippets of information about the dramatis
personae are woven into the text and add color to what is
traditionally perceived as a complex and challenging topic. A
must-read for anyone interested in quantum physics.
Quantum theory revolutionized physics at the beginning of the last
century. Einstein was one of its originators, but as the
implications of the theory emerged, he began to have doubts. Are
the most basic physical processes based on probability? Is the
Universe governed by chance? Do physical objects have an
independent existence or do they exist only in our perception? The
ramifications may appear bizarre but they are inherent to this
perplexing subject.The Quantum Adventure deals with the birth and
growth of quantum mechanics. It explains the "classical dilemma"
which faced physics at the start of the 20th Century and goes on to
show how quantum mechanics emerged and flourished. Difficult and
abstract concepts are treated with minimal mathematics and maximal
physical imagery. Snippets of information about the dramatis
personae are woven into the text and add color to what is
traditionally perceived as a complex and challenging topic. A
must-read for anyone interested in quantum physics.
This book is the first of its kind to devote itself at this level
to the key role played by light and electromagnetic radiation in
the universe. Readers are introduced to philosophical hypotheses
such as the economy, symmetry, and universality of natural laws,
and are then guided to practical consequences such as the rules of
geometrical optics and even Einstein's well-known but mysterious
relationship, E = mc2. Most chapters feature a pen picture of the
life and character of a relevant scientific figure. These
"Historical Interludes" include, among others, Galileo's conflicts
with the Inquisition, Fourier's taunting of the guillotine, Neils
Bohr and World War II, and the unique character of Richard
Feynman.Going one step beyond the popular level, this easy-to-read
book gives an overall view to undergraduate and postgraduate
physics students that is often missing when trying to assimilate
the technical details of their courses. Through its original
treatment of topics and enjoyable style of writing, it will also
stimulate keen interest in general readers who are interested in
science and have a basic mathematics background as well as teachers
looking for basic and accurate background information.
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