The Handy Physics Answer Book

by Zitzewitz, Paul W

• ISBN13: 9781578593057
• ISBN10: 1578593050
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-02-01
• Publisher: Visible Ink Press

Summary

Eschewing the usual mathematical explanations for physics phenomena, this approachable reference explains complicated scientific concepts in plain English that everyone can understand. Completely updated to tackle the big issues such as gravity, magnetism, sound, and what really happens in the Large Hadron Collider, this engaging look at physics also spells out why cats always land on their feet, why people appear to have red eyes in photographs, and the real danger of looking at an eclipse. For everyone who ever wondered how a light bulb works or how squirrels avoid electrocution on the power lines, this handbook supplies answers on the physics of everyday life and examines the developments in the exploration of subatomic particles. In addition to the question-and-answer section, an addendum of facts about physicists explains what the Nobel prize is and who has won it, and tells the story of the scientist who was incarcerated for agreeing with Copernicus.

Author Biography

Paul W. Zitzewitz, PhD, taught physics at the University of Michigan–Dearborn for more than 35 years and has been honored as a Fellow of the American Physical Society for his work in physics education. He is the author of the high school physics textbook Physics: Principles and Problems. He lives in Northville, Michigan.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. vii
Introduction	p. ix
Bibliography	p. 323
Symbols	p. 327
Glossary	p. 331
Index	p. 359
The Basics	p. 1
Measurement
Careers in Physics
Famous Physicists
The Nobel Prize
Motion and its Causes	p. 25
Force and Newton's Laws of Motion
Momentum and Energy	p. 55
Momentum
Energy
Statics	p. 83
Center of Gravity
Statics
Bridges and Other ôStaticö Structures
Fluids	p. 95
Water Pressure
Blood Pressure
Atmospheric Pressure
Sinking and Floating: Buoyancy
Fluid Dynamics: Hydraulics and Pneumatics
Aerodynamics
The Sound Barrier
Supersonic Flight
Thermal Physics	p. 117
Thermal Energy
Temperature and Its Measurement
Absolute Zero
States of Matter
Heat
Thermodynamics
Waves	p. 137
Water Waves
Electromagnetic Waves
Communicating with Electromagnetic Waves
Putting Information on Electromagnetic Waves
Microwaves
The Principle of Superposition
Resonance
Impedance
The Doppler Effect
Radar
NEXRAD Doppler Radar
Radio Astronomy
Sound	p. 165
Speed of Sound
Hearing
Ultrasonics and Infrasonics
Intensity of Sound
Acoustics
Musical Acoustics
Noise Pollution
Light	p. 187
The Speed of Light
Polarization of Light
Opaque, Transparent, and Translucent Materials
Shadows
Reflection
Mirrors
Refraction
Lenses
Fiber Optics
Diffraction and Interference
Color
Rainbows
Eyesight
Cameras
Telescopes
Electricity	p. 231
Leyden Jars and Capacitors
Van de Graaf Generators
Lightning
Safety Precautions
Current Electricity
Resistance
Superconductors
Ohm's Law
Electric Power and Its Uses
Circuits
AC/DC
Series/Parallel Circuits
Electrical Outlets
Magnetism	p. 261
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetic Technology
Magnetic Fields in Space
What is the World Made of?	p. 273
At the Heart of the Atom	p. 289
Unanswered Questions	p. 309
Beyond the Proton and Neutron
Entanglement, Teleportation, and Quantum Computing
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.