the conservation of energy, the second law of thermodynamics, the theory of relativity, and quantum mechanics /
Alan Lightman.
3rd ed.
New York :
McGraw-Hill,
2000.
1 online resource (xi, 300 pages) :
illustrations
Includes bibliographical references (pages 285-294) and index.
Introduction -- Conservation of energy -- Second Law of thermodynamics -- Relativity of time -- Wave-Particle duality of nature -- Appendix A: Review of some basic mathematics -- Appendix B: Problems and discussion questions -- Appendix C: Laboratory -- Readings.
2
For anyone how wants a basic understanding of the physical processes that define the universe, Lightman provides the perfect introduction. In addition to explaining physics, he introduces relevant passages from philosophy and literature to demonstrate how these great ideas have impacted the world of thought. What does it mean to say that time and space are relative? How can an electron be in two places at once? For anyone who wants a basic understanding of the physical processes that define the universe, Lightman provides the perfect introduction in Great Ideas in Physics. In addition to explaining physics, he brings in relevant passages from philosophy and literature to demonstrate how these great ideas have impacted the world of thought.