CiNii Books - Beyond the mechanical universe : from electricity to modern physics

This 1987 second volume of the Mechanical Universe studies electricity and magnetism, their relation to each other and light, and shows how the problem of light led to the special theory of relativity. Then, it moves on to modern physics, where particles may behave like waves and where some of the great verities of Newtonian physics appear less certain. Along with the first volume, this book is based on, though independent of, a public television series broadcast in the United States. Physics is presented as a human endeavor, with historical development forming a thread throughout the text. The prerequisites are minimal, only basic algebra and trigonometry since the necessary calculus is developed in the text, with physics providing the motivation. New concepts are introduced at the natural, logical point with many historical references to place physics in a social perspective. Many topics from twentieth-century physics are included. The book is attractively illustrated and will be a stimulating alternative to other, less-thorough treatments.

Table of Contents

Preface
31. Beyond the mechanical universe
32. Static electricity
33. The electric field
34. Potential and capacitance
35. Voltage, energy and force
36. The electric battery
37. Electric circuits
38. Magnetism
39. The magnetic field
40. Vector fields and hydrodynamics
41. Electromagnetic induction
42. Alternating currents
43. Maxwell's equations
44. Optics
45. The Michelson-Morley experiment
46. The Lorentz transformation
47. Velocity and time
48. Mass, momentum, energy
49. Atoms
50. Particles and waves
51. Atoms to quarks
52. The quantum mechanical universe
Appendix A. The international system of units
Appendix B. Conversion factors
Appendix C. The periodic table of the elements
Appendix D. Astronomical data
Appendix E. Physical constants
Index.

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Beyond the mechanical universe : from electricity to modern physics

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