The Handy Physics Answer Book (The Handy Answer Book Series) [Paperback]

P. Erik Gundersen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1578590582 | ISBN-13: 978-1578590582 | Publication Date: October 1, 1998

Who would have guessed that physics would become the hottest topic on Broadway? Handy Physics is just the book for anyone trying to get a handle on what is a difficult but extremely trendy science and is sure to help readers become more socially successful. What, really, does E=MC2 mean? More fun than a slide rule, Handy Physics tackles the big issues: Gravity. Magnetism. Matter. Sound. Light. And the smaller topics, like why do cats always land on their feet? Why don't birds or squirrels on power lines get electrocuted? Only Handy Physics combines elementary theory with heartwarming tales of small animals. For everyone who ever wondered how a light bulb works, The Handy Physics Answer Book examines more than 825 basic questions about physics and physicists, ranging from everyday life applications to the latest explorations in subatomic physics. The Handy Physics Answer Book disposes with the mathematical explanations and deep coma often associated with physics and instead takes a more conceptual approach – written in everyday English by yet another teacher. Other great stuff includes a list of the Nobel Prize winners in physics and suggestions for further reading. Ideal for students, science readers, theatergoers, and anyone reckoning with the essential questions about the universe we dwell within, Handy Physics is a friendly guide to the most significant scientific theories and discoveries of our time. And, we promise, no chalkboards.

Product Details

• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: Visible Ink Press (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578590582
• ISBN-13: 978-1578590582
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,152,184 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Handy. Physics. Answers., May 22, 2002

By 

Wesley L. Janssen (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Handy Physics Answer Book (The Handy Answer Book Series) (Paperback)

What do Newton, Einstein, and "a typical kindergartner have in common? Aside from playing with their food and bad hair, they demonstrate a unique ability to ask deceptively simple questions..."
If you are wondering how cosmic inflation theory works, read cosmologist George Smoot's "Wrinkles in Time." If you are wondering about the weakness of perturbation theories or the strength of superstring theory, read theoretical physicist Brian Greene's "The Elegant Universe." If you want to know what quantum tunneling is, look it up in physicist John Gribbins' "Q is for Quantum." But --
If your "how does that work" questions are less abstract, perhaps like: why is the doorknob opposite the hinges on a door (?) or why is the sky blue (?) or -- for something slightly more advanced -- how might an electron be pushed as close as possible to light-speed (?), then pick up a copy of Gundersen's "Handy Physics Answer Book." A wonderful resource, the book is exactly what the title suggests. Interesting `everyday' questions are posed, the kind of questions a young child might ask, but which most adults would struggle to answer. The answers follow, always in clear and concise language. It will be money well spent, Gundersen, a high school physics teacher, covers a lot of ground, and answers a lot of questions.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book if you have general questions!, January 17, 2002

By 

Jason Colucci (Granada Hills, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Handy Physics Answer Book (The Handy Answer Book Series) (Paperback)

I have three of these books now and I continue to not be disappointed. These books help answer questions that you may not think about but as soon as you read them you end up saying to yourself "hmmm that's a good question"! This book is very cool to read and if you have any interest what so ever in Physics it will keep your attention for hours if you let it. Definitely not the type of book you would read cover to cover, it's more useful as a reference guide. I don't see why any college or high school student or anyone for that matter with an interest in Physics wouldn't have this book. It's a great buy and fun to read!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars General Physics Questions & Answers, May 7, 2005

By 

G. Reid (Roseland, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Handy Physics Answer Book (The Handy Answer Book Series) (Paperback)

This book has the answers to many questions that you or your family may have about physics. Even if you do not have a specific question, just reading the book is both fun and educational. For example:

Why is the Earth magnetized?
What is the tallest building in the world?
What do AM and FM mean and how do they differ?
What is the longest bridge in the world?
How does the human eye see?