Physics in the 20th Century [Paperback]

Curt Suplee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 2002

Using clear text and a thematic approach, Curt Suplee provides understandable explanations of a number of crucial concepts in modern physics that include quantum mechanics, chaos theory, fission, fusion, lasers, transistors and black holes. He explains the experiments and achievements of such innovators as Albert Einstein, Nils Bohr, Erwin Schrodinger and Richard Feynmann, and offers illustrations that focus mainly on the images - from the atomic to the cosmic scale - made possible by the instruments of advanced physics. Also included are photographs of experimental equipment - such as massive particle colliders - and pioneering inventions. The volume is sponsored by the American Physical Society and the American Institute of Physics.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

We conventionally think of physics as the source of delights that are at best intellectual: austere, cold, abstract. Science writer Curt Suplee and his colleagues have produced a book that reveals the sensual side of physics.

Suplee's text gives an overview of 20th-century physics; he balances chapters on atomic structure, quantum theory, and cosmology with ones on chaos, materials, and light. His writing is clear and nontechnical, giving a well-balanced roller-skate tour of an immense growth in scientific knowledge: "The world as it is now understood differs more dramatically from the Victorian view than the science of Galileo, Copernicus, and Newton differed from that of Aristotle."

The true glory of the book, though, is visual. Physicists themselves often think in terms of images or devices rather than words or even equations, and Physics in the 20th Century truly conveys that. The illustrations are lush, abundant, and colorful. From the glowing mist of a planetary nebula and the mesmerizing webs of interference patterns to the spare beauty of a particle accelerator wave guide, they put the "physical" back into physics. This is an excellent choice as a gift for anyone interested in physics, from a bright 12-year-old to your local quantum mechanic. --Mary Ellen Curtin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

From an unexpected sourceAart book publisher Harry AbramsAcomes a crisply written, superbly illustrated overview of the history of physics that holds great appeal for experts in physics as well as for those who don't know a quark from a quantum. The book, co-sponsored by the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Institute of Physics for the centennial of the APS, contains more than 200 photographs, half in full color, of equipment, experiments, galaxies and scientists. Suplee, a science writer and editor for the Washington Post, does an excellent job of elucidating complex theories such as relativity and chaos. Best of all, he captures the wonder surrounding the invention of the electron microscope, radar, the microwave, the laser, the transistor, the atom bomb and much, much more. Suplee concentrates more on physics's fundamental explorationsAsuch as the search for the structure of the atom, the development of quantum mechanics and the articulation of the wave/particle theory of lightAthan on the feats of engineering that turned its discoveries into the machines and products we rely on today. In doing so, he skillfully demonstrates how scientists make progress by building upon the work of their predecessors. The final section, "Cosmos," which includes stunning pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope, is particularly impressive, confirming without a doubt that, for physics at least, this has been "a century of incessant marvels." BOMC and QPB selections.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 10, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810990849
• ISBN-13: 978-0810990845
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,034,488 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for science lovers, March 31, 2000

By 

Warren J. Lyman (Carlisle, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Physics in the 20th Century (Hardcover)

An excellent book for those who never tire of learning more about science and the nature of the universe. In addition to beautiful photographs and clear descriptions of the science, the book provides interesting human and historic information on the discovery process. Easy, informative and entertaining reading.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, February 4, 2010

By 

Freitas Gomes (grenoble, france) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Physics in the 20th Century (Hardcover)

I recommend this book. It has excellent graphic quality and it tells the hystory of physics in a very exciting way.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent review of physics, March 16, 2001

By 

Purdue Fan (Round Rock, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Physics in the 20th Century (Hardcover)

This book covers all of the major advances in physics in the last 100 years. After reading this, it becomes clear how far we have come in our understanding in just 100 short years. Fascinating pictures as well. Highly recommended, an excellent resource for teachers and students.