AIP Physics Desk Reference [Hardcover]

Richard E. Cohen (Editor), David Lide (Editor), George Trigg (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Physicist's Desk Reference | Publication Date: January 27, 2003

This is a major revision of a classic, best selling reference book. Originally published by the American Institute of Physics under the title "Physics Vade Mecum" in 1981, and then the second edition in 1989 with the new title "A Physicist's Desk Reference", this third edition has been completely updated and modernized to reflect current modern physics. The book is a concise compilation of the most frequently used physics data and formulae with their derivations. This revision has six more chapters than the second edition, outdated chapters dropped, and new chapters added on atmospheric physics, electricity and magnetism, elementary particle physics, fluid dynamics, geophysics, nonlinear physics, particle accelerators, polymer physics, and quantum theory.There is a new last chapter on practical laboratory data. The references and bibliographies have been updated. This book is an indispensable tool for the researcher, professional and student in physics as well as other scientists who use physics data. The editors of this volume are Richard Cohen, author of the first two chapters of PDR and the "Physics Quick Reference Guide"; David Lide, one of the editors of the previous two editions and the editor of the "CRC Handbook of Physics and Chemistry"; and George Trigg, editor of the "Encyclopedia of Physics" and the "Encyclopedia of Applied Physics" (VCH). The market for this classic reference book includes the practicing scientist, including engineers, chemists, and biologists; and students.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 760 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 3rd edition (January 27, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387989730
• ISBN-13: 978-0387989730
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.5 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Travel > Asia > China

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keep up with physics, June 1, 2004

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: AIP Physics Desk Reference (Hardcover)

It is difficult for physicists to keep track of the latest findings in their field. By necessity, if you work in physics, you often have to specialise. Yet for intellectual reasons, if nothing else, it is good to keep up with what is in your occupation.

For decades, the American Institute of Physics has tried to help, with earlier versions of this book. This is the latest update, from 2003. Compared to, say, the 1981 edition, there have been large changes. Perhaps foremost is the current prominence of computational ideas. Reflecting the decades-long surge of Moore's Law and the now ubiquitous computing power available to most physicists. So much so that simulations are now a de facto equal partner of theory and observation.

The book also describes the current boundaries of particle physics, with updates on recent accelerator capabilities and results. If progress seems naggingly slow here, remember the sheer cost of those accelerators and the long lead time between design and first light.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great reference, November 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Physicist's Desk Reference (Paperback)

This is a great reference, I've had mine for years and its getting ragged. The general section has all the conversions and definitions you need and they are easy to find. the synopsis of the various areas in physics are very complete and easy to follow and then to put to use.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quite ok, December 9, 2009

By 

J. M. Torres - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: AIP Physics Desk Reference (Hardcover)

I am not certain if I can say that this book is more of a professional asset, or more of an entertainment. It's a nice book to read. I can't say it's a good book to work with.

The AIP desk reference contains a good deal of equations and expressions. It contains a bit of everything, and therefore One should not expect to find -precisely- what One wants.

Should you buy it? Probably. Is it going to help you? Maybe more on a psychological level, because it's nice to hold the whole spectrum of physics in one hand.