Customer Reviews

AIP Physics Desk Reference

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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.

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.

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.