Understanding Physics [Hardcover]

Isaac Asimov (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1982

Dr Isaac Asimov, famed science fiction writer and science popularizer, presents an introduction to the complexities of modern physics.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Walker & Co (June 1982)
• ISBN-10: 0802702953
• ISBN-13: 978-0802702951
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,624,539 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A More-Than-Introduction to Physics, April 19, 2003

By 

David Hardison "rackitycoon" (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding Physics, 3 Volumes in One: Motion, Sound & Heat; Light, Magnetism & Electricity; The Electron, Proton & Neutron (v. 1-3) (Hardcover)

Let me a start of with a word of warning: this is not a simple book. If you are interested in learning what physics is all about but are wary of drowning in equations and technospeak, you might want to start of with Tony Rothman's <<Instant Physics>> or Lary Gonick's <<Cartoon Guide to Physics>>. Both provide a sampler platter of the key concepts in physics. If, however, your appetite is already whetted, then by all means dive into this three-course meal.

Though he is best known for his science fiction, Isaac Asimov is well grounded in science fact. It should be noted that he was originally a professor of biochemistry at the Boston University School of Medicine before becoming a full-time writer. And this book certainly shows he's a master of both teaching and writing.

Like most other books on physics, Asimov starts volume one with the concept of motion and expands on it leading up to a rudimentary introduction to relativity. Volume two begins with the properties of light and ends by tying together the notions of electricity and magnetism. And volume three travels from the electrons on the edge of atoms to the subatomic particles in the nucleus. Each chapter provides a solid foundation for the next, and there are generous notations back to previous concepts if the reader gets lost.

But what I feel is most remarkable about this book, is the attention it pays to the wrong turns taken through the course of history. It's far too easy to think of science simply as facts handed down from on high. Asimov shows us how it's actually a process of stumbling in the mists towards the Truth. Each mistaken belief is examined in its historical context to show us why it was accepted. Then the next set of discoveries is used to explain why those beliefs were modified or discarded outright. Not only does he illuminate the nature of the universe, but the nature of science itself.

I hesitate to give this five stars for two reasons. First, there are very few diagrams. While Asimov is as clear a writer as there is, "a picture is worth a thousand words". Secondly, as I mentioned in the beginning, a reader with little to no experience with physics may be put off by it's in-depth nature. However, it's not really set up to work well as a reference book for those readers who are well versed in physics (though they would most likely appreciate the historical perspective). Thus, it seems to me that this book would be best suited for those who are currently or are soon to be taking coursework in physics.

Student or not, anyone approaching this collection with a desire to learn will not be disappointed.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mandatory reading for any engineering / science course work, February 7, 2002

By 

John Connolly (Fairmont, WV USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Physics, 3 Volumes in One: Motion, Sound & Heat; Light, Magnetism & Electricity; The Electron, Proton & Neutron (v. 1-3) (Hardcover)

After engineering school, I finally found that what I was missing most was the fundamental development and transgression of ideas over time. Not understanding the nature of those formulae and equations kept me from doing some better work. If I had read this book prior to (or even during) my education I might well have been more relaxed and entrained on the topics. I found physics to be daunting when in actuality, it is great fun. I highly recommend this book for the beginning student and even for the seasoned engineer (who could still learn a few things after all).

This book makes conversational sense of the topic of physics.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this is the great BIBLE of physics for anyone without math, September 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Understanding Physics, 3 Volumes in One: Motion, Sound & Heat; Light, Magnetism & Electricity; The Electron, Proton & Neutron (v. 1-3) (Hardcover)

this book can teach anyone physics. it should be a "must"in all high schools from america to africa. With these other books,Secrets of the universe by paul fliesher,and Physics made simple by ira freeman should make a great introductory course for anyone.