The Physics Quick Reference Guide [ILLUSTRATED] (Plastic Comb)

by E. Richard Cohen (Author)
Key Phrases: base quantities, magnetic quantities, upright type, New York, Data Series, Particle Data Group (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
This compact handbook is an expansion of the first chapter of A Physicist's Desk Reference (American Institute of Physics, 1986). A spiral-bound volume that is easy to use, it contains the essential information to answer a broad range of general physics questions. Its nine sections cover: "Physical Quantities, Symbols and Units" ; "International System of Units" ; "Recommended Symbols for Physical Quantities" ; "Precise Physical Constants" ; "Physics Formulary" ; "Engineering Physics" ; "Properties of Matter" ; "Mathematical Formulas" ; and "Probability and Statistics." Much of the information is presented in clear and well-labeled charts and tables. A subject index aids in finding precise data.

This handbook is perfect for small academic libraries on a limited budget, high-school libraries, and public libraries. All of the information can be found in comprehensive handbooks such as Handbook of Physics, American Institute of Physics Handbook, or Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, and if libraries already have copies of these sources, The Physics Quick Reference Guide may not be necessary. However, the chapter on the International System of Units is well worth having because of its conciseness. This would be an excellent quick reference for students, rather than having to carry one of the large comprehensive handbooks.

Review
"A very useful reference that I would recommend for physicists' desks ... It represents a lot of excellent work." -- Cynthia Carter, Department of Energy

"The basic data on physical constants, units, definitions, and mathematical formulas are presented in a handy, accessible, and authoritiative form, and make up just the sort of collection that a harried author, student, or researcher needs." -- John Howard, former Chief Scientist, Air Force Geophysics Laboratory

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Product Details

• Plastic Comb: 209 pages
• Publisher: AIP Press (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563961431
• ISBN-13: 978-1563961434
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,779,195 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, compact, handy reference, February 16, 1999

By A Customer

I'm a tech writer and programmer with a physics background. This reference is perfect for me. The formulas and constants are accessible and useful. The book is well-organized and packs all the info I need in 200 pages. If you don't want to lug the CRC around, try this book.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars You need a reference guide to make sense of this book!, April 18, 2000

By	Paul D "[e-mail]" (Anchorage, Alaska) - See all my reviews

It's been 10 years since I earned my physics BS, and all that knowledge has faded a bit. I wanted a book that could sit on my bookshelf at work that would have summary information that covered the gamut of physics: from simple mechanics to E&M and quantum. If this is also what you wanted, then this is not the book for you. This book is badly organized, the information it presents is badly laid out, and there are surprisingly few illustrations. That's not to say it's all bad. If the world were about to end and you could only take a few books with you on the spaceship you constructed from recycled aluminum cans and bottle rockets, then this book would probably be one to take. Just make sure you bring along H&R and other familiar texts to make sense of it.