Physics, the fundamental science of matter and energy, encompasses all levels of nature from the subatomic to the cosmic, and underlies much of the technology around us. Understanding the physics of our universe is an essential aspect of humanity's quest to understand our environment and our place within it. Doing physics enables us to explore the interaction between environment and human society, and can help us to work towards the future sustainability of the planet. This Very Short Introduction provides an overview of how this pervasive science came to be and how it works: who funds it, how physicists are trained and how they think, and how physics supports the technology we all use. Sidney Perkowitz presents the theories and outcomes of pure and applied physics from ideas of the Greek natural philosophers to modern quantum mechanics, cosmology, digital electronics and energy production. Considering its most consequential experiments, including recent results in elementary particles, gravitational waves and materials science, he also discusses outside the lab, the effects of physics on society, culture, and humanity's vision of its place in the universe. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
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Product Details
Weight: 130g
Dimensions: 111 x 174mm
Publication Date: 25 Jul 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication City/Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISBN13: 9780198813941
About Sidney Perkowitz
Sidney Perkowitz is Charles Howard Candler Professor of Physics at Emory University during which time he has produced over 100 research papers and books with funding from the US government industry and foundations. Now as Professor Emeritus he presents science for non-scientists and is the author of several books including Universal Foam: From Cappuccino to the Cosmos (Walker Publishing 2000) and Frankenstein: How a Monster Became an Icon the Science and Enduring Allure of Mary Shelley's Creation (Pegasus Books 2018). He has written articles for publications including the Washington Post New Scientist and the Los Angeles Review of Books and has appeared on outlets including CNN NPR and the BBC. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and in 2015 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for Literature Science and the Arts.