Dictionary of Physics / Edition 1

by Michael Chapple

Overview

In the Dictionary of Physics , central ideas and concepts are carefully introduced and explained. Each entry begins with a clear, one-sentence definition and is followed by an explanation and, where appropriate, by specific examples. The more important and more complex entries are supported by diagrams and by extra explanatory material. If relevant, the initial definition is followed by a word equation, a definition of the unit, and the symbols for the quantity and its unit. The aim of the Dictionary of Physics is to offer a focused account of the subject without leaving out any of the essential steps towards a new concept. Entries contain cross-references in italic to other entries; these further entries either support or extend the ideas of the original entry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781579581299
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/01/1999
Pages:	270
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

Preface, A-Z Listings, APPENDIX I PHYSICAL QUANTITIES AND THEIR UNITS: BASIC AND DERIVED, APPENDIX 2 USEFUL FORMULAS AND EQUATIONS, APPENDIX 3PHYSICAL CONSTANTS AND USEFUL DATA

Editorial Reviews

"Recommended for all libraries, especially public and school libraries." — Choice
"A useful addition to the reference shelves of any academic science library.. [and] appropriate for advanced-level high school physics students." — American Reference Books Annual

From the Publisher

This work is based on The Complete A-Z Physics Handbook, published in Britain by Hodder and Stoughton Educational in 1997. It is arranged alphabetically, with each entry beginning with a one-sentence definition. Unfortunately, the author has not done justice to his subject matter. On one hand, he oversimplifies, almost trivializes, terms such as "fission" and "fusion," to the point of failing to capture their essence. On the other hand, he fails by seemingly ignoring the prominent discoveries in physics of the last two centuries--maybe more. Absent are individual entries for Einstein or any of his theories (including relativity), the Feynman diagram, Bohr's atomic theory, plasma, space, geophysics, the big bang theory, holography, the least-action principle, the laser, hydrodynamics, fluid dynamics, quantum mechanics, the baryon number, computational physics, astrophysics, particle physics, Lorentz force, lightning, and locality. Not recommended; libraries are better served by the excellent MacMillan Encyclopedia of Physics (LJ 3/15/97). [See also Andrew Hunt's Dictionary of Chemistry and Malcolm Skinner and others' Dictionary of Geography, both from the same publisher, reviewed below.]--Paul G. Haschak, Southeastern Louisiana Univ., Hammond Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

A dictionary for students in physics. Each entry begins with a one- sentence definition, then opens out with analysis, b&w diagrams, and worked example problems. Entries vary in length, and many are in depth, covering several pages. Includes cross-references to other entries that support or extend ideas in the entry. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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