Beyond the Mechanical Universe: From Electricity to Modern PhysicsCambridge University Press, 2008 M01 21 - 574 pages This second volume of the Mechanical Universe studies electricity and magnetism, their relation to each other and light, and shows how the problem of light led to the special theory of relativity. Then, it moves on to modern physics, where particles may behave like waves and where some of the great verities of Newtonian physics appear less certain. Along with the first volume, this book is based on, though independent of, a public television series broadcast in the United States. Physics is presented as a human endeavor, with historical development forming a thread throughout the text. The prerequisites are minimal, only basic algebra and trigonometry since the necessary calculus is developed in the text, with physics providing the motivation. New concepts are introduced at the natural, logical point with many historical references to place physics in a social perspective. Many topics from twentieth-century physics are included. The book is attractively illustrated and will be a stimulating alternative to other, less-thorough treatments. |
Contents
STATIC ELECTRICITY Program 28 | 13 |
THE ELECTRIC FIELD Program 29 | 31 |
POTENTIAL AND CAPACITANCE Program 30 | 63 |
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aether Ampère's law angular momentum axis battery Bohr Calculate capacitance capacitor Chapter charge q circuit coil conductor constant current flows denoted Determine diagram dipole direction distance earth Einstein electric field electric potential electromagnetic electron equal equation Example experiment Faraday Faraday's field lines Figure flux frame frequency function Gauss's law given hydrogen atom illustrated in Fig induced inductor inside kinetic energy length line integral loop Lorentz magnetic field magnitude measured metal molecule motion moving muon negative charges Newton Newtonian nucleus observer orbit oscillator particle path perpendicular physics plane plate pole positive charge potential difference potential energy proton quantum mechanics quantum number quarks Questions R₁ radiation radius rays relative relativistic relativistic mass resistor rest mass result Schrödinger equation shell shown in Fig shows slit solenoid speed of light sphere spherical surface theory vector velocity voltage wave wavelength wire zero