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Contents
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About this book
In a non-technical style and using only basic arithmetic, the author explains how the properties and behaviour of everyday materials result from their atomic composition.
Contents
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Crystals; 3. Particles and waves; 4. The atom; 5. Statistical physics; 6. The quantum mechanical crystal; 7. Copper wires and glass rods; 8. Silver spoons and plastic spoons; 9. Glass panes and aluminium foils; 10. Electric bulbs and insulated cables; 11. Magnets; 12. Superconductors; 13. Conclusion; Glossary.
Customer Reviews
By: BS Chandrasekhar
254 pages, Figs, tabs
'... strongly recommended to physicists and non-physicists alike.' Stuart Palmer and Katherine Palmer, Physics World '... written for the intelligent general reader and purposefully avoids use of mathematics ... will be useful as a support book for teachers, helping them to answer deep and awkward questions from bright students.' Geoff Auty, School Science Review ' ... entertaining and informative'. E. Noponen, Endeavour 'This book has been written by a physicist for the lay reader with the aim of explaining why the materials we can see and touch behave in the way they do. Essentially the book is a nontechnical description of atomic physics, quantum mechanics and materials science ... the author does a good job of describing, mostly by analogy, some of the difficult concepts. A. D. Andrews, Irish Astronomical Journal