Beyond the Mechanical Universe
From Electricity to Modern Physics

This 1987 book studies electricity and magnetism, light, the special theory of relativity and modern physics.

Richard P. Olenick (Author), Tom M. Apostol (Author), David L. Goodstein (Author)

9780521715911, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 January 2008

590 pages, 430 b/w illus. 25 tables 507 exercises
23.5 x 20.2 x 3 cm, 1.15 kg

'The material in this textbook is presented in a clear and readable manner. A multitude of diagrams aid student understanding as does the abundance of problems, to such an extent that although based on the Mechanical Universe television series, this volume can act as an independent resource.' Contemporary Physics

This 1987 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 New concepts are introduced at the natural, logical point with many historical references to place physics in a social perspective.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.

Preface
31. Beyond the mechanical universe
32. Static electricity
33. The electric field
34. Potential and capacitance
35. Voltage, energy and force
36. The electric battery
37. Electric circuits
38. Magnetism
39. The magnetic field
40. Vector fields and hydrodynamics
41. Electromagnetic induction
42. Alternating currents
43. Maxwell's equations
44. Optics
45. The Michelson-Morley experiment
46. The Lorentz transformation
47. Velocity and time
48. Mass, momentum, energy
49. Atoms
50. Particles and waves
51. Atoms to quarks
52. The quantum mechanical universe
Appendix A. The international system of units
Appendix B. Conversion factors
Appendix C. The periodic table of the elements
Appendix D. Astronomical data
Appendix E. Physical constants
Index.

Subject Areas: Mechanical engineering [TGB], Classical mechanics [PHD], Physics [PH]