History of Physics

Author: Guo Yiling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-06-01
Features: This book studies the history of the emergence and development of physics, introducing the evolution and transformation of physical concepts. It is a history of human understanding of various physical phenomena in nature, with a particular focus on the history of modern physics. The book covers the following topics: the formation of fundamental laws in mechanics and thermodynamics; the development of electromagnetism and optics; new discoveries and the physics revolution at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries; the establishment and development of relativity; early quantum theory; the origins and development of Bohr's atomic theory; wave-particle duality; the establishment and development of quantum mechanics; the development of nuclear and particle physics; a brief history of the development of lasers and solid-state physics; the role and significance of experiments and laboratories in the advancement of physics; a brief history of units, unit systems, and fundamental constants. At the end of the book, there is a timeline of major events in physics. This book is suitable for teaching and reference use by university and college teachers and students, as well as for high school physics teachers and related science and technology professionals.