Physics of the 20th century

Author: Steve Adams
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: The physics revolution of the 20th century dramatically changed the way we think about space, time, matter, and our own existence in the universe. It provided answers to many significant questions, such as the ultimate nature of things and the origin of the universe. It shook our notions of Newton's universe and determinism, and raised questions about parallel universes, time travel, and the origins of everything. At the same time, we witnessed the astonishing efforts of physicists in pursuit of a unified theory. With such a theory, the properties of numerous objects, the types of all particles, and their interactions could all be derived. This book tells the story of these discoveries and the people who made them, largely through the work of Nobel Prize-winning physicists. It vividly introduces the main lines of 20th-century physics, aiming to spark the interest of high school students, college students, and teachers. It will also attract the attention of a broad audience of general readers who are truly interested in science. The book includes essential mathematical details, but they are explained and presented with great care, allowing readers to skip them and still follow the narrative coherently.