History and Evolution of Concepts in Physics

by Harry Varvoglis

Overview

Our understanding of nature, and in particular of physics and the laws governing it, has changed radically since the days of the ancient Greek natural philosophers. This book explains how and why these changes occurred, through landmark experiments as well as theories that - for their time - were revolutionary. The presentation covers Mechanics, Optics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Relativity Theory, Atomic Physics and Quantum Physics. The book places emphasis on ideas and on a qualitative presentation, rather than on mathematics and equations. Thus, although primarily addressed to those who are studying or have studied science, it can also be read by non-specialists. The author concludes with a discussion of the evolution and organization of universities, from ancient times until today, and of the organization and dissemination of knowledge through scientific publications and conferences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783319377933
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	02/12/2015
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2014
Pages:	138
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.01(d)

About the Author

Harry Varvoglis was born in 1949 in Thessaloniki (Greece) and holds a PhD degree in Physics from the University of Thessaloniki. He worked as a research associate in the Astronomy Program of the University of Maryland (USA) and as a Visiting Professor in the University of Paris XI, (France), the University of Tübingen (Germany) and the University of Cyprus. Presently he is a full Professor in the University of Thessaloniki. He is a regular contributor to the science section of a major Greek newspaper.

Table of Contents

Part I From Ancient Greece to the Renaissance.- Physical Sciences and Physics.- The Ideas of Greeks About Nature.- From the Classical Era to the Renaissance.- Part II From the Renaissance to the Present Era.- The Major Branches of Physics.- Mechanics.- Optics.- Static Magnetism and Electricity.- Electric Currents and Electromagnetism.- Heat and Thermodynamics.- Kinetic Theory of Ideal Gases.- Physics of the 20th Century.- Lessons from Three Centuries of Physics.- Organization of Teaching and Research.

Editorial Reviews

From the book reviews:

“Varvoglis (Univ. of Thessaloniki, Greece) applies a historical chronology to the development of physics by focusing on people who contributed to a scientific understanding of nature. … This would be a good supplemental book for introductory physics courses. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; informed general audiences.” (D. B. Mason, Choice, Vol. 52 (3), November, 2014)

From the Publisher