The Force of Symmetry

by Vincent Icke

Overview

The Force of Symmetry gives an elementary introduction to the spectacular interplay among the three great themes of contemporary physics: quantum behavior, relativity, and symmetry. In clear, nontechnical language, it explores many fascinating aspects of modern physics, discussing the nature and interaction of force and matter. All these themes are drawn together toward the end of the book to describe the most successful physics theory in history, the "standard model" of subatomic particles. The book is suitable for undergraduate students in physics and mathematics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521455916
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/02/1995
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	364
Product dimensions:	6.85(w) x 9.72(h) x 0.91(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction; 1. A matter of force; 2. Stalking the wild rainbow; 3. Light; 4. Maybe I'm Heisenberg; 5. Catch a falling quantum; 6. Quantum beanbags; 7. Symmetries; 8. Quantum relativity: nothing is relative; 9. Life, the Universe and everything; 10. The physics of a tablecloth; 11. Colour me red, green and blue; 12. Smashing symmetry; 13. How much is infinity minus infinity?; 14. Excelsior! The ascent to SU(∞); 15. A modest reading proposal.

Editorial Reviews

"...provides a good introduction to the importance of symmetry in physics....trylu covers a large amount of material at the conceptual level and appears not to omit any concepts of quantum mechanics or basic relativity...a good supplement or source of review." E. Kincanon, Choice

"Vincent Icke is clearly a master at providing convincing explanations of esoteric ideas....So, who will read it? Students, certainly, but it will also be enjoyed by all scientists. In addition, however, it should be read by anyone interested in the history of ideas. If ever there were to be a book that persuades nonscientists that physics is understandable, even at its most esoteric outer limits, this is it." Michael Leask, Times Higher Education Supplement

From the Publisher