Scientist's Guide to Physics

The discoveries in physics that inform current dark matter theory, everything from Newtonian gravity to Einstein's relativity to the Higgs boson, are examined in this authoritative guide. It examines the biggest question facing physicists today: if we are only seeing about four percent of matter in the universe, what is the rest of it made of? The lengths that scientists are going to find what they call dark matter are revealed. Alternative theories to dark matter are discussed. Highlighted are the scientists who don't believe that dark matter exists and are conducting their own experiments to disprove its existence.

From the time that man began to roam the planet, they were curious about light. Over time, they learned how to not only measure it, but to harness its power. This book follows that progress from the time of Galileo to the research being done today. It includes informative sidebars on scientists and great minds in the exciting realm of light.

Thermodynamics is concerned with two forms of energy-heat and work. The ability to transform heat into work is important in our modern world, from the steam power plants that provide electricity to the engines that power cars and airplanes. This book takes a fascinating look at the scientists and engineers who advanced our knowledge of thermodynamics, opening up new frontiers in transportation and industry. Key figures include James Watt, James Prescott Joule, Sir William Thomson (Lord Kelvin), and Rudolf Clausius.

Scientists throughout history have made amazing discoveries, but few findings have rocked our world and our view of our place in the universe like the theory of relativity. Albert Einstein's observations and studies leading up to this game-changing discovery are recounted here, as are modern-day applications and current findings. This book highlights the contributions of other instrumental scientists and their studies, such as Galileo Galilei, Sir Isaac Newton, and James Clerk Maxwell. This engrossing story of the scientists and studies that led to the theory of relativity will fascinate and educate history and science fans.

Gravity is now so universally accepted, it seems almost impossible to believe that for millennia, the force remained unknown. Yet it wasn't until a few brilliant minds began asking the right questions that we could explain why we don't float off the ground, why planets remain in orbit, and why time travel remains even a distant possibility. Interspersing history with science to support STEM learning, this exciting volume chronicles the evolution of our understanding of gravity by tracing the lives and experiments of the individuals instrumental in advancing gravitational physics.

By the end of the nineteenth century, physicists had developed working theories to explain most of the questions relating to the observable world. In 1900, Max Planck set out to answer a simple question related to light bulbs. He had no idea his work would open the door to a new branch of physics; Quantum Mechanics. This volume explains the exciting scientific discoveries made at the dawn of Quantum Mechanics. Students will be fascinated by the important work being done the world's most distinguished physicists, many of them contemporaries, including Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, and Marie Curie.

This resource aims to break down the construct of time in both its scientific and societal functions. The narrative begins with early man and moves to discuss the rudimentary devices-water clocks and sun dials-used by ancient civilizations, but moves forward, exploring clock making and the innovations that came in the Renaissance. The theories and discoveries of great scientists are expounded here in an easy-to-understand manner. The book concludes with a discussion of time travel and the concepts behind wormholes and black holes. Interesting sidebars, color photographs, diagrams, and a timeline help to make what could otherwise be a very dense and complex topic, an engaging package sure to stimulate the reader's notions of the often illusive topic of time.

The earliest humans understood matter on a very basic, practical level. Through trial and error they determined which rocks could make good spearheads and good pounding or grinding stones. The Bronze Age began about 2000 BCE when rocks containing copper and tin were heated together. The combination of the two metals yielded the alloy bronze. Metals played a significant role in the growth of chemical knowledge. Important questions were posed-what exactly was happening to individual material objects when they were mixed together and transformed into a different substance? The search for answers would lead to generations of the greatest thinkers, philosophers, and scientists on the quest to discover the most basic building block of matter-the atom. This beautiful and engaging narrative presents the fascinating story of the atom's discovery, which is full of bizarre theories, false starts, dead ends, and inspiring intellectual insight and vision.

This resource investigates the nature of energy and the discovery of its laws. Spanning all different types of energy, readers learn how they work, their histories, and how they were utilized in the advancement of the human race. Interesting sidebars, images, and a resource section support the reader's learning experience.