The Beauty of Physics: Patterns, Principles, and Perspectives

A. R. P. Rau

8 ratings by Goodreads

Language: English

Published by Oxford University Press, GB, 2014

0198709919 / 9780198709916

  • Hardcover
  • New
See all details

Seller: Rarewaves.com UK, London, United KingdomRarewaves.com UK

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 11, 2025

View this seller's items
Hardcover

Condition: New

£ 55.16

£ 65.00 shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: Over 20 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

The beauty of physics lies in its coherence in terms of a few fundamental concepts and principles. Even physicists have occasion to marvel at the overarching reach of basic principles and their ability to account for features stretching from the microscopic sub-atomic world to the cosmological expanses of the Universe. While mathematics is its natural language, physics is mostly about patterns, connections, and relations between objects and phenomena, and it is this aspect that is emphasized in this book.Since science tries to connect phenomena that at first sight appear widely different, while boiling them down to a small set of essential principles and laws, metaphor and analogy pervade our subject. Consider the pendulum, its swing from one extreme to the other often invoked in social or economic contexts. In molecular vibrations, such as in the CO2 molecule, the quantum motions of electrons and nuclei are metaphorically the pendulums. In electromagnetic radiation, including the visible light we observe, there are not even any concrete material particles, only electric and magnetic fields executing simple harmonic motion. But, to a physicist, they are all "just a pendulum".The selection of topics reflects the author's own four-decade career in research physics and his resultant perspective on the subject. While aimed primarily at physicists, including junior students, this book also addresses other readers who are willing to think with symbols and simple algebra in understanding the physical world around us. Each chapter, on themes such as dimensions, transformations, symmetries, or maps, begins with simple examples accessible to all while connecting them later to more sophisticated realizations in more advanced topics of physics.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780198709916

Title
The Beauty of Physics: Patterns, Principles, and Perspectives
Author
A. R. P. Rau
Publisher
Oxford University Press, GB
Publication year
2014
Condition
New
Binding
Hardback
Language
English
ISBN 10
0198709919
ISBN 13
9780198709916
Item weight
430 grams

Rarewaves.com UK

London, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 11, 2025

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item60 to 60 business days60 to 60 business days
First item£ 65.00£ 100.00
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Seller's business information

RAREWAVES.COM LIMITED

Elsley Court, 20-22 Great Titchfield Street
London, United Kingdom W1W 8BE