Thinking about physics / by Roger G. Newton.

By:

Newton, Roger G [author]

Material type:

Computer fileLanguage: English Publication details: Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, 2020Description: 1 online resource (210, pages) : color illustrationsContent type:

text

Media type:

computer

Carrier type:

online resource

ISBN:

9780691009209 (e-book)

Subject(s):

Physics -- Philosophy

LOC classification:

QC6 N485 N48 2020

Online resources:

Contents:

1. Theories -- 2. The state of a physical system -- 3. The power of mathematics -- 4. Fields and particles -- 5. Symmetry in physics -- 6. Causality and probability -- 7. Arrows of time -- 8. Quantum mechanics and reality

Summary: Physical scientists are problem solvers. They are comfortable "doing" science: they find problems, solve them, and explain their solutions. Roger Newton believes that his fellow physicists might be too comfortable with their roles as solvers of problems. He argues that physicists should spend more time thinking about physics. If they did, he believes, they would become even more skilled at solving problems and "doing" science. As Newton points out in this thought-provoking book, problem solving is always influenced by the theoretical assumptions of the problem solver. Too often, though, he believes, physicists haven't subjected their assumptions to thorough scrutiny. Newton's goal is to provide a framework within which the fundamental theories of modern physics can be explored, interpreted, and understood. "Surely physics is more than a collection of experimental results, assembled to satisfy the curiosity of appreciative experts," Newton writes. Physics, according to Newton, has moved beyond the describing and naming of curious phenomena, which is the goal of some other branches of science. Physicists have spent a great part of the twentieth century searching for explanations of experimental findings. Newton agrees that experimental facts are vital to the study of physics, but only because they lead to the development of a theory that can explain them. Facts, he argues, should undergird theory. Newton's explanatory sweep is both broad and deep. He covers such topics as quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, field theory, thermodynamics, the role of mathematics in physics, and the concepts of probability and causality. For Newton the fundamental entity in quantum theory is the field, from which physicists can explain the particle-like and wave-like properties that are observed in experiments. He grounds his explanations in the quantum field. Although this is not designed as a stand-alone textbook, it is essential reading for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, professors, and researchers. This is a clear, concise, up-to-date book about the concepts and theories that underlie the study of contemporary physics. Readers will find that they will become better-informed physicists and, therefore, better thinkers and problem solvers too.

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Holdings ( 2 )
Title notes ( 5 )

Holdings
Item type	Current library	Collection	Call number	Materials specified	Status	Notes	Date due	Barcode
Online E-Books	Ladislao N. Diwa Memorial Library Multimedia Section	Non-fiction	OEBP QC6 N485N48 2020 (Browse shelf(Opens below))		Available	PAV		OEBP000326
Compact Discs	Ladislao N. Diwa Memorial Library Multimedia Section	Non-fiction	EB QC6 N485N48 2020 (Browse shelf(Opens below))		Room use only	PAV		EB000326

https://portal.igpublish.com/iglibrary/ is required to read this e-book.

Includes bibliographical references and index

Physical scientists are problem solvers. They are comfortable "doing" science: they find problems, solve them, and explain their solutions. Roger Newton believes that his fellow physicists might be too comfortable with their roles as solvers of problems. He argues that physicists should spend more time thinking about physics. If they did, he believes, they would become even more skilled at solving problems and "doing" science. As Newton points out in this thought-provoking book, problem solving is always influenced by the theoretical assumptions of the problem solver. Too often, though, he believes, physicists haven't subjected their assumptions to thorough scrutiny. Newton's goal is to provide a framework within which the fundamental theories of modern physics can be explored, interpreted, and understood. "Surely physics is more than a collection of experimental results, assembled to satisfy the curiosity of appreciative experts," Newton writes. Physics, according to Newton, has moved beyond the describing and naming of curious phenomena, which is the goal of some other branches of science. Physicists have spent a great part of the twentieth century searching for explanations of experimental findings. Newton agrees that experimental facts are vital to the study of physics, but only because they lead to the development of a theory that can explain them. Facts, he argues, should undergird theory. Newton's explanatory sweep is both broad and deep. He covers such topics as quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, field theory, thermodynamics, the role of mathematics in physics, and the concepts of probability and causality. For Newton the fundamental entity in quantum theory is the field, from which physicists can explain the particle-like and wave-like properties that are observed in experiments. He grounds his explanations in the quantum field. Although this is not designed as a stand-alone textbook, it is essential reading for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, professors, and researchers. This is a clear, concise, up-to-date book about the concepts and theories that underlie the study of contemporary physics. Readers will find that they will become better-informed physicists and, therefore, better thinkers and problem solvers too.

Fund 164 CE-Logic Purchased April 14, 2022 OEBP000326 Carmona Campus PHP No Price 0000 0000