This highly readable introduction to modern physics was written by a giant of quantum mechanics. Gifted with a rare ability to explain complicated scientific concepts to lay readers, Nobel laureate Max Born presents a step-by-step guide to the understanding of molecules, atoms, subatomic particles, a... read more
Customers who bought this book also bought:
Our Editors also recommend:
Get a Grip on Physics by John Gribbin Popular physics primer by an acclaimed author offers accessible, imaginative explanations of string theory, the Schrödinger's Cat paradox, quantum uncertainty, black holes, and other cosmic oddities. Numerous playful illustrations.
One Two Three . . . Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science by George Gamow Over 120 delightful pen-and-ink illustrations by the author add another dimension of good-natured charm to these wide-ranging explorations. A mind-expanding volume for the layman and the science-minded.
Thirty Years that Shook Physics: The Story of Quantum Theory by George Gamow Lucid, accessible introduction to the influential theory of energy and matter features careful explanations of Dirac's anti-particles, Bohr's model of the atom, and much more. Numerous drawings. 1966 edition.
The Great Physicists from Galileo to Einstein by George Gamow The distinguished scientist and author traces the development of physics from the age of the ancient Greeks to modern particle physics, offering fascinating biographical and historical data. 136 illustrations.
From X-rays to Quarks: Modern Physicists and Their Discoveries by Emilio Segrč A Nobel Laureate offers impressions of the development of modern physics, emphasizing complex but less familiar personalities. Offers fascinating scientific background and compelling treatments of topics of current interest. 1980 edition.
Atomic Physics: 8th Edition by Max Born Nobel Laureate's lucid treatment of kinetic theory of gases, elementary particles, nuclear atom, wave-corpuscles, atomic structure and spectral lines, much more. Over 40 appendices, bibliography.
Relativity Simply Explained by Martin Gardner One of the subject's clearest, most entertaining introductions offers lucid explanations of special and general theories of relativity, gravity, and spacetime, models of the universe, and more. 100 illustrations.
Einstein's Theory of Relativity by Max Born Semi-technical account includes a review of classical physics (origin of space and time measurements, Ptolemaic and Copernican astronomy, laws of motion, inertia, more) and of Einstein's theories of relativity.
Relativity and Common Sense: A New Approach to Einstein by Hermann Bondi Accessible, radically reoriented presentation of Einstein's Special Theory by a distinguished scientist derives relativity from Newtonian ideas rather than by opposing them. Very little mathematics required. 60 illustrations.
Relativity and Its Roots by Banesh Hoffmann Entertaining, nontechnical demonstrations of the meaning of relativity theory trace development from basis in geometrical, cosmological ideas of the ancient Greeks, plus work by Kepler, Galileo, Newton, others. 1983 edition.
Relativity in Illustrations by Jacob T. Schwartz Clear, nontechnical treatment makes principles of relativity more accessible than ever. The author gradually introduces Einstein's ideas in terms of familiar concepts from high school-level geometry. More than 60 helpful drawings.
The Cosmic Code: Quantum Physics as the Language of Nature by Heinz R. Pagels An eminent physicist discusses and explains the core concepts of physics without resorting to complicated mathematics. "Can be read by anyone. I heartily recommend it!" — New York Times Book Review.1982 edition.
Cosmology by Hermann Bondi A co-developer of the steady-state theory explores his conception of the expanding universe. This historic book was among the first to present cosmology as a separate branch of physics. 1961 edition.
Fractals, Chaos, Power Laws: Minutes from an Infinite Paradise by Manfred Schroeder A fascinating exploration of the connections between chaos theory, physics, biology, and mathematics, this book abounds in award-winning computer graphics, optical illusions, and games that clarify memorable insights into self-similarity. 1992 edition.
The Unity of the Universe by D. W. Sciama This accessible approach uses compelling photos, figures, and examples to address and answer profound questions about the universe. "An engrossing book, an invigorating intellectual exercise." — Scientific American. 1959 edition.
Violent Phenomena in the Universe by Jayant V. Narlikar Acclaimed by Nature as "excellent and uncompromising," this reader-friendly book explores exploding stars, black holes, and the Big Bang. Clear and lively, it conveys the excitement of modern cosmology. 1982 edition.
Seeing the Sky: 100 Projects, Activities & Explorations in Astronomy by Fred Schaaf, Doug Myers Young students of astronomy will appreciate this introductory treatment and its interesting, instructive, and entertaining activities. All 100 projects require just the naked eye and ordinary household materials.
The Starry Room: Naked Eye Astronomy in the Intimate Universe by Fred Schaaf Inspiring, enriching essays tell beginning star-gazers how to find and where to look for planetary conjunctions, a shooting star, streaking comets, a lunar eclipse, constellations, meteor showers, halos, and other celestial phenomena. 5 illustrations.
The Strange Story of the Quantum by Banesh Hoffmann Timeless exploration of the work of the great physicists of the early 20th century offers an accessible introduction to Pauli's exclusion principle, Schroedinger's wave equation, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, more. 1959 edition.
The Infancy of Atomic Physics: Hercules in His Cradle by Alex Keller This compelling history portrays the human faces and lives behind the beginnings of atomic science, from experiments in the 1880s to the era just after the First World War.
Product Description:
This highly readable introduction to modern physics was written by a giant of quantum mechanics. Gifted with a rare ability to explain complicated scientific concepts to lay readers, Nobel laureate Max Born presents a step-by-step guide to the understanding of molecules, atoms, subatomic particles, and nuclear physics. Chemical and Engineering News praised Born's narrative as "masterfully discussed . . . easy and delightful," and Philosophy of Science declared that it "should be welcomed by all." Starting with explanations of molecular motion and the kinetic theory of gases, Born advances to the laws of chance, conduction of heat, molecular weight, relativity, mass and energy, electronic charges, gaseous ions, light waves, light quanta, and spectral lines of gases. Subsequent topics include electron waves, Bohr's theory of the hydrogen atom, wave mechanics, Pauli's exclusion principle, cosmic rays, nuclear structure, and dozens of related subjects. Profusely illustrated with helpful figures and drawings, the text includes an extensive appendix that explains the historical and social significance of developments in modern physics.
Reprint of the Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York, 1951 edition.
This book was printed in the United States of America.
Dover books are made to last a lifetime. Our US book-manufacturing partners produce the highest quality books in the world and they create jobs for our fellow citizens. Manufacturing in the United States also ensures that our books are printed in an environmentally friendly fashion, on paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.
