vbid/9783319218281

Description

This book provides a chronological introduction to modern atomic theory, which represented an attempt to reconcile the ancient doctrine of atomism with careful experiments�performed during the 19th century�on the flow of heat through substances and across empty space. Included herein are selections from classic texts such as Carnot�s Reflection on the Motive Power of Fire, Clausius� Mechanical Theory of Heat, Rutherford�s Nuclear Constitution of Atoms, Planck�s Atomic Theory of Matter and Heisenberg�s Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Theory. Each chapter begins with a short introduction followed by a reading selection. Carefully crafted study questions draw out key points in the text and focus the reader�s attention on the author�s methods, analysis and conclusions. Numerical and laboratory exercises at the end of each chapter test the reader�s ability to understand and apply key concepts from the text. Heat, Radiation and Quanta is the last of four volumes in A Student�s Guide through the Great Physics Texts. The book comes from a four-semester undergraduate physics curriculum designed to encourage a critical and circumspect approach to natural science while at the same time preparing students for advanced coursework in physics. This book is particularly suitable as a college-level textbook for students of the natural sciences, history or philosophy. It might also serve as a textbook for advanced high-school or home-schooled students, or as a thematically-organized source-book for scholars and motivated lay-readers. In studying the classic scientific texts included herein, the reader will be drawn toward a lifetime of contemplation.Typham this is the title: A Student’s Guide Through the Great Physics Texts Volume IV: Heat, Atoms and Quanta