What You Should Know About Physics: A Basic Description of Particles, Forces and Theories

by C. John Wherry

This book provides a high-level non-mathematical description of the main concepts in Physics. The target audience is anyone who is curious and would like to know more about Physics – because Physics is relevant. Its discoveries have profound impact. They become the technologies that improve our lives and that drive innovation and business. This book summarizes what everyone should know about Physics. It describes the most important particles and how they work. It describes the 4 fundamental forces in nature that most people aren’t aware of, although they affect how everything around us works. The major theories are Classical Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnetism, Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Cosmology, and a Theory of Everything. Many examples of inventions are included. Overall, the objective of this book is to provide a succinct overview of Physics that is understandable and intellectually satisfying.

175 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2009

Reviews

[Roger]

This short volume has big ambitions and largely succeeds in delivering. John Wherry seeks to provide an overview, in short sections, of the present state of knowledge of key areas of physics, including particles, forces, classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, relativity, quantum mechanics and cosmology, finishing with "the theory of everything". It's a little difficult to know who the book is targeted at but it is certainly suitable for scientists who are not physicists. It could also serve as a useful check-list for budding physicists of the key areas that are likely to be included in the curriculum of a degree course.

No knowledge of advanced maths is needed to understand the contents and the book contains a lot of illustrations which serve to emphasise the points being made. Not surprisingly, most topics are only very briefly covered and consequently some sections I found to be too short and therefore difficult to understand. Nevertheless, these still served as a springboard from which I could seek more information elsewhere if I so wished.

Overall, the book adequately meets its objective of outlining to the reader what they need to know about physics and perhaps wetting their appetite to explore some areas in more detail. It is an enjoyable and informative read.