Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light PDF Author: Ann Breslin
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 1848167601
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 552

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Book Description
This book is the first of its kind devoted to the key role played by light and electromagnetic radiation in the universe. Readers are introduced to philosophical hypotheses such as the economy, symmetry and the universality of natural laws, and are then guided to practical consequences such as the rules of geometrical optics and even Einstein''s well-known but mysterious relationship, E = mc2. Most chapters feature a pen picture of the life and character of a relevant scientific figure. These OCyHistorical InterludesOCO include, among others, Galileo''s conflicts with the Inquisition, Fourier''s taunting of the guillotine, Neils Bohr and World War II, and the unique character of Richard Feynman.The second edition has been revised and made more accessible to the general reader. Whenever possible, the mathematical material of the first edition has been replaced by appropriate text to give a verbal account of the mystery of the phenomenon of light and how its understanding has developed from pre-historic to present times. The emphasis is on reading for interest and enjoyment; formulae or equations which underpin and reinforce the argument are presented in a form which does not interfere with the flow of the text.The book will be of interest to students and teachers, as well as general readers interested in physics.

Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light PDF Author: Ann Breslin
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 1848167601
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 552

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Book Description
This book is the first of its kind devoted to the key role played by light and electromagnetic radiation in the universe. Readers are introduced to philosophical hypotheses such as the economy, symmetry and the universality of natural laws, and are then guided to practical consequences such as the rules of geometrical optics and even Einstein''s well-known but mysterious relationship, E = mc2. Most chapters feature a pen picture of the life and character of a relevant scientific figure. These OCyHistorical InterludesOCO include, among others, Galileo''s conflicts with the Inquisition, Fourier''s taunting of the guillotine, Neils Bohr and World War II, and the unique character of Richard Feynman.The second edition has been revised and made more accessible to the general reader. Whenever possible, the mathematical material of the first edition has been replaced by appropriate text to give a verbal account of the mystery of the phenomenon of light and how its understanding has developed from pre-historic to present times. The emphasis is on reading for interest and enjoyment; formulae or equations which underpin and reinforce the argument are presented in a form which does not interfere with the flow of the text.The book will be of interest to students and teachers, as well as general readers interested in physics.

Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light PDF Author: Ann Breslin
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 1908979542
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 552

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Book Description
This book is the first of its kind devoted to the key role played by light and electromagnetic radiation in the universe. Readers are introduced to philosophical hypotheses such as the economy, symmetry and the universality of natural laws, and are then guided to practical consequences such as the rules of geometrical optics and even Einstein's well-known but mysterious relationship, E = mc2. Most chapters feature a pen picture of the life and character of a relevant scientific figure. These ‘Historical Interludes’ include, among others, Galileo's conflicts with the Inquisition, Fourier's taunting of the guillotine, Neils Bohr and World War II, and the unique character of Richard Feynman. The second edition has been revised and made more accessible to the general reader. Whenever possible, the mathematical material of the first edition has been replaced by appropriate text to give a verbal account of the mystery of the phenomenon of light and how its understanding has developed from pre-historic to present times. The emphasis is on reading for interest and enjoyment; formulae or equations which underpin and reinforce the argument are presented in a form which does not interfere with the flow of the text. The book will be of interest to students and teachers, as well as general readers interested in physics. Contents:Introducing LightLight as a Ray: ReflectionLight as a Ray: RefractionLight from Afar — AstronomyLight from the Past — AstrophysicsIntroducing WavesSound WavesLight as a WaveMaking ImagesThere was Electricity, There was Magnetism, and Then There was Light …'Atoms of Light' — The Birth of Quantum TheoryThe Development of Quantum MechanicsAtoms of Light Acting as ParticlesAtoms of Light Behaving as WavesRelativity — Part 1: How It BeganRelativity — Part 2: Verifiable PredictionsThe Road to 'Heavy Light' Readership: Science students at undergraduate university level, lecturers of undergraduate and pre-university courses, graduates in physics and related sciences, and general readers. Keywords:Light;Waves;Quanta;Electromagnetism;Relativity;Photons;Elementary Particles;Interference;Diffraction;Astrophysics;Einstein;Maxwell;Feynman;Nobel PrizeKey Features:Fascinating and illuminating description of the concepts and phenomena of lightNumerous diagrams, photos, cartoonsWritten in a jargon-free, conversational styleReviews: “The book has a pleasant and light narrative flow, with excellent illustrations, photos, and occasional well-chosen ‘historical interludes’. Topics are, nevertheless, treated with a good degree of rigour … This may be the book that affords the struggling student a glimpse of the beauty that makes the serious study of physics so worthwhile.” (see full review) Professor Frank Imbusch National University of Ireland “Compared to the first edition, the mathematics demands have been reduced, and the last chapter has been expanded to include the potential detection of the Higgs boson in 2012. Historical interludes continue to be distinct from the main development, and the illustrations provide charming entertainment. The revisions make the main text, already instructive and well developed, more accessible and engaging to general audiences.”CHOICE

Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light PDF Author: Howard Smith, Ph.D.
Publisher: New World Library
ISBN: 1577317467
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 304

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Book Description
In Let There Be Light, Howard Smith, a research astrophysicist and traditionally observant Jew, explores how modern scientific understandings of the cosmos complement Judaism's ancient mystical theology, the Kabbalah. He argues that science and religion are not only compatible, but that a healthy, productive dialogue between the two sheds light on ethics, free will, and the nature of life, while at the same time rejecting fundamentalist misinterpretation and the pseudoscience of creationism. Written for a general audience, yet supported by the most current and accurate scientific research, the book discusses topics such as modern quantum mechanics and mystical notions of awareness; how Kabbalah's ten sefirot mirror the developing phases of an inflationary universe; and the surprising parallels that exist between the Big Bang theory and Kabbalah's origin theory. Smith delves into complex ideas without resorting to jargon or mathematical equations, creating an intelligent, authoritative work accessible to all readers.

First Light

First Light PDF Author: Emma Chapman
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472962907
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 305

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Book Description
Astronomers have successfully observed a great deal of the Universe's history, from recording the afterglow of the Big Bang to imaging thousands of galaxies, and even to visualising an actual black hole. There's a lot for astronomers to be smug about. But when it comes to understanding how the Universe began and grew up we are literally in the dark ages. In effect, we are missing the first one billion years from the timeline of the Universe. This brief but far-reaching period in the Universe's history, known to astrophysicists as the 'Epoch of Reionisation', represents the start of the cosmos as we experience it today. The time when the very first stars burst into life, when darkness gave way to light. After hundreds of millions of years of dark, uneventful expansion, one by the one these stars suddenly came into being. This was the point at which the chaos of the Big Bang first began to yield to the order of galaxies, black holes and stars, kick-starting the pathway to planets, to comets, to moons, and to life itself. Incorporating the very latest research into this branch of astrophysics, this book sheds light on this time of darkness, telling the story of these first stars, hundreds of times the size of the Sun and a million times brighter, lonely giants that lived fast and died young in powerful explosions that seeded the Universe with the heavy elements that we are made of. Emma Chapman tells us how these stars formed, why they were so unusual, and what they can teach us about the Universe today. She also offers a first-hand look at the immense telescopes about to come on line to peer into the past, searching for the echoes and footprints of these stars, to take this period in the Universe's history from the realm of theoretical physics towards the wonder of observational astronomy.

The Story of Human Spiritual Evolution

The Story of Human Spiritual Evolution PDF Author: Richard Ferguson
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 9781479735105
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 207

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Book Description
This book is one of a kind. It traces the history of human awareness of God and belief back to its earliest roots, long before the Bible, the Koran, the Upanishads and other writings. It shows how the foundation for belief in God was contained within the instant of creation itself. Scientists call this the big bang. It shows that as the universe developed there came a point in human development where we had the capability to begin to be aware of an afterlife. These ideas were primitive by our standards today but they served to create a solid foundation for increasing complex and more thorough understandings of who God is and our relationship with Him. This book covers the well known axial age where there was a watershed or flood of prophets and holy men who advanced understandings of both philosophy and theology and science in the hundreds of years before the coming of Jesus Christ. In a real sense they prepared the way for God’s son and His gospel. It is these men who changed the course of human understanding of God with new revolutionary ideas that advanced the self revelation of God to humankind. The last part of the book looks at religion today and how we got here and ends with God’s view of humanity as we constantly strive toward God on our individual spiritual journeys.

The Quantum Adventure

The Quantum Adventure PDF Author: Alex Montwill
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 1848166478
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 259

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Book Description
This title deals with the birth and growth of quantum mechanics. It explains the 'classical dilemma' which faced physics at the start of the 20th century and goes on to show how quantum mechanics emerged and flourished.

Beauty in Science and Spirit

Beauty in Science and Spirit PDF Author: Paul H. Carr
Publisher: Beech River Books
ISBN: 0977651479
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 198

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Book Description


A Guide to Universal Truths

A Guide to Universal Truths PDF Author: Robert Thomas Fertig
Publisher: A Guide to Universal Truths
ISBN: 141965781X
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 322

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Book Description
New York Times best selling author Ellen Tanner Marsh: "What is the ultimate truth about life? For centuries, learned minds have struggled to seek the answer. Now, in the groundbreaking and thought-provoking book A Guide to Universal Truths, explores powerful evidence ... that we were created by an infinitely superior and perfect Being who gave us free will so that we might evolve [spiritually]. Fertig's book just might have touched on the ultimate answers to the purpose and meaning of life on earth. ...Boldly stated and beautifully written, A Guide to Universal Truths is clearly a roadmap to our higher purpose." Fertig's book answers most of "The God Delusion" issues. "Faith and reason are not only compatible, but are essential for a fuller, richer spiritual life," the author concludes. A chapter on Islam & Christianity covers theological, cultural, and historical differences, so that one may better appreciate where both sides are coming from. Muslims, after reviewing these differences, might consider what Christianity offers.

Light

Light PDF Author: Bruce Watson
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 1620405598
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 313

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Book Description
Light begins at Stonehenge, where crowds cheer a solstice sunrise. After sampling myths explaining First Light, the story moves on to early philosophers' queries, then through the centuries, from Buddhist temples to Biblical scripture, when light was the soul of the divine. Battling darkness and despair, Gothic architects crafted radiant cathedrals while Dante dreamed a "heaven of pure light." Later, following Leonardo's advice, Renaissance artists learned to capture light on canvas. During the Scientific Revolution, Galileo gathered light in his telescope, Descartes measured the rainbow, and Newton used prisms to solidify the science of optics. But even after Newton, light was an enigma. Particle or wave? Did it flow through an invisible "ether"? Through the age of Edison and into the age of lasers, Light reveals how light sparked new wonders--relativity, quantum electrodynamics, fiber optics, and more. Although lasers now perform everyday miracles, light retains its eternal allure. "For the rest of my life," Einstein said, "I will reflect on what light is." Light explores and celebrates such curiosity.

God and Nature

God and Nature PDF Author: Curtis L. Thompson
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 1441189149
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 408

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Book Description
The current religion and science dialogue begs for greater clarity on the relation of God to nature. In God and Nature two scholars who embrace contemporary insights from science and religion explore the complexities of this debate. As the narrative unfolds, classical and contemporary thinkers are engaged as discussion partners in articulating a philosophical theology of nature. Conceptual pairs, in which two concepts play off of each other, provide the structure for each of the seven chapters, with usually the first concept being more scientific in character and the second more religious in tone. These pairs of concepts-from chronology and creation to creativity and creator-help to thematize and structure the progressing narrative. Within each chapter the two concepts are first investigated independently, then interdependently, and finally in relation to the divine. At the story's completion nature has emerged as alive with possibility that is as alluring as the actuality it evokes. Envisioned is a divine Creator who works in and through the possibility of creation to lure it into fuller manifestations via creative transformation.