Reference - Science Studies, Science Dictionaries

The Facts on File Dictionary of Physics

Name: The Facts on File Dictionary of Physics
Author: John Daintith
ISBN: 9780816056538

by John Daintith (Editor), Richard Rennie

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Overview

Every day brings new discoveries in physics, from the designs of home audio equipment to the capabilities of the newest generation of computers. Geared specifically to the needs of high school students and keyed to school syllabuses, The Facts On File Dictionary of Physics defines terms and concepts relating to all aspects of physical science.

Clear, concise, and informative
Completely revised and expanded, The Facts On File Dictionary of Physics includes terms of general interest to the high school and general reader. It contains more than 2,500 entries that explain, clearly and concisely, the most important and commonly used terms most people will ever need to know, in language that is easy to understand. More than 80 line drawings illustrate complex physical concepts, and extensive cross references ensure the Dictionary's accessibility and ease of use. Tables at the back of the book list symbols for physical quantities, conversion factors, and other frequently consulted information.
New terms focus on the areas of particle physics, cosmology, lowtemperature physics, and quantum theory.
New entries include:
Higgs boson
Anthropic principle
Nonotechnology
Schràdinger's cat
Bell's paradox
Hightemperature superconductivity
BoseEinstein condensation
and much more.

Synopsis

With more than 2,500 entries, The Facts On File Dictionary of Physics is clear, concise, and informative. New entries focus on the areas of particle physics, cosmology, low-temperature physics, and quantum theory. Among the topics covered are: nanotechnology, Higgs boson, Schrödinger's cat, Bells paradox, high-temperature superconductivity, and more.

Concise Book Reviews

Praise for the hardcover edition: "...clear and concise definitions cover almost everything in physics..."

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Editorials

Concise Book Reviews

Praise for the hardcover edition: "...clear and concise definitions cover almost everything in physics..."

Library Journal

These four titles all expand upon the second editions, released in 1988-89; each adds between 200 and 300 terms to keep the contents current, bringing the total number of entries up to approximately 3000 per volume. As in the previous editions, the definitions are concise and readable, targeted to the high school or undergraduate science student. Definitions range in length from a few lines in most cases to several paragraphs for more important or abstract terms. As with most technical dictionaries, etymological or pronunciation information is not provided, though line drawings enhance several of the definitions (approximately 50 per dictionary, double that in Mathematics). The use of British spellings, a drawback to the previous editions, has been eliminated here. Daintith, editor of three of the volumes, is a former research chemist in Great Britain. He is joined by Hine (life science editor of the Larousse Encyclopedia), science writer and editor Clark, and approximately a dozen contributors per dictionary. Each dictionary is supplemented by appropriate appendixes: taxonomic tables and amino acids (Biology); a periodic table, elemental information, fundamental particles, and constants (Chemistry); much the same for Physics; and conversion factors and useful symbols, formulae, and powers and roots (Mathematics). These are fine first references for the most common terms and concepts in their fields, filling a niche at the low-cost end of the market just above most concise subject dictionaries. Recommended for high school and undergraduate libraries.--Wade Lee, Univ. of Toledo Libs., OH Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

Contains 2400 entries that explain the most important and commonly used terms relating to modern physics. In the third edition, 200 new terms reflect developments in the areas of particle physics, cosmology, low-temperature physics, and quantum theory. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)