Physical Sciences: Notable Research and Discoveries (Frontiers of Science)

The term "physics" is deriven from the Greek word "physikos" which means "of nature." Physics is the study of nature in its essential form and its goal is to explain as much of the world as possible in the most concise and accurate manner, as the ancient Greeks attempted in such theories as the four fundamental substances that they believed comprised the universe—earth, air, water, and fire.

Physical Sciences describes the evolution of ideas as well as the problems that arise and various methods of solving them. Requiring no special mathematical knowledge to understand the material, this volume is devoted to the researchers who expand the frontiers of physics—and often uncover phenomenon that contradict prevailing wisdom. Reports published in journals, presented in conferences, and issued in news releases are also featured in this insightful book.

Chapters include:

• Nuclear Fusion—Power from the Atom
• Particle Accelerators
• Neutrinos—Elusive Particles and the Mysteries of Astrophysics
• Superconductors—Perfect Electrical Conductors
• Chaos Theory and the Butterfly Effect
• String Theory and the Foundations of Physics.