Let There Be Light (ePub)

This book is the first of its kind to devote itself at this level 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 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.Going one step beyond the popular level, this easy-to-read book gives an overall view to undergraduate and postgraduate physics students that is often missing when trying to assimilate the technical details of their courses. Through its original treatment of topics and enjoyable style of writing, it will also stimulate keen interest in general readers who are interested in science and have a basic mathematics background as well as teachers looking for basic and accurate background information.Contents: Introducing LightGeometrical Optics: ReflectionGeometrical OpticsRefractionLight 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 PredictionsEpilogueReadership: Science students at undergraduate university level, lecturers of undergraduate and pre-university courses, graduates in physics and related sciences, and general readers.