Great Experiments in Physics: Firsthand Accounts from Galileo to Einstein

Book Details

• Author: Morris H. Shamos

• Publisher: Dover

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780486253466

• Binding: Paperback

• Pages: 370

• Release Date: 01-05-1987

About the Book

Epochal Discoveries in Modern Physics by Morris H. Shamos is a comprehensive compilation of landmark experiments that trace the evolution of modern physics from its early days to the mid-20th century. This volume gathers source readings from 25 pivotal discoveries that transformed humanity's understanding of the physical world. These experiments, written by the very physicists who conducted them, include influential works by legendary figures such as Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Niels Bohr.

Some of the key highlights in this book include:

• Isaac Newton: The Laws of Motion

• Henry Cavendish: The Law of Gravitation

• Augustin Fresnel: The Diffraction of Light

• Hans Christian Oersted: Electromagnetism

• Heinrich Hertz: Electromagnetic Waves

• James Chadwick: The Neutron

• Niels Bohr: The Hydrogen Atom

Each experiment is followed by detailed marginal notes that help clarify the concepts, along with biographical sketches of the scientists involved. Dr. Shamos also provides rich context on the political and cultural backdrop against which these discoveries were made, offering a unique perspective on their significance.

Designed for both classroom and individual use, the first 19 experiments can be easily replicated by students in a first-year physics course, making this book ideal for hands-on learning in both educational and laboratory settings.

This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the foundation of modern physics, presented in a clear and accessible way for both scholars and lay readers.