This is the most popular dictionary of physics available. It contains over 3,800 entries covering all commonly encountered physics terms and concepts, as well as terms from the related fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and physical chemistry. With 200 new entries and expanded coverage in areas including applied physics, statistical distributions, polymers, and nanoscience, A Dictionary of Physics is more comprehensive than ever before. The dictionary is generously illustrated with over 120 diagrams, graphs, and tables and it also contains biographies of important scientists. Feature entries provide in-depth analysis of key topics such as crystal defects, magnetic resonance imaging, and the solar system. Three feature entries on low-temperature physics, nanophysics, and quantum entanglement are brand new to this edition. Also new to this edition are entry-level web links and a web linked appendix. These recommended web links are accessible and kept up to date via the Dictionary of Physics companion web page and provide useful and relevant extra information.Appendices include SI units, the solar system, and the electromagnetic spectrum, plus a list of Nobel Prize winners and a chronology of key dates in physics. This fully revised and updated A-Z is an ideal introduction to the subject for anyone with an interest in physics, and it remains an indispensable reference work for students of physics and physics-related subjects (either at school or at university), and professionals.

Table of Contents

PREFACE; DICTIONARY; APPENDICES; The Greek Alphabet; SI Units; Fundamental Constants; The Solar System; The Electromagnetic Spectrum; List of Nobel Prize Winners; Chronology of Key Dates in Physics; Useful Websites

Reviews

According to the preface, this title derives from A Dictionary of Science (fourth and fifth eds.) and Concise Science Dictionary (first and third eds.). Daintith has helped edit Science since its fourth edition in 1999. His Dictionary of Chemistry (2008), as well as Elizabeth Martin and Robert Hine's Dictionary of Biology (2008), both by Oxford, have become companion volumes to this work since the biological, botanical, astronomical, chemical, medical, earth/environmental, and paleontological entries have been excised. What remains is astrophysics, physical chemistry, mathematics relevant to physics, metal science, computing, electronics, and biographies of physical scientists. Some 240 new entries have been added to this work, bringing the total to 3900; the 120 illustrations seem fewer. Entry size ranges from a couple of lines on dynamo, to a paragraph or more on energy and quantum computing, to a full page on magnetism, to longer special features and chronologies on big-bang, atomic theory, nanophysics, and elementary particles. Bottom Line Oxford appears to be leaving behind the big-print versions of comprehensive dictionaries like Chambers Dictionary of Science and Technology and Collins' Dictionary of Science and Technology, instead favoring handbook-like volumes with jargon-free explanations geared to the first-year university student and nonscientist. If your library still invests in print science reference, buy this. It's clear, it's cheap, and it's good.-Janice Dunham, John Jay Coll. Lib., CUNY Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.