The Natural Laws of the Universe
Understanding Fundamental Constants
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Beschreibung
Constants, such as the gravitational constant and the speed of light, are present in all the laws of physics. Recent observations have cast doubt on one of them. Does this mean that the structure of physics will crumble? Are we seeing the dawn of a scientific revolution? This book is written in the form of an enquiry into the importance of a possible variation in fundamental constants. Jean-Philippe Uzan and Bénédicte Leclercq ask such questions as: What is a constant? What role do constants play in the laws of physics? How can we verify that they are indeed constants?
This highly instructive survey of physics, from the laboratory to the depths of space, explores the paths of gravitation, general relativity and new theories such as that of superstrings. It is complete and coherent, and goes beyond the subject of constants to explain and discuss many ideas in physics, encountering along the way, for example, such exciting details as the discovery of a natural nuclear reactorat Oklo in Gabon.
Presents a fundamental topic in physics and astronomy in an exceptionally clear manner Highlights the role and importance of the constants of nature Investigates the solidity of the foundations of physics Discusses the implications of the discovery of the non-constancy of a constant Surveys the entire field of physics, from its historic roots, through the laboratory, to the depths of space Explores the paths of gravitation, general relativity and new theories such as that of superstrings
From the laboratory to the depths of space, this highly instructive survey of physics explores the paths of gravitation, general relativity and new theories such as superstrings. It examines constants, the role they play in the laws of physics, and whether indeed constants can be verified. The authors provide an overview of the history of the ideas of physics, evoking major discoveries from Galileo and Newton to Planck and Einstein and raising questions provoked by ever more current accurate observations. They investigate the solidity of the foundations of physics and discuss the implications of the discovery of the non-constancy of a constant. The book is complete and coherent, and even goes beyond the subject of constants to explain and discuss many ideas in physics, encountering along the way, for example, such exciting details as the discovery of a natural nuclear reactor at Oklo in Gabon.
Autor*in
Jean-Philippe Uzan
Themen in »The Natural Laws of the Universe«
Albert Einstein Gravity Relativity Universe constants of nature general relativity gravitational constant laws of physics principal constants speed of light superstring theory
Stimmen zu »The Natural Laws of the Universe«
From the reviews:
"This book is an English translation of a French text originally published in 2005 … . It addresses the problem of the potential variation of the fundamental constants following the announcement in 1999 of a possible small change in the fine structure constant a. … it is quite scholastic and may interest students of secondary school level and interested laymen." (Vladimir Pletser, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008)
"Uzan (Institut d’Astrophsique de Paris) and Leclercq (Pour la Science, Paris) presents a brief history of the development of physics itself. … The style is informal and the logic is clear. The attention to detail is very good, especially considering the expected audience. This is a fine book and belongs in college libraries. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers/libraries." (K. L. Schick, Choice, Vol. 46 (6), February, 2009)
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