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History and Evolution of Concepts in Physics

  • Textbook
  • © 2014

Overview

Authors:
  1. Harry Varvoglis

    1. Unit of Mechanics and Dynamics, University of Thessaloniki Department of Physics, Thessaloniki, Greece

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  • Based on a successful course held by the author

  • Ideal for giving first year students a "flavor" of the basic concepts

  • Unifies the development of various important fields within a common historical framework

  • A unique approach that will also appeal to the specialist and the interested layperson

  • Witty, charming and useful!" [referee remark]

  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Table of contents (7 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xv
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  2. From Ancient Greece to the Renaissance

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
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    2. Physical Sciences and Physics

      • Harry Varvoglis
      Pages 3-10

    3. The Ideas of Greeks About Nature

      • Harry Varvoglis
      Pages 11-20

    4. From Classical Era to the Renaissance

      • Harry Varvoglis
      Pages 21-26

  3. From the Renaissance to the Present Era

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 27-27
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    2. The Major Branches of Physics

      • Harry Varvoglis
      Pages 29-103

    3. Physics of the 20th Century

      • Harry Varvoglis
      Pages 105-119

    4. Lessons From Three Centuries of Physics

      • Harry Varvoglis
      Pages 121-124

    5. Organization of Teaching and Research

      • Harry Varvoglis
      Pages 125-136

  4. Back Matter

    Pages 137-138
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Keywords

About this book

Our understanding of nature, and in particular of physics and the laws governing it, has changed radically since the days of the ancient Greek natural philosophers. This book explains how and why these changes occurred, through landmark experiments as well as theories that - for their time - were revolutionary. The presentation covers Mechanics, Optics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Relativity Theory, Atomic Physics and Quantum Physics. The book places emphasis on ideas and on a qualitative presentation, rather than on mathematics and equations. Thus, although primarily addressed to those who are studying or have studied science, it can also be read by non-specialists. The author concludes with a discussion of the evolution and organization of universities, from ancient times until today, and of the organization and dissemination of knowledge through scientific publications and conferences.

Reviews

From the book reviews:

“Varvoglis (Univ. of Thessaloniki, Greece) applies a historical chronology to the development of physics by focusing on people who contributed to a scientific understanding of nature. … This would be a good supplemental book for introductory physics courses. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; informed general audiences.” (D. B. Mason, Choice, Vol. 52 (3), November, 2014)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Unit of Mechanics and Dynamics, University of Thessaloniki Department of Physics, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Harry Varvoglis

About the author

Harry Varvoglis was born in 1949 in Thessaloniki (Greece) and holds a PhD degree in Physics from the University of Thessaloniki. He worked as a research associate in the Astronomy Program of the University of Maryland (USA) and as a Visiting Professor in the University of Paris XI, (France), the University of Tübingen (Germany) and the University of Cyprus. Presently he is a full Professor in the University of Thessaloniki. He is a regular contributor to the science section of a major Greek newspaper.

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