Egbert Boeker - Böcker

This thoroughly revised and updated third edition focuses on the utilization of sustainable energy and mitigating climate change, serving as an introduction to physics in the context of societal problems. A distinguishing feature of the text is the discussion of spectroscopy and spectroscopic methods as a crucial means to quantitatively analyze and monitor the condition of the environment, the factors determining climate change, and all aspects of energy conversion.This textbook will be invaluable to students in physics and related subjects, and supplementary materials are available on a companion website: http://www.nat.vu.nl/environmentalphysicsInstructor support material is available at: http://booksupport.wiley.com

Aimed at a first course in environmental physics, environmentalscience, environmental analysis, or environmental monitoring. Thistext can be used by first year students and above, and takes ascientific approach as opposed to a social or political one.Mathematics is kept to a minimum, although some background (school)knowledge of science is assumed. Courses would be taught inphysics, environmental science and physical sciencedepartments. Comprehensively covering the field, this book brings together thelatest developments, theories, research and concerns, from both thescientific and social sides. Placing the environment firmly at thecentre of the scientific agenda, it provides all the backgroundneeded by readers to fully understand this important and often'hype-driven' subject. Whilst mathematics is introduced wherenecessary, it is carefully explained and kept simple, withderivations generally being avoided. Wherever possible, topics ofcurrent concern and relevance are included, and many examples,features and appetisers or mini-case studies are included,frequently drawn from publications such as New Scientist, Nature,Science, Physics Today and Scientific American. The book startswith a general overview of the subject, and then moves on to coverclimate, energy, pollutants, noise, measurements and socialaspects.