Mathematics is the essential language of science. It enables us to describe abstract physical concepts, and to apply these concepts in practical ways. Yet mathematical skills and concepts are an aspect of physics that many students fear the most.Mathematics for Physics recognizes the challenges faced by students in equipping themselves with the maths skills necessary to gain a full understanding of physics. Working from basic yet fundamental principles, the book builds the students' confidence by leading them through the subject in a steady, progressive way.As its primary aim, Mathematics for Physics shows the relevance of mathematics to the study of physics. Its unique approach demonstrates the application of mathematical concepts alongside the development of the mathematical theory. This stimulating and motivating approach helps students to master the maths and see its application in the context of physics in one seamless learning experience. Mathematics is a subject mastered most readily through active learning. Mathematics for Physics features both print and online support, with many in-text exercises and end-of-chapter problems, and web-based computer programs, to both stimulate learning and build understanding.Mathematics for Physics is the perfect introduction to the essential mathematical concepts which all physics students should master.

A textbook for the advanced undergraduate or graduate student beginning a serious study of X-ray crystallography. It will be of interest both to those intending to become professional crystallographers and to those physicists, chemists, biologists, geologists, metallurgists and others who will use it as a tool in their research. All major aspects of crystallography are covered - the geometry of crystals and their symmetry, theoretical and practical aspects of diffracting X-rays by crystals and how the data may be analysed to find the symmetry of the crystal and its structure. Recent advances are fully covered, including the synchrotron as a source of X-rays, methods of solving structures from power data and the full range of techniques for solving structures from single-crystal data. A suite of computer programs is provided for carrying out many operations of data-processing and solving crystal structures - including by direct methods. While these are limited to two dimensions they fully illustrate the characteristics of three-dimensional work. These programs are required for many of the examples given at the end of each chapter but may also be used to create new examples by which students can test themselves or each other.

Theoretical and experimental advances in the techniques available for solving crystal structures have led to the development of several powerful techniques for solving complex structures, including those of proteins. In this 1995 book, Michael Woolfson and Fan Hai-Fu describe all the available methods and how they are used. In addition to traditional methods such as the use of the Patterson function and isomorphous replacement, and the direct methods, the authors include methods that use anomalous scattering and observations from multiple-beam scattering. The fundamental physics and mathematical analyses are fully explained. Practical aspects of applying the methods are emphasised.

Theoretical and experimental advances in the techniques available for solving crystal structures have led to the development of several powerful techniques for solving complex structures, including those of proteins. In this 1995 book, Michael Woolfson and Fan Hai-Fu describe all the available methods and how they are used. In addition to traditional methods such as the use of the Patterson function and isomorphous replacement, and the direct methods, the authors include methods that use anomalous scattering and observations from multiple-beam scattering. The fundamental physics and mathematical analyses are fully explained. Practical aspects of applying the methods are emphasised.

A textbook for the advanced undergraduate or graduate student beginning a serious study of X-ray crystallography. It will be of interest both to those intending to become professional crystallographers and to those physicists, chemists, biologists, geologists, metallurgists and others who will use it as a tool in their research. All major aspects of crystallography are covered - the geometry of crystals and their symmetry, theoretical and practical aspects of diffracting X-rays by crystals and how the data may be analysed to find the symmetry of the crystal and its structure. Recent advances are fully covered, including the synchrotron as a source of X-rays, methods of solving structures from power data and the full range of techniques for solving structures from single-crystal data. A suite of computer programs is provided for carrying out many operations of data-processing and solving crystal structures - including by direct methods. While these are limited to two dimensions they fully illustrate the characteristics of three-dimensional work. These programs are required for many of the examples given at the end of each chapter but may also be used to create new examples by which students can test themselves or each other.

The origin of the solar system has been a matter of speculation for many centuries, and since the time of Newton it has been possible to apply scientific principles to the problem. A succession of theories, starting with that of Pierre Laplace in 1796, has gained general acceptance, only to fall from favor due to its contradiction in some basic scientific principle or new heavenly observation. Modern observations by spacecraft of the solar system, the stars, and extra-solar planetary systems continuously provide new information that may be helpful in finding a plausible theory as well as present new constraints for any such theory to satisfy.The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System begins by describing historical (pre-1950) theories and illustrating why they became unacceptable. The main part of the book critically examines five extant theories, including the current paradigm, the solar nebula theory, to determine how well they fit with accepted scientific principles and observations. This analysis shows that the solar nebula theory satisfies the principles and observational constraints no better than its predecessors. The capture theory put forward by the author fares better and also indicates an initial scenario leading to a causal series of events that explain all the major features of the solar system.

The origin of the solar system has been a matter of speculation for many centuries, and since the time of Newton it has been possible to apply scientific principles to the problem. A succession of theories, starting with that of Pierre Laplace in 1796, has gained general acceptance, only to fall from favor due to its contradiction in some basic scientific principle or new heavenly observation. Modern observations by spacecraft of the solar system, the stars, and extra-solar planetary systems continuously provide new information that may be helpful in finding a plausible theory as well as present new constraints for any such theory to satisfy.The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System begins by describing historical (pre-1950) theories and illustrating why they became unacceptable. The main part of the book critically examines five extant theories, including the current paradigm, the solar nebula theory, to determine how well they fit with accepted scientific principles and observations. This analysis shows that the solar nebula theory satisfies the principles and observational constraints no better than its predecessors. The capture theory put forward by the author fares better and also indicates an initial scenario leading to a causal series of events that explain all the major features of the solar system.

This book explores a large number of resonance effects that occur both in everyday life and in scientific contexts. It is a topic that provides a cross-link between many branches of science and shows how a single scientific principle can manifest itself in many, apparently disparate, ways.Resonance covers fields as diverse as civil engineering in relation to the safety of bridges, the quality of sound from musical instruments, the behaviour of electrical circuits, lasers, the orbits of solar-system bodies, the scattering of X-rays from atoms and the exploration of the structures of molecules, atoms and nuclei.The essential mathematics included should be accessible to any science undergraduate, no matter the discipline of their study. Problems and solutions are provided for every chapter to help reinforce understanding of the material.

This book explores a large number of resonance effects that occur both in everyday life and in scientific contexts. It is a topic that provides a cross-link between many branches of science and shows how a single scientific principle can manifest itself in many, apparently disparate, ways.Resonance covers fields as diverse as civil engineering in relation to the safety of bridges, the quality of sound from musical instruments, the behaviour of electrical circuits, lasers, the orbits of solar-system bodies, the scattering of X-rays from atoms and the exploration of the structures of molecules, atoms and nuclei.The essential mathematics included should be accessible to any science undergraduate, no matter the discipline of their study. Problems and solutions are provided for every chapter to help reinforce understanding of the material.

"Each chapter ends with up to six student problems. There is full set of worked answers at the end of the book but modern students might not be enlightened by the samples of Fortran code, probably meant to illustrate how realistic calculations might be made."Contemporary PhysicsOn a clear and moonless night, especially in remote areas such as deserts, myriads of points of light cover the sky. The great majority of them are stars, many like the Sun, but so far away that they can only be seen as point sources of light. The problem faced by astronomers is to find their properties and distances, just from the light they emit. This is done by using the knowledge of science, mainly physics, acquired from small-scale experiments carried out on Earth. However, the stars themselves are laboratories in which matter behaves in ways that cannot be reproduced on Earth so, in finding out about stars, we complement scientific knowledge gained from earthbound experimentation.This book describes the means — some very ingenious — by which to explore the properties, locations and planetary companions of stars, and provides a sound foundation for further study.

"Each chapter ends with up to six student problems. There is full set of worked answers at the end of the book but modern students might not be enlightened by the samples of Fortran code, probably meant to illustrate how realistic calculations might be made."Contemporary PhysicsOn a clear and moonless night, especially in remote areas such as deserts, myriads of points of light cover the sky. The great majority of them are stars, many like the Sun, but so far away that they can only be seen as point sources of light. The problem faced by astronomers is to find their properties and distances, just from the light they emit. This is done by using the knowledge of science, mainly physics, acquired from small-scale experiments carried out on Earth. However, the stars themselves are laboratories in which matter behaves in ways that cannot be reproduced on Earth so, in finding out about stars, we complement scientific knowledge gained from earthbound experimentation.This book describes the means — some very ingenious — by which to explore the properties, locations and planetary companions of stars, and provides a sound foundation for further study.

Probability and statistics impinge on the life of the average person in a variety of ways — as is suggested by the title of this book. Very often, information is provided that is factually accurate but intended to present a biased view. This book presents the important results of probability and statistics without making heavy mathematical demands on the reader. It should enable an intelligent reader to properly assess statistical information and to understand that the same information can be presented in different ways.Sample Chapter(s)

Probability and statistics impinge on the life of the average person in a variety of ways — as is suggested by the title of this book. Very often, information is provided that is factually accurate but intended to present a biased view. This book presents the important results of probability and statistics without making heavy mathematical demands on the reader. It should enable an intelligent reader to properly assess statistical information and to understand that the same information can be presented in different ways.Sample Chapter(s)

Most well-read, but non-scientific, people will have heard of the term “Big Bang” as a description of the origin of the Universe. They will recognize that DNA identifies individuals and will know that the origin of life is one of the great unsolved scientific mysteries. This book brings together all of that material. Starting with the creation of space and time — known as the Big Bang — the book traces causally related steps through the formation of matter, of stars and planets, the Earth itself, the evolution of the Earth's surface and atmosphere, and then through to the beginnings of life and the evolution of man. The material is presented in such a way that a non-scientist can comprehend it, without using formulae or equations but still preserving the integrity of the involved science. This book does not solve the mysteries of what initiated the Big Bang or how life evolved from inanimate matter, but it does make clear the nature of those problems. The reader will be left with a sense of wonderment that he or she actually exists!Sample Chapter(s)

Most well-read, but non-scientific, people will have heard of the term “Big Bang” as a description of the origin of the Universe. They will recognize that DNA identifies individuals and will know that the origin of life is one of the great unsolved scientific mysteries. This book brings together all of that material. Starting with the creation of space and time — known as the Big Bang — the book traces causally related steps through the formation of matter, of stars and planets, the Earth itself, the evolution of the Earth's surface and atmosphere, and then through to the beginnings of life and the evolution of man. The material is presented in such a way that a non-scientist can comprehend it, without using formulae or equations but still preserving the integrity of the involved science. This book does not solve the mysteries of what initiated the Big Bang or how life evolved from inanimate matter, but it does make clear the nature of those problems. The reader will be left with a sense of wonderment that he or she actually exists!Sample Chapter(s)

This book traces the history of ideas about the nature of matter and also the way that mankind has used material resources that the world offers. Starting with the ideas of ancient civilizations that air, earth, fire and water were the basic ingredients of all matter, it traces the development of the science of chemistry beginning within the ranks of the alchemists. First, the idea of elements grew and then the atomic nature of matter was verified. Physicists had entered the scene, showing the nature of atoms in terms of fundamental particles and then introducing the concept of wave-particle duality that altered the basic concepts of what matter was. Finally the physicists discovered a panoply of fundamental particles, some observed within atom-smashing machines and the existence of others merely postulated.In parallel with the above there is a description of various kinds of matter as it affects everyday life — including the nature of matter associated with life itself. The way that early man used the materials directly given by nature, such as stone, wood and animal skins, is followed by the use of materials requiring some process to be employed — e.g. metals which include bronze and also concrete. Some important modern materials are discussed, such as synthetic fibres and plastics and semiconductors, and potentially important future products from new developments in nanotechnology.Sample Chapter(s)

This book traces the history of ideas about the nature of matter and also the way that mankind has used material resources that the world offers. Starting with the ideas of ancient civilizations that air, earth, fire and water were the basic ingredients of all matter, it traces the development of the science of chemistry beginning within the ranks of the alchemists. First, the idea of elements grew and then the atomic nature of matter was verified. Physicists had entered the scene, showing the nature of atoms in terms of fundamental particles and then introducing the concept of wave-particle duality that altered the basic concepts of what matter was. Finally the physicists discovered a panoply of fundamental particles, some observed within atom-smashing machines and the existence of others merely postulated.In parallel with the above there is a description of various kinds of matter as it affects everyday life — including the nature of matter associated with life itself. The way that early man used the materials directly given by nature, such as stone, wood and animal skins, is followed by the use of materials requiring some process to be employed — e.g. metals which include bronze and also concrete. Some important modern materials are discussed, such as synthetic fibres and plastics and semiconductors, and potentially important future products from new developments in nanotechnology.Sample Chapter(s)

The book begins with a historical review of four major theories for the origin of the Solar System in particular, or of planets in general, which highlight the major problems that need to be solved by any plausible theory. In many theories, including that which form the major theme of this book, the formation of planets and stars is intimately linked, so four chapters are devoted to the processes that can be described as the birth, life and death of stars.Recent observations that have revealed the existence of planets around many Sun-like stars are described in detail, followed by a clear exposition of the Capture Theory for the origin of planets. Many aspects of this theory are illustrated with sophisticated computer modelling that convincingly demonstrates the plausibility of the theory. The Capture Theory is in complete accord with all observations, including the estimate it gives for the proportion of Sun-like stars with planets. It is the only theory that sits comfortably with all present observational and theoretical constraints.The general theory of planet formation does not explain the detailed structure of the Solar System. An early postulated collision of two major planets is shown to explain many disparate features of the Solar System — the nature of the terrestrial planets, surface features of the Moon and its relationship with Earth, asteroids, comets and dwarf planets, the relationship between Neptune, Triton and Pluto and the characteristics of meteorites, including the isotopic anomalies found in them. The postulate of a planetary collision is given support by a 2009 NASA observation of the residue of such an event around a distant young star.Sample Chapter(s)

Mathematics is the essential language of science. It enables us to describe abstract physical concepts, and to apply these concepts in practical ways. Yet mathematical skills and concepts are an aspect of physics that many students fear the most.Mathematics for Physics recognizes the challenges faced by students in equipping themselves with the maths skills necessary to gain a full understanding of physics. Working from basic yet fundamental principles, the book builds the students' confidence by leading them through the subject in a steady, progressive way.As its primary aim, Mathematics for Physics shows the relevance of mathematics to the study of physics. Its unique approach demonstrates the application of mathematical concepts alongside the development of the mathematical theory. This stimulating and motivating approach helps students to master the maths and see its application in the context of physics in one seamless learning experience. Mathematics is a subject mastered most readily through active learning. Mathematics for Physics features both print and online support, with many in-text exercises and end-of-chapter problems, and web-based computer programs, to both stimulate learning and build understanding.Mathematics for Physics is the perfect introduction to the essential mathematical concepts which all physics students should master.

A textbook for the advanced undergraduate or graduate student beginning a serious study of X-ray crystallography. It will be of interest both to those intending to become professional crystallographers and to those physicists, chemists, biologists, geologists, metallurgists and others who will use it as a tool in their research. All major aspects of crystallography are covered - the geometry of crystals and their symmetry, theoretical and practical aspects of diffracting X-rays by crystals and how the data may be analysed to find the symmetry of the crystal and its structure. Recent advances are fully covered, including the synchrotron as a source of X-rays, methods of solving structures from power data and the full range of techniques for solving structures from single-crystal data. A suite of computer programs is provided for carrying out many operations of data-processing and solving crystal structures - including by direct methods. While these are limited to two dimensions they fully illustrate the characteristics of three-dimensional work. These programs are required for many of the examples given at the end of each chapter but may also be used to create new examples by which students can test themselves or each other.

Theoretical and experimental advances in the techniques available for solving crystal structures have led to the development of several powerful techniques for solving complex structures, including those of proteins. In this 1995 book, Michael Woolfson and Fan Hai-Fu describe all the available methods and how they are used. In addition to traditional methods such as the use of the Patterson function and isomorphous replacement, and the direct methods, the authors include methods that use anomalous scattering and observations from multiple-beam scattering. The fundamental physics and mathematical analyses are fully explained. Practical aspects of applying the methods are emphasised.

Theoretical and experimental advances in the techniques available for solving crystal structures have led to the development of several powerful techniques for solving complex structures, including those of proteins. In this 1995 book, Michael Woolfson and Fan Hai-Fu describe all the available methods and how they are used. In addition to traditional methods such as the use of the Patterson function and isomorphous replacement, and the direct methods, the authors include methods that use anomalous scattering and observations from multiple-beam scattering. The fundamental physics and mathematical analyses are fully explained. Practical aspects of applying the methods are emphasised.

A textbook for the advanced undergraduate or graduate student beginning a serious study of X-ray crystallography. It will be of interest both to those intending to become professional crystallographers and to those physicists, chemists, biologists, geologists, metallurgists and others who will use it as a tool in their research. All major aspects of crystallography are covered - the geometry of crystals and their symmetry, theoretical and practical aspects of diffracting X-rays by crystals and how the data may be analysed to find the symmetry of the crystal and its structure. Recent advances are fully covered, including the synchrotron as a source of X-rays, methods of solving structures from power data and the full range of techniques for solving structures from single-crystal data. A suite of computer programs is provided for carrying out many operations of data-processing and solving crystal structures - including by direct methods. While these are limited to two dimensions they fully illustrate the characteristics of three-dimensional work. These programs are required for many of the examples given at the end of each chapter but may also be used to create new examples by which students can test themselves or each other.

The origin of the solar system has been a matter of speculation for many centuries, and since the time of Newton it has been possible to apply scientific principles to the problem. A succession of theories, starting with that of Pierre Laplace in 1796, has gained general acceptance, only to fall from favor due to its contradiction in some basic scientific principle or new heavenly observation. Modern observations by spacecraft of the solar system, the stars, and extra-solar planetary systems continuously provide new information that may be helpful in finding a plausible theory as well as present new constraints for any such theory to satisfy.The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System begins by describing historical (pre-1950) theories and illustrating why they became unacceptable. The main part of the book critically examines five extant theories, including the current paradigm, the solar nebula theory, to determine how well they fit with accepted scientific principles and observations. This analysis shows that the solar nebula theory satisfies the principles and observational constraints no better than its predecessors. The capture theory put forward by the author fares better and also indicates an initial scenario leading to a causal series of events that explain all the major features of the solar system.

The origin of the solar system has been a matter of speculation for many centuries, and since the time of Newton it has been possible to apply scientific principles to the problem. A succession of theories, starting with that of Pierre Laplace in 1796, has gained general acceptance, only to fall from favor due to its contradiction in some basic scientific principle or new heavenly observation. Modern observations by spacecraft of the solar system, the stars, and extra-solar planetary systems continuously provide new information that may be helpful in finding a plausible theory as well as present new constraints for any such theory to satisfy.The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System begins by describing historical (pre-1950) theories and illustrating why they became unacceptable. The main part of the book critically examines five extant theories, including the current paradigm, the solar nebula theory, to determine how well they fit with accepted scientific principles and observations. This analysis shows that the solar nebula theory satisfies the principles and observational constraints no better than its predecessors. The capture theory put forward by the author fares better and also indicates an initial scenario leading to a causal series of events that explain all the major features of the solar system.

This book explores a large number of resonance effects that occur both in everyday life and in scientific contexts. It is a topic that provides a cross-link between many branches of science and shows how a single scientific principle can manifest itself in many, apparently disparate, ways.Resonance covers fields as diverse as civil engineering in relation to the safety of bridges, the quality of sound from musical instruments, the behaviour of electrical circuits, lasers, the orbits of solar-system bodies, the scattering of X-rays from atoms and the exploration of the structures of molecules, atoms and nuclei.The essential mathematics included should be accessible to any science undergraduate, no matter the discipline of their study. Problems and solutions are provided for every chapter to help reinforce understanding of the material.

This book explores a large number of resonance effects that occur both in everyday life and in scientific contexts. It is a topic that provides a cross-link between many branches of science and shows how a single scientific principle can manifest itself in many, apparently disparate, ways.Resonance covers fields as diverse as civil engineering in relation to the safety of bridges, the quality of sound from musical instruments, the behaviour of electrical circuits, lasers, the orbits of solar-system bodies, the scattering of X-rays from atoms and the exploration of the structures of molecules, atoms and nuclei.The essential mathematics included should be accessible to any science undergraduate, no matter the discipline of their study. Problems and solutions are provided for every chapter to help reinforce understanding of the material.

"Each chapter ends with up to six student problems. There is full set of worked answers at the end of the book but modern students might not be enlightened by the samples of Fortran code, probably meant to illustrate how realistic calculations might be made."Contemporary PhysicsOn a clear and moonless night, especially in remote areas such as deserts, myriads of points of light cover the sky. The great majority of them are stars, many like the Sun, but so far away that they can only be seen as point sources of light. The problem faced by astronomers is to find their properties and distances, just from the light they emit. This is done by using the knowledge of science, mainly physics, acquired from small-scale experiments carried out on Earth. However, the stars themselves are laboratories in which matter behaves in ways that cannot be reproduced on Earth so, in finding out about stars, we complement scientific knowledge gained from earthbound experimentation.This book describes the means — some very ingenious — by which to explore the properties, locations and planetary companions of stars, and provides a sound foundation for further study.

"Each chapter ends with up to six student problems. There is full set of worked answers at the end of the book but modern students might not be enlightened by the samples of Fortran code, probably meant to illustrate how realistic calculations might be made."Contemporary PhysicsOn a clear and moonless night, especially in remote areas such as deserts, myriads of points of light cover the sky. The great majority of them are stars, many like the Sun, but so far away that they can only be seen as point sources of light. The problem faced by astronomers is to find their properties and distances, just from the light they emit. This is done by using the knowledge of science, mainly physics, acquired from small-scale experiments carried out on Earth. However, the stars themselves are laboratories in which matter behaves in ways that cannot be reproduced on Earth so, in finding out about stars, we complement scientific knowledge gained from earthbound experimentation.This book describes the means — some very ingenious — by which to explore the properties, locations and planetary companions of stars, and provides a sound foundation for further study.

Probability and statistics impinge on the life of the average person in a variety of ways — as is suggested by the title of this book. Very often, information is provided that is factually accurate but intended to present a biased view. This book presents the important results of probability and statistics without making heavy mathematical demands on the reader. It should enable an intelligent reader to properly assess statistical information and to understand that the same information can be presented in different ways.Sample Chapter(s)

Probability and statistics impinge on the life of the average person in a variety of ways — as is suggested by the title of this book. Very often, information is provided that is factually accurate but intended to present a biased view. This book presents the important results of probability and statistics without making heavy mathematical demands on the reader. It should enable an intelligent reader to properly assess statistical information and to understand that the same information can be presented in different ways.Sample Chapter(s)

Most well-read, but non-scientific, people will have heard of the term “Big Bang” as a description of the origin of the Universe. They will recognize that DNA identifies individuals and will know that the origin of life is one of the great unsolved scientific mysteries. This book brings together all of that material. Starting with the creation of space and time — known as the Big Bang — the book traces causally related steps through the formation of matter, of stars and planets, the Earth itself, the evolution of the Earth's surface and atmosphere, and then through to the beginnings of life and the evolution of man. The material is presented in such a way that a non-scientist can comprehend it, without using formulae or equations but still preserving the integrity of the involved science. This book does not solve the mysteries of what initiated the Big Bang or how life evolved from inanimate matter, but it does make clear the nature of those problems. The reader will be left with a sense of wonderment that he or she actually exists!Sample Chapter(s)

Most well-read, but non-scientific, people will have heard of the term “Big Bang” as a description of the origin of the Universe. They will recognize that DNA identifies individuals and will know that the origin of life is one of the great unsolved scientific mysteries. This book brings together all of that material. Starting with the creation of space and time — known as the Big Bang — the book traces causally related steps through the formation of matter, of stars and planets, the Earth itself, the evolution of the Earth's surface and atmosphere, and then through to the beginnings of life and the evolution of man. The material is presented in such a way that a non-scientist can comprehend it, without using formulae or equations but still preserving the integrity of the involved science. This book does not solve the mysteries of what initiated the Big Bang or how life evolved from inanimate matter, but it does make clear the nature of those problems. The reader will be left with a sense of wonderment that he or she actually exists!Sample Chapter(s)

This book traces the history of ideas about the nature of matter and also the way that mankind has used material resources that the world offers. Starting with the ideas of ancient civilizations that air, earth, fire and water were the basic ingredients of all matter, it traces the development of the science of chemistry beginning within the ranks of the alchemists. First, the idea of elements grew and then the atomic nature of matter was verified. Physicists had entered the scene, showing the nature of atoms in terms of fundamental particles and then introducing the concept of wave-particle duality that altered the basic concepts of what matter was. Finally the physicists discovered a panoply of fundamental particles, some observed within atom-smashing machines and the existence of others merely postulated.In parallel with the above there is a description of various kinds of matter as it affects everyday life — including the nature of matter associated with life itself. The way that early man used the materials directly given by nature, such as stone, wood and animal skins, is followed by the use of materials requiring some process to be employed — e.g. metals which include bronze and also concrete. Some important modern materials are discussed, such as synthetic fibres and plastics and semiconductors, and potentially important future products from new developments in nanotechnology.Sample Chapter(s)

This book traces the history of ideas about the nature of matter and also the way that mankind has used material resources that the world offers. Starting with the ideas of ancient civilizations that air, earth, fire and water were the basic ingredients of all matter, it traces the development of the science of chemistry beginning within the ranks of the alchemists. First, the idea of elements grew and then the atomic nature of matter was verified. Physicists had entered the scene, showing the nature of atoms in terms of fundamental particles and then introducing the concept of wave-particle duality that altered the basic concepts of what matter was. Finally the physicists discovered a panoply of fundamental particles, some observed within atom-smashing machines and the existence of others merely postulated.In parallel with the above there is a description of various kinds of matter as it affects everyday life — including the nature of matter associated with life itself. The way that early man used the materials directly given by nature, such as stone, wood and animal skins, is followed by the use of materials requiring some process to be employed — e.g. metals which include bronze and also concrete. Some important modern materials are discussed, such as synthetic fibres and plastics and semiconductors, and potentially important future products from new developments in nanotechnology.Sample Chapter(s)

The book begins with a historical review of four major theories for the origin of the Solar System in particular, or of planets in general, which highlight the major problems that need to be solved by any plausible theory. In many theories, including that which form the major theme of this book, the formation of planets and stars is intimately linked, so four chapters are devoted to the processes that can be described as the birth, life and death of stars.Recent observations that have revealed the existence of planets around many Sun-like stars are described in detail, followed by a clear exposition of the Capture Theory for the origin of planets. Many aspects of this theory are illustrated with sophisticated computer modelling that convincingly demonstrates the plausibility of the theory. The Capture Theory is in complete accord with all observations, including the estimate it gives for the proportion of Sun-like stars with planets. It is the only theory that sits comfortably with all present observational and theoretical constraints.The general theory of planet formation does not explain the detailed structure of the Solar System. An early postulated collision of two major planets is shown to explain many disparate features of the Solar System — the nature of the terrestrial planets, surface features of the Moon and its relationship with Earth, asteroids, comets and dwarf planets, the relationship between Neptune, Triton and Pluto and the characteristics of meteorites, including the isotopic anomalies found in them. The postulate of a planetary collision is given support by a 2009 NASA observation of the residue of such an event around a distant young star.Sample Chapter(s)