The Best Bits of Physics


Non-Fiction - Education
60 Pages
Reviewed on 09/30/2014
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Author Biography

The author studied at the University of Cambridge, leaving with a BA in Natural Sciences and an MSci in Experimental and Theoretical Physics. He went on to earn a PGCE specialising in Science and Physics from the University of Bangor. A secondary teacher for over ten years he has plenty of experience communicating scientific ideas. The concepts in this book are his personal favourites

    Book Review

Reviewed by Suzanne Cowles for Readers' Favorite

The Best Bits of Physics by Alasdair C. Shaw is a concise guide to the theory of physics without all the tedious math equations. Part one is aimed at the novice reader curious about quantum science. Shaw explains in easy to understand terminology Newton’s Laws, absolute zero, black holes, electromagnetism, radioactivity, the mass effect, the speed of light, wave-particle duality, the space time continuum, particle theory, energy, mass, gravity, forces, the standard model, the history of scientific discovery, key players and thermodynamics without taking away from the mystery of unproven theories such as string theory or the Big Bang. By adding examples in real-world terms, complex ideas are defined in a fun way. The second part has experiments to support the concepts that are simple to do at home. Shaw also explains why the experiments work.

I have always been interested in science but hate the abstract math. Physics is a cerebral science that influences everything we do, from sailing, driving, flying and racing into space to constructing skyscrapers and withstanding weather events. A basic knowledge of the concepts is useful for anyone who has a creative mind and a project to do. I found The Best Bits of Physics by Alasdair C. Shaw enjoyable and a great comprehensive brush-up on key concepts. I was enlightened by a few things I did not know. This book would be awesome for a high school student or for someone in a career requiring a basic understanding of physics. In addition, some of the experiments would be great party tricks.