Synopsis
In easy-to-follow conversational language, this book reveals the mysteries of physics and tells about the physicists who made it possible, from the discovery of the laws of gravity by Isaac Newton and the construction of the first electric battery by Alessandro Volta, to the present century's development of solid-state electronics, nuclear arms and nucelar reactors, lasers, etc. The evolution of physics during four centuries is related in 16 conversations that actually took place between the author, a professor of physics, and his wife, an intelligent listener not familiar with the subject. By asking questions and interjecting her own observations, she insists on sufficient clarity in the presentation so as to make the somewhat difficult seeming topics clearly understandable. Each breakfast topic can be read separately in less time than it takes to eat the meal. Anyone who has avoided studying physics so far, for whatever reason, (and this includes the author's wife) will gain an insight into what physics is and what physicists do.
This book may also serve to refresh the understanding of those who have forgotten what they may have learned or who previously failed to fully grasp the subject. A glossary of commonly used terms at the back of the book provides a convenient reference to most of the concepts presented.
