Physics and Society

A One Semester Conceptual Physics Course for Liberal Arts Students
Erscheinungsjahr 2027
ISBN: 978-3-032-41955-2
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, 136 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm

Reihe: Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics

This book introduces physics as a way to understand the natural world and its connection to major issues facing society. Rather than emphasizing mathematical problem-solving, it presents core concepts in clear terms suited to liberal arts students and general readers. Physics is shown as an experimental science that explains interactions among matter, energy, and forces, and as a foundation for technologies that shape everyday life.

Organized around twelve contemporary questions, the text links basic principles to topics such as energy, climate, medical technology, security, and research funding. Each chapter highlights the scientific background needed to evaluate these issues and includes questions for discussion or written reflection. Cross-references guide readers to appendices that summarize key ideas in mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.

This book emphasizes informed, data-based decision-making in a society influenced by science and technology. It is designed for a one-semester conceptual course but can also be used independently by readers seeking to better understand how physics relates to public policy, environmental concerns, and quality of life.

Zielgruppe

Lower undergraduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Powell, Richard C.

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Lehrerausbildung, Unterricht & Didaktik Allgemeine Didaktik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Where are we and why?.- 2. Is Space Exploration Worthwhile?.- 3. Do we need Clean Energy?.- 4. Is Medical Imaging Worth the cost?.- 5. Is Homeland Security Important? .

Über Autor(innen)

Richard Powell is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy (B.S.) and Arizona State University (M.S. and Ph.D.). He worked for over 40 years doing research, teaching, and administration of physics in government laboratories and universities. He served as the director of the Optical Sciences Centre of the University of Arizona and retired as an emeritus professor and vice president for Research and Graduate Education at the University of Arizona. He has authored four advanced physics books and over 260 research articles. Powell is an elected fellow of both the American Physical Society and the Optical Society of America and served as the president of OSA. He was the founding member of the board of directors of the Oklahoma School for Science and Mathematics (a school for gifted high school STEM students). Powell has been elected as a Foreign member of the Russian Academy of Engineering Science.