Light: A Very Short Introduction

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Optics, Electricity
Cover of the book Light: A Very Short Introduction by Ian A. Walmsley, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ian A. Walmsley ISBN: 9780191505164
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: September 24, 2015
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Ian A. Walmsley
ISBN: 9780191505164
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: September 24, 2015
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Light enables us to see the world around us. Our sense of sight provides us with direct information about space and time, the physical arrangement of the world, and how it changes. This almost universal shared sensation of vision has led to a fascination with the nature and properties of light across the ages. But the light we see is just a small part of the whole spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, ranging from radio waves to gamma rays. In this Very Short Introduction Ian Walmsley discusses early attempts to explain light, and the development of apparently opposing particulate and wave theories by scientists such as Isaac Newton and Christiaan Huygens. He shows how light was recognized as an electromagnetic wave in the 19th century, and the development of the quantum mechanics view of wave-particle duality in the 20th century. He also describes the many applications of light, domestic and scientific, such as microwaves, DVDs, and lasers. We now use the whole range of electromagnetic radiation to peer both into the human body and deep into space. Turning to the future of optics, Walmsley concludes by looking at some of the most exciting new developments using quantum light sources in communications and computing. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Light enables us to see the world around us. Our sense of sight provides us with direct information about space and time, the physical arrangement of the world, and how it changes. This almost universal shared sensation of vision has led to a fascination with the nature and properties of light across the ages. But the light we see is just a small part of the whole spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, ranging from radio waves to gamma rays. In this Very Short Introduction Ian Walmsley discusses early attempts to explain light, and the development of apparently opposing particulate and wave theories by scientists such as Isaac Newton and Christiaan Huygens. He shows how light was recognized as an electromagnetic wave in the 19th century, and the development of the quantum mechanics view of wave-particle duality in the 20th century. He also describes the many applications of light, domestic and scientific, such as microwaves, DVDs, and lasers. We now use the whole range of electromagnetic radiation to peer both into the human body and deep into space. Turning to the future of optics, Walmsley concludes by looking at some of the most exciting new developments using quantum light sources in communications and computing. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book The Roman Revolution by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book Formalizing Displacement by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book Under the Greenwood Tree by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Roman Law and Society by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book Exploring Gregory of Nyssa by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book Sartre on Sin by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book Indigenous Peoples' Status in the International Legal System by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book The Epic Distilled by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book An Introduction to Clinical Governance and Patient Safety by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book Twilight of the Idols by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book 'Orientalist Jones' by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book Law and Values in the European Union by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction by Ian A. Walmsley
Cover of the book Pompey, Cato, and the Governance of the Roman Empire by Ian A. Walmsley
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy