For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge Of Time - A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics

Event horizon, gravitational potential energy, neutron stars, plasma, accretion disk, donor star, X-ray bursts, parallax, destructive interference, Chladni plate, antisolar point, spaghettification, redshift, blueshift - Were you not familiar with any of these terms or they seem boring, this book is specifically written for you, and you should read it!The first chapter isn't much about physics. Professor Lewis touches various topics on his life. Even though it is not about science, do not skip it. I loved the first chapter because I got to know him as a person not as a boring guy that is going to explain boring science stuff to me. He goes over his childhood and family in Netherlands in which a great deal of suffering happened from World War 2. Also, he explains how he could not thrive as a scientist in his homeland because of bureaucracy and authoritarian leadership. Getting to know Professor Lewis is very important in understanding the physics, as weird as it may sound. Trust me. His lessons are intertwined with his life experiences. This way is very effective. For instance, he does not just explain how the red light's maximum refractory degree is 42 and blue light 40 in rainbow. He tells his personal story on how he was able to apply these scientific facts to find a regular rainbow on a trip, and discover a new type of rainbow - glassbow. I had to understand the scientific statements and facts to follow his interesting and cool stories.The last few chapters cover astronomy and his contribution to X-ray bursts. The way he explains is so easy to grasp and intriguing. At no time have I felt bored with the topics and scientific concepts. He wrote this book to help readers to see the world through the eyes of the physics. He gives a warning: you will not be able to see the world as you did before after reading the book. He could not be more right. He puts it as “YOU HAVE LOST YOUR VIRGINTY.” I saw a rainbow yesterday. I was verifying antipolar point, confirming that the red band within the rainbow was on top within 42 degree from the antipolar point. At night, I looked up at the night sky with stars. I was telling myself that one third of stars were binary systems in which two stars look like a star to naked eyes. Today, I was conversing with a friend while I was driving. An ambulance was passing us by. I told my friend how the sound waves' frequency increases while the ambulance was coming towards us due to its speed and the direction, evidenced by higher pitch, and vice versa as the ambulance was going away from us. I finished my lecture by saying "isn't science amazing?" I can't forget his confused expression on his face. He didn't see that coming from a guy like me who is a full time soldier in the Army – to know and even extol a nerdy subject with such an excitement. Who cares? Doppler Effect is so amazing!Just as the title of the book tells, For the Love of Physics, Professor Lewis loves physics. And it is contagious. Please let him take you to the world of physics with which you will fall in love.

Love. Physics. You need a brilliant teacher to make the connection. Good news. Lewin's lectures are on YouTube. Some uncover the beauty of "mundane" physics; stuff happening around you right now. You may catch a "rainbow disease" but will also gather some evidence that love and physics can go together. This book complements his lectures with a biographical twist. Also sharing his education, interest in art and research on x-ray astronomy.

There’s a difference between knowing a subject and understanding it. You can know physics by being adept at using math and knowing equations well enough to solve problems and still not have a deep understanding of the underlying reasons why things are true. I’ve watched Walter Lewin’s courses and he is one of the best at getting students to see underlying reasons behind physics. By showing people how things work and how truths were derived he communicates some thing far beyond jus learning equations. This book, in a very concise way, does the same thing. It lints the way to understanding. Love the book.

For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time, A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics by Walter Lewin"For the Love of Physics" is the wonderful, educational book that enlightens the layperson to physics. Professor Lewin's passion for physics shines throughout the book as he takes readers on a journey from the tiniest particles to the utter vastness of our universe. Acclaimed MIT professor Walter Lewin, helps us see the world through the eyes of physics. This book is in essence a two-part book, in the first part Lewin focuses on the basics of physics. The second part has to do with his area of expertise, X-Ray Astronomy. An enjoyable, instructive read that is perfect for the layperson who wants to learn about physics through a practical lens versus a mathematical one. This 320-page book is composed of the following fifteen chapters: 1. From the Nucleus to Deep Space, 2. Measurements, Uncertainties, and the Stars, 3. Bodies in Motion, 4. The Magic of Drinking, 5. Over and Under, Outside and Inside, the Rainbow, 6. The Harmonies of Strings and Winds, 7. The Wonders of Electricity, 8. The Mysteries of Magnetism, 9. Energy Conservation - Plus ca change..., 10. X-rays from Outer Space!, 11. X-ray Ballooning, the Early Days, 12. Cosmic Catastrophes, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes, 13. Celestial Ballet, 14. X-ray Bursters! And. 15. Ways of Seeing.Positives:1. A well-written book about physics that focuses on the beauty of it rather than the details.2. Well-researched book that is accessible to the masses.3. Professor Lewin's goal are to educate and to exude excitement over his topics...mission accomplished. As a reader and reviewer, I appreciate the passion4. An inside look at the world of a physicist. The love for astronomy...Interesting.5. One of the great strengths of this book is how Lewin educates his students on physics. By using everyday experiences, he is able to convey complex topics in an understandable and hands on way.6. There are some heart-warming and tragedy behind Professor Lewin's fascinating life and he is kind and brave enough to share them with the readers.7. The wonderful world of optics. One of the most fascinating optical phenomena...glories.8. Newton's three laws of motion.9. The gravity of the situation. Mass vs. weight.10. Does a wonderful job of properly attributing discoveries to their discoverers.11. Answers a lot of everyday questions through physics: why is the sky blue, what causes rainbows, how do planes fly, etc....12. The basics of sound waves. Myths debunked along the way.13. Electricity in a whole new light. Magnetism. The physics of lightning. The great Maxwell.14. How energy works. The various types and applications.15. The second part of the book, the author concentrates in his area of expertise X-ray astronomy. A tour deluxe of the x-ray universe. The author goes in more depth and takes you out of the classroom. It feels like a memoir of sorts.16. A lot of amusing tales regarding his days in the field.17. Neutron stars, supernovae, black holes, neutrinos, pulsars..oh my!18. Some of the most amazing facts you will ever read, "A teaspoon of neutron star matter would weigh 100 million tons on Earth".19. X-ray bursts!20. Stellar spectroscopy...the most powerful tool in astrophysics.21. The golden age of cosmology.22. Find out about Professor Lewin's "other" love.23. Links, very helpful links that add depth to the topics discussed.Negatives:1. The Kindle version omits the picture inserts unless you count the links for the Kindle Fire.2. This book is intended for the masses so those in the field of physics will find it too basic.3. Let's face it, it pains me to say it but a lot of people just can't handle science even at its most accessible.In summary, after reading this educational book the quote that best summarizes it, " A woman does not want to be understood, she wants to be loved". I apologize for not properly attributing the quote but I feel it captures the essence of this book. Professor Lewis wants you to learn about physics but his focus is for you to fall in love with physics. The love for physics will drive one's innate curiosity toward learning physics. It's a wonderful philosophy to have and this book emanates rays of wisdom. If you are a layperson and want to see the world in a different light by all means pick up this book!Further suggestions: " Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100 " by Michio Kaku, " The Physics Book: From the Big Bang to Quantum Resurrection, 250 Milestones in the History of Physics (Sterling Milestones) " by Clifford A. Pickover, " Death from the Skies!: These Are the Ways the World Will End . . . " by Phillip C. Plait, " Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries " by Neil deGrasse Tyson, " A Universe from Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather than Nothing " by Lawrence Krauss, " Knocking on Heaven's Door: How Physics and Scientific Thinking Illuminate the Universe and the Modern World " by Lisa Randall, " Wonders of the Universe " and " Why Does E=mc2? (And Why Should We Care?) " by Brian Cox, " Big Bang: The Origin of the Universe (P.S.) " by Simon Singh, and " The Grand Design " by Stephen Hawking.

You like physics?This is for you. You hate physics? This is for you.Lewin's work is phenomenal.

His Lectures on YouTube were superb, I have to use the past tense because certain historical complaints were made and predictable but hysterical and Nazi like repercussions ensued against him. His lectures were taken down and he was as guilty as the blackest villain ever known. (At a stage that in Law there had been no test of evidence no trial full stop)In my opinion now the dust is settling can I ask for an historical perspective be taken of his monumental contribution to knowledge and especially the joy of physics, will "his" university rehabilitate him before he dies?

You will really enjoy this book even if you are not a physicist. You will never look at a rainbow in the same way again! Look up his lectures on Youtube and you will see how outstanding he is at teaching.

For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time - A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics This is what a Great book on Physics look like.I gifted this book to my sister on Rakshabandhan and this was the best gift for her better than chocolates , free food and everything. She just in love with this book. I Am just too happy about it. Amazon delivered it just in time and in a good shaep. book is lovely.Just go for it and love physics more than before. For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time - A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics

This book gave me an insight into physics. It is not a simple book but it makes a difficult subject accessible. There are some good references to his lecture videos and other websites, such as NASA picture of the day.

Great book, read during my physics A level course and helped fortify my knowledge.

I am a teacher who loves to be meticulous in my teaching, making students understand concepts in an easy manner. I'm so happy I purchased this book. Though I'm not a science teacher I can understand physics so simply through this book. In fact, as a student I hated physics because I couldn't understand head or tail of the subject. Walter Lewin has done a great job and this is a book every physics teacher should possess to teach their students things the understandable way.

This man is a living legend. He keeps inspiring me for the love of physics..

Magnificent and informational book. I enjoyed reading and learning. Physics is amazing with this book

Great style of writing providing an accessible insight to the world of physics as part of my daily commute

Totally worth reading! This is a masterpiece of popularizing didactic.

Great read for all who love science and for those who might have if they'd only had a good teacher.

Great book having seen the video on Itube it was great.

Autobiography and his journey to this wonderful physics experience, Professor Walter Lewin explained everything you'd love to know.I've seen professor Lewin's lectures of MIT available on youtube. He is still active on youtube an upload question solving videos on daily basis.Book is very light weight with amazing novel paper quality.English vocab. used - Easy.

This book gives you Wings to see how this universe is made.