Discovering the Nature of Light: The Science and the Story

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This book is a science text about light for the general reader; it is also an adventure story and a detective story revealing how the secrets of light were uncovered. Readers can share in the thrill of each discovery and learn about some of the myriad applications opened up by these fascinating discoveries, including the telescope, fiber optics, the laser, and even the recent optical detection of gravitational waves from space. With Professor Fortson, distinguished experimental physicist, as your tour guide, follow the journey from the 17th century — when Descartes first calculated the size of the rainbow — to the 20th century, when the quantum theory of light was born. Learn how Huygens, Newton, Planck, Einstein and many other great scientists solved one mystery after another, from the reason underlying the law of refraction to the puzzle of the photoelectric effect. The journey ends with the solution to the most challenging mystery of all: that light is both a wave and a particle — a fascinating finale. Sample Chapter(s) Introduction Chapter 1: Reflection and Refraction of Light Contents: Reflection and Refraction of Light Huygens Founds the Wave Theory of Light Newton Turns His Genius to the Study of Color The Speed of Light 1: Timing Jupiter's Moons. Paris 1671–1676 Speed of Light 2: The Advent of Precision Astronomy 1800: Thomas Young Revives the Wave Theory The Wave Theory Triumphs: Fresnel 1815–1825 Joseph Fraunhofer Observes Spectral Lines Light is an Electromagnetic Wave The Entrance of the Photon and the Birth of Quantum Theory Readership: Students, physicists, and general readers interested in the story about light and its applications.

ELEMENTS OF THE NATURE & PROPERTIES OF SOILS (3版)

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Description For undergraduate courses in Introduction to Soils, Fundamentals of Soil Science, and Soil Management. With an emphasis on the fundamentals, this book explores the important world of soils and the principles that can be used to minimize the degradation and destruction of one of our most important natural resources. Fully updated in this edition, it includes the latest information on soil colloids; nutrient cycles and soil fertility; and soils and chemical pollution. This edition is filled with hundreds of new figures and photos and continues to use examples from many fields, including agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. Taking an ecological approach, it emphasizes how the soil system is interconnected and the principles behind each soil concept. Features For undergraduate courses in Introduction to Soils, Fundamentals of Soil Science, and Soil Management. With an emphasis on the fundamentals, this book explores the important world of soils and the principles that can be used to minimize the degradation and destruction of one of our most important natural resources. Fully updated in this edition, it includes the latest information on soil colloids; nutrient cycles and soil fertility; and soils and chemical pollution. This edition is filled with hundreds of new figures and photos and continues to use examples from many fields, including agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. Taking an ecological approach, it emphasizes how the soil system is interconnected and the principles behind each soil concept. Hallmark Features Ecological approach. Treats soil science as a science on par with geology, chemistry, or ecology so that students can make the connection between soils and whatever part of the natural world they are studying. Emphasis on fundamental principles. Places an emphasis on the principles, not the technical aspects of soil science. Uses a writing style appropriate for a college-level audience. Examples from natural resources, forestry and agriculture. Moves beyond traditional agricultural topics to include applications from additional fields of study. Technical detail and worked calculations boxes. Provides a more robust discussion of topics and supplies students with worked calculations to enhance their understanding of concepts. Vignette and Application boxes. Highlights fascinating real-world anecdotes and captures student interest and imagination. Unique schematic diagrams and photographs. Illustrates concepts visually and demonstrates relationships, applications, and field situations relevant to many different fields of study. Cross referencing. Reinforces the idea that all aspects of the soil system are interconnected. Allows instructors to use the book chapters in any order of preference. Complete glossary of terms. Contains the most complete glossary of soil science terms available. New to this Edition Fully updated in this edition to include: Updated section on engineering properties of soils–see Chapter 4. Expanded treatment of soil quality, soil degradation and soil resilience–see Chapter 1, 11, 12, and 17. A new section on septic tank drain fields–see Chapter 6 Expanded section on irrigation management–see Chapter 6. A new section on wetlands and their poorly aerated soils–see Chapter 7. New! Look for hundreds of new references and new discussion of topics such as: The Pedosphere concept Subaqueous soils Ethnopedology Cation exchange reactions Binding of biomolecules to soil colloids Characteristics and problems of alkaline soils and more! Revised! Chapter 12 contains all material on nutrient cycles and processes. Offers a streamlined organization that covers all macro and micronutrients in one chapter. New! A new chapter on soil quality and pollution–see Chapter 15. Includes information on pesticides, organic contaminants, sludge, heavy metals, landfills, radionuclide and radon gas. New! More Full-Color photos (111) and Black and White photos (350). Provides new figures and images that illustrate concepts in a highly visual way. Table of Contents 1. The Soils Around Us 2. Formation of Soils from Parent Materials 3. Soil Classification 4. Soil Architecture and Physical Properties 5. Soil Water: Characteristics and Behavior 6. Soil and Hydrologic Cycle 7. Soil Air and Temperature 8. Soil Colloids: Seat of Chemical and Physical Activity 9. Soil Acidity, Alkalinity and Salinity 10. Organisms and Ecology of the Soil 11. Soil Organic Matter 12. Nutrient Cycles and Soil Fertility 13. Practical Nutrient Management 14. Soil Erosion and Its Control 15. Soil Quality and Pollution Post Matter