Overview

Physics professor, bestselling author, and dynamic storyteller James Kakalios reveals the mind-bending science behind the seemingly basic things that keep our daily lives running, from our smart phones and digital “clouds” to x-ray machines and hybrid vehicles.   Most of us are clueless when it comes to the physics that makes our modern world so convenient. What’s the simple science behind motion sensors, touch screens, and toasters? How do we glide through tolls using an E-Z Pass, or find our way to new places using GPS?  In The Physics of Everyday Things, James Kakalios takes us on an amazing journey into the subatomic marvels that underlie so much of what we use and take for granted.   Breaking down the world of things into a single day, Kakalios engages our curiosity about how our refrigerators keep food cool, how a plane manages to remain airborne, and how our wrist fitness monitors keep track of our steps. Each explanation is coupled with a story revealing the interplay of the astonishing invisible forces that surround us. Through this “narrative physics,” The Physics of Everyday Things demonstrates that—far from the abstractions conjured by terms like the Higgs Boson, black holes, and gravity waves—sophisticated science is also quite practical. With his signature clarity and inventiveness, Kakalios ignites our imaginations and enthralls us with the principles that make up our lives. 

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9780770437732

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Reviews

From start to finish, this is a fun and comprehensive introduction to many of the forces that govern how we interact with each other and the world around us...Once again, Kakalios makes physics relatable, this time demonstrating how profoundly its principles enable our way of life. -Kirkus Reviews Jim Kakalios is recognized as the world's expert on the physics of superheroes, but apparently his talents also extend to the real world. We shouldn't be surprised: physics is at heart a search for basic underlying principles, whether in comic-book universes or our everyday lives. You won't find a better, more enjoyable tour guide to how the laws of physics explain the world all around us. -Sean Carroll, physicist at Caltech and author of The Big Picture Think how much richer your life would be if you understood how the beloved devices that govern your daily life actually worked. You might be surprised to learn that even the most common ones-like your smartphone and GPS-depend on the wonders of modern physics, such as quantum mechanics and general relativity. A new world awaits you in this accessible and charming volume by James Kakalios, who takes you through an ordinary day that becomes extraordinary through his clear examples. -Lawrence M. Krauss, Director of the Origins Project and author of A Universe from Nothing and The Greatest Story Ever Told--So Far

Jim Kakalios is recognized as the world's expert on the physics of superheroes, but apparently his talents extend to the real world as well. We shouldn't be surprised: physics is at heart a search for basic underlying principles, whether in comic-book universes or our everyday lives. You won't find a better, more enjoyable tour guide to how the laws of physics explain the world all around us. <b>-- Sean Carroll, physicist at Caltech and author of <i>The Big Picture</i></b> For most people the devices that govern our lives each day are simply black boxes that either work, or don't work. But think how much richer your life would be if you actually understood how these underpinnings of your daily life actually worked. And you might be surprised to learn that even the commonest devices like your smartphone or GPS depend on the wonders of modern physics like quantum mechanics and general relativity. This new richer world awaits you in the accessible and charming volume by James Kakalios, who takes you through an ordinary day that becomes extraordinary through his clearly worked out examples. <b>-- Lawrence M. Krauss, Director of the Origins Project and author of <i>A Universe from Nothing</i></b> <b>and <i>The Greatest Story Ever Told.. So Far</i></b>

From start to finish, this is a fun and comprehensive introduction to many of the forces that govern how we interact with each other and the world around us...Once again, Kakalios makes physics relatable, this time demonstrating how profoundly its principles enable our way of life. -<i><b>Kirkus Reviews</b></i><b> </b> Jim Kakalios is recognized as the world's expert on the physics of superheroes, but apparently his talents also extend to the real world. We shouldn't be surprised: physics is at heart a search for basic underlying principles, whether in comic-book universes or our everyday lives. You won't find a better, more enjoyable tour guide to how the laws of physics explain the world all around us. -<b>Sean Carroll, physicist at Caltech and author of <i>The Big Picture</i></b> Think how much richer your life would be if you understood how the beloved devices that govern your daily life actually worked. You might be surprised to learn that even the most common ones-like your smartphone and GPS-depend on the wonders of modern physics, such as quantum mechanics and general relativity. A new world awaits you in this accessible and charming volume by James Kakalios, who takes you through an ordinary day that becomes extraordinary through his clear examples. -<b>Lawrence M. Krauss, Director of the Origins Project and author of <i>A Universe from Nothing</i></b> <b>and <i>The Greatest Story Ever Told--So Far</i></b>

Author Information

 JAMES KAKALIOS is the Taylor Distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of Minnesota and the author of the bestselling The Physics of Superheroes.

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