Physics and Modern Life

This book aims to help the reader comprehend and appreciate general physics concepts and principles at a conversant but non-technical level. Many existing books serve similar purposes, but in this book, a major payoff for the hard work of learning physics is a holistic understanding of the modern technological world. In contrast to the standard approach (i.e., a traditional physics topic-sequence punctuated by the occasional application to some technological device) or a popular alternative approach (examination of a sequence of devices with physics introduced as needed), this book puts physics first yet commits to developing two overarching themes that largely define modern life: our intensified reliance on energy and digital information. Devoted to these themes are several entire chapters ("Human Use of Chemical Fuel," "Computers," and "Light and Telecommunications") as well as large parts of several others (e.g., sections on satellites and GPS, telegraph and telephone networks, generators and transformers, nuclear power, and solid-state technologies). This author believes that the themes of energy and information facilitate a big-picture understanding of how life today differs fundamentally from life two hundred or two thousand years ago. This newfound understanding will empower the reader while demonstrating the importance and power of physics. Several stylistic choices contribute to the book's uniqueness. The book is useful to any instructors and students of similar courses, and the glut of material offers some freedom in the design and refinement of such a course. However, the author's hope is that the combination of conceptual depth and informal tone allows the book to reach a wider audience-one that includes those pursuing continuing education as well as physics majors looking for a lighter conceptual supplement to their more technical coursework-perhaps united by a genuine curiosity regarding science and technology.