Waves are vibrations that move in patterns. They are all around us-whether we can see them or not! The Catch a Wave series explains what light and sound waves are, and how they help us hear sounds, see light, and communicate with each other. A code inside the back of this book gives you access to the Student Discovery Lab at www.crabtreeplus.com/waves The animated videos and online games make learning about the light and sound waves fun! Book jacket.
Using numerous mathematical and numerical techniques of diffraction theory, Waves in Focal Regions: Propagation, Diffraction and Focusing of Light, Sound and Water Waves provides a full and richly illustrated description of waves in focal regions. Unlike most books, the author treats electromagnetic, acoustic, and water waves in one comprehensive volume. After an introductory section, the book describes approximate diffraction theories and efficient numerical methods to study the focusing of various kinds of waves. It then covers the physical interpretation of the theories, their accuracy, and the computational savings obtained, emphasizing uniform asymptotic results that remain valid in the vicinity of shadow boundaries and caustics. The next part deals with the focusing of scalar waves, including thorough theoretical analyses and detailed contour maps of diffraction patterns in focal regions for a variety of different system parameters, such as f-number, Frensel number, aperture shape, amplitude distribution, and wavefront aberration. The author proceeds to explore the diffraction and focusing of electromagnetic waves. First solutions are derived for fields radiated by sources, reflected and refracted at plane interfaces, or diffracted by apertures in plane screens, and then these solutions are applied to study the focusing in homogeneous media and through a plane dielectric interface. In both cases, the author includes many computed results of the electromagnetic field distribution near focus. Presenting both theoretical and experimental results, the following part examines the focusing of sound and water waves by means of zone-plate lenses. The book concludes with a detailed study of the diffraction and focusing of water waves and a comparison of the results of both linear and nonlinear theories with those of experiments.
Mark Silverman has seen light perform many wonders. From the marvel of seeing inside cloudy liquids as a result of his own cutting-edge research to reproducing and examining an unusual diffraction pattern first witnessed by Isaac Newton 300 years ago, he has studied aspects of light that have inspired and puzzled humans for hundreds of years. In this book, he draws on his many experiences as an optical and atomic physicist--and on his consummate skills as a teacher and writer about the mysteries of physics--to present a remarkable tour of the world of light. He explores theoretical, experimental, and historical themes, showing a keen eye for curious and neglected corners of the study of light and a fascination with the human side of scientific discovery. In the course of the book, he covers such questions as how it is possible to achieve magnifications of a millionfold without a single lens or mirror. He asks what all living things have in common that might one day allow the development of a "life-form scanner" like the one in Star Trek. He considers whether more light can reflect from a surface than strikes it, and explores the origin of the strange hyperpolic diffraction pattern Newton originally produced with sunlight and knives. Silverman also discusses his new and ground-breaking experiments to see into murky substances such as fog or blood--a finding with potential applications as diverse as noninvasive medical testing and remote sensing of the environment. His wide-ranging reflections cover virtually all elements of physical optics, including propagation, reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, polarization, and scattering. Throughout, Silverman makes extensive reference to both modern research and the original works of giants such as Newton, Fresnel, and Maxwell. In a more personal section about physics and learning, Silverman argues for self-directed learning and discusses the central importance of stimulating scientific curiosity in students. Waves and Grains will encourage a spirit of wonder and inquiry in anyone with scientific interests.
Equip the next generation of scientists with a brand new series from Chris Ferrie, the #1 science author for kids! Waves are all around us! And what starts out as a fun day at the beach leads to even more fun for Red Kangaroo, as she learns that waves exist beyond the ocean. There are waves our eyes cannot see and waves only our ears can hear! Dive into this fascinating study of light and sound waves with Dr. Chris and Red Kangaroo! Chris Ferrie offers a kid-friendly introduction to wave physics in this installment of his new Everyday Science Academy series. Written by an expert, with real-world and practical examples, young readers will have a firm grasp of scientific and mathematical concepts to help answer many of their "why" questions. Perfect for elementary-aged children and supports the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Backmatter includes a glossary, comprehension questions aligned with Bloom's Taxonomy and experiments kids can easily do at school or at home!
APlusPhysics: Your Guide to Regents Physics Essentials is a clear and concise roadmap to the entire New York State Regents Physics curriculum, preparing students for success in their high school physics class as well as review for high marks on the Regents Physics Exam. Topics covered include pre-requisite math and trigonometry; kinematics; forces; Newton's Laws of Motion, circular motion and gravity; impulse and momentum; work, energy, and power; electrostatics; electric circuits; magnetism; waves; optics; and modern physics. Featuring more than five hundred questions from past Regents exams with worked out solutions and detailed illustrations, this book is integrated with the APlusPhysics.com website, which includes online question and answer forums, videos, animations, and supplemental problems to help you master Regents Physics essentials. "The best physics books are the ones kids will actually read." Advance Praise for APlusPhysics Regents Physics Essentials: "Very well written... simple, clear engaging and accessible. You hit a grand slam with this review book." -- Anthony, NY Regents Physics Teacher. "Does a great job giving students what they need to know. The value provided is amazing." -- Tom, NY Regents Physics Teacher. "This was tremendous preparation for my physics test. I love the detailed problem solutions." -- Jenny, NY Regents Physics Student. "Regents Physics Essentials has all the information you could ever need and is much easier to understand than many other textbooks... it is an excellent review tool and is truly written for students." -- Cat, NY Regents Physics Student
