The Pendulum

A Case Study in Physics

By: Gregory L. Baker, James A. Blackburn

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Paperback | 27 November 2008 | Edition Number 5

At a Glance

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302 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
24.61 x 18.9 x 1.6

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The pendulum: a case study in physics is a unique book in several ways. Firstly, it is a comprehensive quantitative study of one physical system, the pendulum, from the viewpoint of elementary and more advanced classical physics, modern chaotic dynamics, and quantum mechanics. In addition, coupled pendulums and pendulum analogs of superconducting devices are also discussed. Secondly, this book treats the physics of the pendulum within a historical and cultural context, showing, for example, that the pendulum has been intimately connected with studies of the earth's density, the earth's motion, and timekeeping. While primarily a physics book, the work provides significant added interest through the use of relevant cultural and historical vignettes. This approach offers an alternative to the usual modern physics courses. The text is amply illustrated and augmented by exercises at the end of each chapter.

Industry Reviews

`In this well-illustrated treatment of the study of pendulum, Baker (Bryn Athyn College of the New Church) and Blackburn (Wilfrid Laurier U.) provide fascinating information about the history of the pendulum and what scientists thought it did, the revolution wrought by Foucault, the special cases of the torsion pendulum, the chaotic pendulum, the quantum pendulum, and coupled pendulums, the effects of superconductivity, and the most familiar to most of us, the pendulum clock. They include information on special interests in the appendices, such as the inverted pendulum and the longnow clock.' SciTech Book News `One of the delightful aspects of this book is its attention to historical detail. Not only does this add greatly to the enjoyment of reading it, it also gives a vivid impression of progress in our knowledge of the physical world, all too often absent in more focused and specialized works.' Contemporary Physics `The Pendulum presents insights and unusual approaches that will broaden the experience of undergraduate physics students.' Kenneth S. Krane, Physics Today

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