Summary

Defined as the scientific study of matter and energy, physics explains how all matter behaves. Separated into modern and classical physics, the study attracts both experimental and theoretical physicists. From the discovery of the process of nuclear fission to an explanation of the nature of light, from the theory of special relativity to advancements made in particle physics, this volume profiles 10 pioneers who overcame tremendous odds to make significant breakthroughs in this heavily studied branch of science. Each chapter contains relevant information on the scientist's childhood, research, discoveries, and lasting contributions to the field and concludes with a chronology and a list of print and Internet references specific to that individual.

Entries include:

• Niels Bohr
• Louis de Broglie
• Albert Einstein
• Michael Faraday
• Richard Feynman
• Murray Gell-Mann
• Lise Meitner
• Sir Isaac Newton
• Max Planck
• Sir Ernest Rutherford.

Specifications

Black-and-white photographs and line illustrations. Appendixes. Glossary. Further reading. Chapter-specific chronologies. Web sites.

About the Author(s)

Katherine Cullen, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in molecular biology from Vanderbilt University. She has also taught science and trained teachers for Kaplan Educational Services. In 2002 she initiated and coordinated for undergraduate science majors a training program in biomedical research. Cullen acted as abridgement editor for four Schaum’s Easy Outlines: Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Beginning Chemistry.