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E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation
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E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation Hardcover - 2000

by David Bodanis


Summary

Generations have grown up knowing the equation E=mc2 and that it changed the shape of our world but never understood what it actually means and why it is so significant. In his new book, David Bodanis writes the “biography” of one of the greatest scientific discoveries in history, and through his skill as a writer and teacher, he turns a seemingly impenetrable theory into a dramatic and accessible human achievment.Bodanis begins by devoting elegant chapters to each of the equation’s letters and symbols, introducing the science and scientists forming the backdrop to Einstein’s 1905 discovery. Having demystified the equation, Bodanis explains it mathematically and brings it to life scientifically and historically, making clear the astonishing array of discoveries and consequences it made possible – from the splitting of the atom to a television’s cathode ray tube to the carbon dating of prehistoric paintings.At first, Einstein was unsure of what he had accomplished. “The argument is amusing and seductive,” he wrote to a friend, “but for all I know, the Lord may be laughing over it and leading me down the garden path.” In fact, Einstein did nothing less than open the door to the inner structure of the universe. In David Bodanis’s skilled hands, that achievement is an uncommonly good story.

From the publisher

Generations have grown up knowing that the equation E=mc2 changed the shape of our world, but never understanding what it actually means, why it was so significant, and how it informs our daily lives today--governing, as it does, everything from the atomic bomb to a television's cathode ray tube to the carbon dating of prehistoric paintings. In this book, David Bodanis writes the "biography" of one of the greatest scientific discoveries in history--that the realms of energy and matter are inescapably linked--and, through his skill as a writer and teacher, he turns a seemingly impenetrable theory into a dramatic human achievement and an uncommonly good story.

Details

  • Title E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation
  • Author David Bodanis
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 337
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Walker & Company, New York
  • Date September 2000
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780802713520 / 0802713521
  • Weight 1.07 lbs (0.49 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.77 x 5.27 x 1.23 in (22.28 x 13.39 x 3.12 cm)
  • Reading level 1170
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 00040857
  • Dewey Decimal Code 530.11

About the author

David Bodanis designed and gave the "Intellectual Tool-kit" course lectures for many years at Oxford University in England. He is the author of several books, including The Secret Family and the best-seller The Secret House. A native of Chicago, he lives in London, England.

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E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation.

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E=Mc2 : A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

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E = mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

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E=mc2 : A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation
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E=mc2 : A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

by Bodanis, David

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E=mc2 : A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation
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E=mc2 : A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

by Bodanis, David

  • Used
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Used - Very Good
ISBN 13
9780802713520
ISBN 10
0802713521
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Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
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Walker & Company. Used - Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
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