Cosmic numbers : the numbers that define our universe / James D. Stein.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stein, James D., 1941-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cosmological constants.

Cosmology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (252 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New York : Basic Books, 2011.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

"Our fascination with numbers begins when we are children, and continues, for most of us, throughout our lives. We start counting our fingers and toes, and end up balancing check books and calculating risk. So powerful is the appeal of numbers that many people ascribe to them a mystical significance. And there are some numbers whose importance even transcends the supernatural--these numbers work to explain our universe and how it behaves. In Cosmic Numbers, mathematics professor James Stein traces the discovery, evolution, and interrelationships of the great numbers in that define our world. Some numbers, like the speed of light and absolute zero, are well known to the general public. Others, such as Boltzmann's constant and the Chandrasekhar limit, are known only to those with a deep knowledge of science. But these numbers do far more than the average person might dare to imagine: they tell us how this world began, the way we were and the way we are, and what the future holds. Stein reveals the manner in which certain cosmic numbers came to light, the dramatis personae involved, and cutting-edge developments associated with these numbers. Many are the cornerstones of grand discoveries and theories. They represent landmarks in the history of intellectual achievement. And the stories of these numbers offer a novel understanding of physics, chemistry, astronomy, and ourselves. Much more than a gee-whiz collection of numbers, Cosmic Numbers illuminates why particular numbers are so important--both to scientists and to the rest of us. "-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Title Page; ALSO BY JAMES D. STEIN; Dedication; Preface; CHAPTER 1 - THE GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT; CHAPTER 2 - THE SPEED OF LIGHT; CHAPTER 3 - THE IDEAL GAS CONSTANT; CHAPTER 4 - ABSOLUTE ZERO; CHAPTER 5 - AVOGADRO'S NUMBER; CHAPTER 6 - ELECTRICITY AND THE PROPORTIONALITY CONSTANT; CHAPTER 7 - THE BOLTZMANN CONSTANT; CHAPTER 8 - THE PLANCK CONSTANT; CHAPTER 9 - THE SCHWARZSCHILD RADIUS; CHAPTER 10 - THE EFFICIENCY OF HYDROGEN FUSION; CHAPTER 11 - THE CHANDRASEKHAR LIMIT; CHAPTER 12 - THE HUBBLE CONSTANT; CHAPTER 13 - OMEGA; CODATA NOTE; NOTES; INDEX; Copyright Page

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-283-28529-0

9786613285294

0-465-02788-1

OCLC:

751695167