AIP Physics Desk Reference

Rating:
Summary: Keep up with physics
Review: It is difficult for physicists to keep track of the latest findings in their field. By necessity, if you work in physics, you often have to specialise. Yet for intellectual reasons, if nothing else, it is good to keep up with what is in your occupation.

For decades, the American Institute of Physics has tried to help, with earlier versions of this book. This is the latest update, from 2003. Compared to, say, the 1981 edition, there have been large changes. Perhaps foremost is the current prominence of computational ideas. Reflecting the decades-long surge of Moore's Law and the now ubiquitous computing power available to most physicists. So much so that simulations are now a de facto equal partner of theory and observation.

The book also describes the current boundaries of particle physics, with updates on recent accelerator capabilities and results. If progress seems naggingly slow here, remember the sheer cost of those accelerators and the long lead time between design and first light.