E-Book Overview
"Encyclopedia of Physical Science" discusses concepts that unify the physical sciences with life, Earth, and space science. Examining topics such as natural hazards, global challenges, and the history and nature of science, this new two-volume set complements the material typically taught in high school and college physics and chemistry courses. The substance in this definitive resource reflects the fundamental concepts and principles that underlie the content standards for life science as identified by the National Committee on Science Education Standards and Assessment of the National Research Council for grades 9-12. More than 200 entries cover National Science Education Standards concepts and topics, theories, sub-disciplines, biographies of people who have made significant contributions to the physical sciences, common methods, and techniques relevant to modern science. Entries average approximately 2,000 words each and most include cross-references of related entries and a selection of recommended further readings. Entries include: Acceleration; Acid rain; Black hole; Francis Crick; Doppler effect; Albert Einstein; Greenhouse effect; Liquid crystals; Matter and antimatter; Dmitry Mendeleyev; Organic chemistry; Speed and velocity; Theory of everything; Waves; and, X-ray crystallography.
E-Book Content
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF Physical Science
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF
Physical Science
Joe Rosen, Ph.D., and Lisa Quinn Gothard Katherine Cullen, Ph.D., Managing Editor
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE Copyright © 2010 by Joe Rosen, Ph.D., and Lisa Quinn Gothard All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information contact: Facts On File, Inc. An Imprint of Infobase Publishing 132 West 31st Street New York NY 10001 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Rosen, Joe, 1937– Encyclopedia of physical science / Joe Rosen and Lisa Quinn Gothard. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-8160-7011-4 (hardcover) ISBN-10: 0-8160-7011-3 (hardcover) ISBN: 978-1-4381-1909-0 (e-book) 1. Physical sciences—Encyclopedias. I. Gothard, Lisa Quinn. II. Title. Q121.R772009 500.203—dc22 2008036444 Facts On File books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantities for businesses, associations, institutions, or sales promotions. Please call our Special Sales Department in New York at (212) 967-8800 or (800) 322-8755. You can find Facts On File on the World Wide Web at http://www.factsonfile.com Text design by Annie O’Donnell Illustrations by Richard Garratt and Melissa Ericksen Photo research by Suzanne M. Tibor Printed in China CP Hermitage 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This book is printed on acid-free paper.
Contents
Acknowledgments
vii
Introduction
viii
Entries Categorized by National Science Education Standards for Content (Grades 9–12)
x
Entries A–Z
1
Feature Essays: “The Chemistry of Forensic Science” by Amy J. Heston, Ph.D.
29
“Physics and Chemistry in the Hierarchical Structure of Science” by Joe Rosen, Ph.D.
88
“Unification: Finding Oneness in Diversity” by Joe Rosen, Ph.D.
162
“Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs” by Lisa Quinn Gothard
254
“Uses of Carbon Dioxide: Removal of Harmful Greenhouse Gases” by Lisa Quinn Gothard
300
“Silicone: A Versatile Polymer” by Lisa Quinn Gothard
335
“Laws: There Is Order in the World” by Joe Rosen, Ph.D.
444
“Pharmacogenetics: The Future of Drug Design” by Lisa Quinn Gothard
524
“Beauty: Only in t