Seven Measures of the World

The fascinating stories behind the essential seven units of measurement that allow us to understand the physical world"Entertaining popular science and a literate tale of why things are as they are."-Kirkus ReviewsFrom the beginning of history, measurement has been interwoven into the human experience, shaping our understanding of nature, personal relationships, and the supernatural. We measure the world to know our past, comprehend the present, and plan the future.Renowned physicist Piero Martin explores how scientific knowledge is built around seven key pillars of measurement: the meter for length; the second for time; the kilogram for mass; the kelvin for temperature; the ampere for electricity; the mole for quantity of substance; and the candela for luminous intensity. Martin examines the history and function of these units and illustrates their applications in rich vignettes on a range of topics-from quarks to black holes, from a glass of wine to space exploration. He delves into not only the all-important numbers but also anecdotes that underline each unit's special quality. At the same time, he explains how each unit contributes to important aspects of science, from classical physics to quantum mechanics, from relativity to chemistry, from cosmology to elementary particle physics, and from medicine to modern technology. Martin eloquently shows how the entire universe can be measured and understood using just seven units.

About the author

Piero Martin is professor of experimental physics at the University of Padua and a science writer. He carries out research on thermonuclear fusion and is chief physicist of the international DTT fusion experiment. He lives in Venice, Italy. Gregory Conti has translated over twenty-five books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. He lives in Perugia, Italy.

Product details

• Authors: Gregory Conti, Piero Martin
• Assisted by: Gregory Conti (Translation), Conti Gregory (Translation)
• Publisher: Yale University Press Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.06.2023
• EAN: 9780300266276
• ISBN: 978-0-300-26627-6
• No. of pages: 224
• Dimensions: 150 mm x 225 mm x 20 mm
• Subjects: Education and learning > Teaching preparation > Vocational needs; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); SCIENCE / History, SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects, SCIENCE / Weights & Measures, History of Science, Impact of science & technology on society, Impact of science and technology on society, Scientific standards, measurement etc, Scientific Standards, Mensuration & Systems Of Measurement