This book presents a compelling account of atomic development over the last century that demonstrates how humans have repeatedly chosen to ignore the associated impacts for the sake of technological, scientific, military, and economic expediency. In 1945, Albert Einstein said, "The release of atomic power has changed everything except our way of thinking ... the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind." This statement seems more valid today than ever. Romancing the Atom: Nuclear Infatuation from the Radium Girls to Fukushima presents compelling moments that clearly depict the folly and shortsightedness of our "atomic mindset" and shed light upon current issues of nuclear power, waste disposal, and weapons development. The book consists of ten nonfiction historical vignettes, including the women radium dial painters of the 1920s, the expulsion of the Bikini Island residents to create a massive "petri dish" for post-World War II bomb and radiation testing, the government-subsidized uranium rush of the 1950s and its effects on Native American communities, and the secret radioactive material development facilities in residential neighborhoods. In addition, the book includes original interviews of prominent historians, writers, and private citizens involved with these poignant stories. More information is available online at www.romancingtheatom.com.

"The textbook itself is the culmination of the authors' many years of teaching and research in atomic physics, nuclear and particle physics, and modern physics. It is also a crystallization of their intense passion and strong interest in the history of physics and the philosophy of science. Together with the solution manual which presents solutions to many end-of-chapter problems in the textbook, they are a valuable resource to the instructors and students working in the modern atomic field."--Publisher's website.

The Nobel Prize–winning physicist offers a fascinating popular introduction to nuclear physics from early atomic theory to its transformative applications. Theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg is famous for developing the uncertainty principle, which bears his name, and for his pioneering work in quantum mechanics. A central figure in the development of the atomic bomb and a close colleague of Albert Einstein, Heisenberg wrote Nuclear Physics “for readers who, while interested in natural sciences, have no previous training in theoretical physics.” Compiled from a series of his lectures on the subject, Heisenberg begins with a short history of atomic physics before delving into the nature of nuclear forces and reactions, the tools of nuclear physics, and its world-changing technical and practical applications. Nuclear Physics is an ideal book for general readers interested in learning about some of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of the twentieth century.

to Atomic and Nuclear Physics Aerial view of the National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, Illinois. (Photograph courtesy of NAL.) Introduction to Atomic and Nuclear Physics HENRY SEMAT Professor Emeritus The City College of the City University of New York JOHN R. ALBRIGHT The Florida State University FIFTH EDITION LONDON NEW YORK CHAPMAN AN D HALL First edition 1939 Fifth edition, first published in the U.S.A. by Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. Fifth edition first published in Great Britain 1973 by Chapman and Hall Ltd 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE Reprinted as a paperback 1978 Reprinted 1979, 1983, 1985 © 1939, 1946, 1954, 1962 by Henry Semat © 1972 by Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. Fletcher & Son Ltd, Norwich ISBN-13: 978-0-412-15670-0 e-ISBN-13: 978-1-4615-9701-8 DOl: 10.1007/978-1-4615-9701-8 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted, or reproduced or utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher.

For beginners and specialists in other fields: the Nobel Laureate's introduction to atomic spectra and their relationship to atomic structures, stressing basics in a physical, rather than mathematical, treatment. 80 illustrations.