For the Love of Physics

While most kids dread physics and all that it encompasses, I find myself searching for more information and knowledge on the subject. For the Love of Physics is a book on introductory college physics written by a current college professor, Walter Lewin, at MIT. Lewin takes the reader on a journey through physics, from the magic behind rainbows, to the secret behind why stars twinkle, and why a vacuum can be created inside of a straw. He attempts to make all aspects of physics relatable and easy to understand. He begins with elementary, more facile subjects and then progresses to his field of expertise. Dr. Lewin is an expert on the science of x-rays; specifically the x-rays that are found originating from deep within the cosmos. He spends nearly half the book on subjects such as force, sound, and magnetism; however, the rest of the book is entirely dedicated to his work in the mid sixties with x-ray bursters. The chapters are divided by subject area, and he frequently intersperses his teachings with stories from various lectures he has given throughout his years of teaching. Not many people would be tempted to read 300 pages of lectures on physics, but Lewin presents the material in a way that any person could understand. It is not necessary to have any prior knowledge of physics to read and enjoy this book.

Lewin, along with all physicists who attempt to write, is confronted with the rather onerous problem of presenting the information in a way that is easy for the public to understand. While most of the American, adult population has at one point been instructed in the mysteries of physics, very few of them remember what is necessary to comprehend why stars can steal mass from one another. Lewin tackles this problem by slowly working his way into the real meat and bones of the subjects he wants to discuss. He gives his audience a working knowledge of the fundamental principles behind major celestial phenomena. However, he would have to write at least another book to provide his audience with enough information to understand all of the intricacies of each subject. This is where Lewin's genius really shines. He not only understands physics, he has the unique ability to make the complex seem rather straightforward. He generally avoids the technical terminology and relates each phenomena to an event that we all experience in our everyday lives. His target audience is adults with at least a high school education. Therefore, his writing takes on the feeling of a high school or college lecture. We have all had the quirky science teacher in our school days and because of the way Lewin writes, he brings the reader back to the days where science was actually made interesting. It is not the material that is taught but how it is taught.

One of the most amazing aspects of Dr. Lewin and this book is that as one reads more and more, one begins to hear a voice that he imagined for Lewin in his head. He conveys a sense of excitement throughout the whole book. It is very obvious that Lewin has a passion for physics and truly is amazed by all of the wonders around us. He paints everything to seem like a wonder. As the book progresses one begins to empathize with his sense of wonder and begin to look at the world differently himself. The way that Lewin writes this book causes a change in one's way of thinking. No longer will one just look at a rainbow and think that it looks pretty. One will now look at the world from the paradigm of a physicist. Lewin's tone of wonder throughout the book creates a feeling that everyday life is not something to be dismissed so easily, but rather something to be treasured and enjoyed. Lewin teaches that one should not accept everything one sees as a mystery; one should look at everything and see potential problems to be solved. For the Love of Physics leaves an impression that does not fade so easily. It leaves a lasting impression and a new sense of wonder with the world and the cosmos.

Out of 5 binary star x-ray bursters, this book receives 4 binary star x-ray bursters. It really made me think of the universe in a different light and helped me to understand the forces behind our universe; however, it could be a bit dull at times when he was explaining subjects that I already knew about.

Speaker-
Introductory physics including light, magnetism, electricity, force, and kinematics. As well as a focus on x-ray producing objects in deep space.

Occasion-
Most of the book seems to take place in a lecture hall at MIT because each chapter is adapted from lectures he gives. It feels like he is in the front of the classroom enthralling his students with his lectures. However, most of his research was done in the sixties when Lewin was young and the science of x-rays was a new and groundbreaking one. Therefore, the other half of the book is akin to Lewin telling a story to his audience.

Audience-
The audience for this book is high school educated adults. It is necessary for the reader to have some knowledge of physics and not many uneducated people or young teens would be interested in a book on physics.

Purpose-
Lewin's purpose in writing this book is to make the American public more interested in the world around them, and, more specifically, more interested in physics as it is not a very popular subject area. Furthermore, Lewin wants to share the things that he has discovered and that physics has uncovered about the world. He stresses the importance of curiosity and how each person should strive to uncover the mysteries of the universe.

Style-
Lewin has a unique style in writing this book. It is similar to a lecture in book form; however, because he is not writing to college physics students, he does not use technical physics diction, but instead utilizes words that most Americans are familiar with. He also utilizes many personal anecdotes in his writing to develop a connection between him and the reader. By the end of the book, one feels like there is a connection with Lewin- that Lewin was once one's teacher.

Tone-
The tone in this book is a tone of wonder and excitement. Lewin is truly excited by the world of physics and he wants to convey that through his writing. He makes it seem like something that is logical and fairly easy to understand. He wants his readers to be passionate and excited about physics; therefore, he is excited and passionate himself, hoping that the readers will adopt his enthusiasm.