Clouds in a Glass of Beer: Simple Experiments in Atmospheric Physics - Softcover

Bohren, Craig F.

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9780486417387: Clouds in a Glass of Beer: Simple Experiments in Atmospheric Physics

Synopsis

Ever wonder why steam rises from a bowl of hot soup or why a greenhouse retains heat? And have you ever puzzled over the real meaning of "once in a blue moon" or why sand is darker when it's wet than when it's dry? And just why, exactly, do bubbles appear in a glass of beer when you add salt to it?
These and many other baffling questions are answered in this engaging book by a physics professor at Pennsylvania State University. Ranging from playful to serious, Professor Bohren's lively and entertaining discussions employ a liberal mixture of humor and anecdote to debunk a host of scientific myths and render science lessons thoroughly understandable. Chapters include "On a Clear Day You Can't See Forever," "A Murder in Ceylon." "The Green Flash," "Physics on a Manure Heap," " Indoor Rainbows," and "Multiple Scattering at the Breakfast Table."
"The book rings with a unifying tone: the science of the everyday physical world is fun. And so is the book," writes Jearl Walker, a member of the Physics Department at Cleveland State University. Beginning physics and general readers will be fascinated by the scientific knowledge gained from this work; and science teachers will find it a treasure trove of ideas for simple, vivid classroom demonstrations.

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From the Publisher

This fascinating exploration of atmospheric physics presents over 25 experiments that let readers observe and reproduce natural phenomena with simple materials at home or in the classroom. In a captivating, conversational tone, it explores topics in meteorological optics, including rainbows, coronas, color of sky and sea, visibility, cloud physics, and basic physics relevant to the atmosphere. A scientific or mathematical background is not required.

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