The Physics Quick Reference Guide (Hb 1995)

This book consists of material in the first chapter of A Physicist's Desk Reference, updated and supplemented by additional new data. It's a self-contained, quick reference guide to the most commonly used mathematical formulas, tables of data, symbols, units, standard nomenclature, and fundamental constants in physics. A useful bibliography to more complete sources of data is also included.

This compact handbook is an expansion of the first chapter of A Physicist's Desk Reference (American Institute of Physics, 1986). A spiral-bound volume that is easy to use, it contains the essential information to answer a broad range of general physics questions. Its nine sections cover: "Physical Quantities, Symbols and Units" ; "International System of Units" ; "Recommended Symbols for Physical Quantities" ; "Precise Physical Constants" ; "Physics Formulary" ; "Engineering Physics" ; "Properties of Matter" ; "Mathematical Formulas" ; and "Probability and Statistics." Much of the information is presented in clear and well-labeled charts and tables. A subject index aids in finding precise data.

This handbook is perfect for small academic libraries on a limited budget, high-school libraries, and public libraries. All of the information can be found in comprehensive handbooks such as Handbook of Physics, American Institute of Physics Handbook, or Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, and if libraries already have copies of these sources, The Physics Quick Reference Guide may not be necessary. However, the chapter on the International System of Units is well worth having because of its conciseness. This would be an excellent quick reference for students, rather than having to carry one of the large comprehensive handbooks.