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Physics for Entertainment
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Author
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Yakov Perelman.
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Publisher
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Hyperion
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Format
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hardcover
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Product Dimensions
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6.75
x
5.5
x
1
inches
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ISBN
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9781401309213
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Pages/Publication Date
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331/2008
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Daedalus Item Code
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31112
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This item is not available.
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Description
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Could an invisible man see? Why does a rocket go up? What would happen if the speed of sound were slower? Why do fish have bladders? What is the safest way to jump from a moving car? As unlikely as it might seem, these intriguing questions are in fact physics problems, and Yakov Perelman employs scores of such investigations—some taken from the writings of Mark Twain, Jules Verne, and H.G. Wells—to lead readers to an understanding of the fundamentals of modern physics. Originally published in 1920s Russia and continually revised through 1936, this volume of Perelman's witty and entertaining lessons is the only one available in English. "Reclusive Russian mathematician Grigori Perelman (no relation) ... claimed he was inspired by Yakov's book as a child, and certainly children often ask about things like whether an invisible man is able to see, or what you would experience if you fell all the way through the center of the earth. Each chapter is devoted to a scientific principle, such as mechanics, heat, and properties of liquids and gases. Perelman nods to science fiction writers from Cyrano de Bergerac to Mark Twain and H.G. Wells as he explains why their whimsical fancies might or might not be feasible. The writing in this anonymous translation is lively and entertaining ... a charming historical curiosity and an entertaining diversion."—Publishers Weekly
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