This is a fascinating and popular account of the very large and the very small, from the universe as a whole to subatomic physics. It includes qualitative explanations of quantum mechanics and relativity, the big bang with inflation, the synthesis of elements, atoms, nuclei, subnuclear physics, quarks, leptons, and other elementary particles. It also gives an account of dark matter and dark energy. In summary, it provides and overview of what we know about the universe and what it is made of, and also what we don't know.

Contents:

• Early Ideas About the Universe
• The Solar System and Beyond
• Newton's Ideas About Space and Time
• Early Ideas of Motion
• Newton's Laws of Motion
• Newton's Theory of Gravity
• Energy and Momentum
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Wave Motion
• Relativity
• Atoms
• Early Days of Quantum Theory
• Quantum Mechanics
• The Elements
• Nuclear Physics
• Elementary Particles
• The Sun and the Solar System
• The Milky Way
• The Universe
• Speculations

“… will be a great inspiration to students as well as to the general lay reader.”

“Your book is absolutely outstanding. I have not seen a book for laymen and women which did such a wonderful job of presenting even the more difficult ideas of physics so clearly. I myself learned some connections I had never thought of.”

“Lichtenberg has written an exceptionally clear and accurate account of the understanding of the realms of the very small — atoms, leptons, quarks — and of the very large — the universe … Students in high school and college as well as others with little background in science but with a curiosity about the physical universe should find this book a valuable guide.”