Summary

The rise of civilization parallels the ability of humans to measure and physically describe matter. The English word quantitative is an adjective that means "pertaining to, or susceptible of measurement." When scientists quantify matter, they attempt to describe certain physical properties or characteristics of matter in an orderly, understandable, and useful manner. Precise, repeatable measurements and experiments support the scientific understanding of matter. 

Quantifying Matter explains how scientists learned to measure matter and quantify some of its most fascinating and useful properties. It presents many of the most important intellectual achievements and technical developments that led to the scientific interpretation of substance. Complete with full-color photographs, this exciting new volume describes the basic characteristics and properties of matter.

Chapters include:

• Exploring the Nature of Matter
• The Origin of Matter
• The Search for Substance
• Quantifying Matter During the Scientific Revolution
• Understanding Matter's Electromagnetic Properties
• The Periodic Table of the Elements
• Discovering the Radioactive Nature of Matter
• Exploring the Atomic Nucleus
• Contemporary View of Matter
• Manipulating Matter Atom by Atom.

Specifications

Full-color photographs and line illustrations. Index. Appendix. Glossary. Chronology. Further resources.

About the Author(s)

Joseph A. Angelo Jr., Ph.D., is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and is currently an adjunct professor in the science department of Valencia Community College, where he teaches an introductory astronomy course called The Cosmic Perspective. He is the author of many reference books, including the Frontiers in Space set and the award-winning Encyclopedia of Space and Astronomy, both for Facts On File.