Physics

This page describes a few of the many print and electronic resources that will be useful for research in physics.

Reference Sources

Encyclopedias | Dictionaries | Handbooks

Reference sources are helpful in locating many types of specific information. They may provide a brief definition of an unfamiliar term, a more in-depth summary of a concept, or a comprehensive treatment of a subject. Some provide statistical information or physical data in the form of tables, graphs, and charts. Some biographical sources provide basic directory information about an individual scientist while others provide details about his or her life and contribution to science. Many reference sources serve as tools for accessing more information about a topic. The Timken Science Library has many reference sources that will be useful for locating information in each of the science disciplines. The following is a list of sources relevant to physics. For a more extensive database of science reference sources available at the College, see Selected Bibliography of Science Reference Sources.

Encyclopedias

AccessScience@McGraw-Hill: The Online Encyclopedia

This is the electronic access version of the 10^th edition of McGraw-Hill’s Encyclopedia of Science and Technology WOO Science Reference Q121 .M3 2002 v.1-20, a highly technical encyclopedia in the sciences. The Web site provides fully searchable content from more than 8,500 articles in the latest edition of the encyclopedia as well as definitions from McGraw Hill’s Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, biographies of more than 2,000 scientists, bibliographies containing more than 28,000 literature citations and a well-developed subject directory of Web links.

Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology WOO Science Reference Q123 .E497 2002 v.1-18

The purpose of this 18-volume encyclopedia is to provide university and professional level coverage of every facet of the physical sciences and technology. Each article includes a Title and Author, Outline, Glossary, Defining Statement, Main Body of the Article, Cross References and Bibliography. The separate Index includes a complete Table of Contents, a Contents by Subject Area, a Relational Index, which presents groupings of related articles, and a detailed Subject Index. — Preface

Encyclopedia of Nonlinear Science WOO Science Reference QA427 .E53 2005

“The primary aim of this encyclopedia is to provide a source from which undergraduate and graduate students in the physical and biological sciences can study how concepts of nonlinear science are presently understood and applied.” Articles are arranged alphabetically and a subject index facilitates access. In addition, a Thematic List groups entries within several broad categories.

Encyclopedia of Applied Physics WOO Science Reference QC5 .E543 1991 v.1-23, index and supplements

Contains comprehensive information on applied physics and related disciplines and includes articles on areas of physics that already have a technical application as well as those that will be applicable in the future.

Encyclopedia of Physics WOO Science Reference QC5 .E545 2005 v.1-2

The more than 500 articles in this two-volume encyclopedia are arranged alphabetically and cover all areas of physics. Most of the articles include cross-references to related articles within this encyclopedia and a bibliography.

Concise Encyclopedia of Magnetic and Superconducting Materials Science Reference QC764.52 .C66 2005

This encyclopedia contains articles that cover major aspects of the science and technology of magnetic and superconducting materials. Articles are arranged alphabetically. A subject index and cross reference facilitate access.

Scattering: Scattering and Inverse Scattering in Pure and Applied Science WOO Science Reference QC794.6 .S3 S25

This two-volume set provides a comprehensive treatment of all the various features of scattering. It is divided into six parts:
1. Scattering of Waves by Macroscopic Targets;
2. Scattering in Microscopic Physics and Chemical Physics;
3. Scattering in Nuclear Physics;
4. Particle Scattering;
5. Scattering at Extreme Physical Scales;
6. Scattering in Mathematics and Non-Physical Sciences.

Encyclopedia of Chemical Physics and Physical Chemistry WOO Science Reference QD451 .E539 2001 v.1-3

This three-volume encyclopedia provides a synopsis of the fundamentals and an overview of the range of activities in which physical principles are applied to chemical problems. Volume 1 “Fundamentals” covers the mechanics of atoms and molecules and their interactions. Volume 2 “Methods” covers instrumentation, fundamental theory and experimental methods. Volume 3 “Applications” covers specific topics of current interest and intensive research. — Introduction

Handbook of Liquid Crystals WOO Science Reference QD923 .H37 1998 v.1-3

Volume 1 of this set provides an “overview of the fundamentals of the science and applications of the entire field of liquid crystals.” Volumes 2A and 2B focus on low molecular weight liquid crystals and volume 3 covers polymeric and amphiphilic liquid crystals and natural polymers with liquid crystalline properties.

Video Encyclopedia of Physics Demonstrations

A collection of 600 physics demonstrations, each of which illustrates a particular principle of physics. The demonstrations are augmented by slow-motion photography and animation and are available for viewing or downloading using RealVideo.

Dictionaries

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms WOO Science Reference Q123 .M15 2003

This dictionary is intended for the scientific and engineering specialist as well as for the “nonspecialist needing a comprehensive yet accessible resource for scientific terminology.” It includes 110,000 terms with 125,000 definitions, each of which is identified by its field of use. — Preface

Dictionary of Physics WOO Science Reference QC5 .C56 2000

Contains more than 3500 entries covering the terminology of physics. Includes terms from astronomy relevant to astrophysics, and relevant terms from mathematics and physical chemistry.

A Dictionary of Weights, Measures and Units WOO Science Reference QC82 .F428 2002

This dictionary “provides clear definitions of all the units, prefixes and styling of the Système International (SI), as well as industry-specific and traditional terms currently in usage. It shows the evolution of the original basic metric system into the sophisticated SI, and parallel developments with other units of measure and their sequential definitions and sizing.”

Dictionary of Material Science and High Energy Physics WOO Science Reference QC772 .D57 2001

Provides concise definitions for terms used in condensed matter, fluid dynamics, material science, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, quantum optics, plasma physics and thermodynamics.

The Illustrated Dictionary of Electronics WOO Science Reference TK7804 .G497 2001

Alphabetically arranged definitions of terms in electronics, with numerous illustrations and cross-references.

Handbooks

Instrumentation Reference Book WOO Science Reference QC53 .I574 2003

This reference covers instrumentation for mechanical measurements, measurement of temperature and chemical composition, and electrical and radiation measurements.

AIP Physics Desk Reference WOO Science Reference QC61 .P49 2003

Arranged for quick and easy location of formulas, tables and other materials that physicists most need to have readily available. This new edition has been completely revised and expanded with most topics covered in more depth than in previous editions. New topics such as chaos and environmental physics have been added.

The Physics Handbook: Fundamentals and Key Equations WOO Science Reference QC61 .P65 2007

This handbook is a compendium of fundamental concepts and key equations in physics, as well as a summary of the basic subject matter that a physicist learns during the first two years of a doctoral program.

Encyclopaedia of Scientific Units, Weights and Measures: Their SI Equivalences and Origins WOO Science Reference QC94 .C295 2003

This handbook contains more than 20,000 precise conversion factors and about 5,000 definitions of the units themselves. The units included are grouped into imperial and U.S. units, metric units, older or out-of-date units, ancient units and SI units.

CRC Handbook of Thermophysical and Thermochemical Data WOO Science Reference QC173.397 .L53 1994

Gives an overview of the most important thermodynamic, and related transport, properties for a range of pure substances and mixtures.

Springer Handbook of Condensed Matter and Materials Data WOO Science Reference QC173 .454 .S67 2005

This handbook combines introductory texts with selected data and functional relationships from solid state physics and materials. Parts 1 and 2 cover general tables and the elements. Part 3 covers classes of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers and glasses. Part 4 covers functional materials, including semiconductors, superconductors, magnetic materials, dielectrics and electrooptics, and ferroelectrics and antiferroelectrics. Part 5 covers special structures, such as liquid crystals, the physics of solid surfaces, and mesoscopic and nanostructured materials.

Handbook of Temperature Measurement WOO Science Reference QC271 .H276 1998 v.1-3

This 3-volume handbook provides an understanding of appropriate techniques and instrumentation as well as the underlying principles of measurement and sensor design.
v.1. Temperature and Humidity Measurement
v.2. Resistance and Liquid-in-Glass Thermometry
v.3. Theory and Practice of Thermoelectric Thermometry

Handbook of Optics WOO Science Reference QC369 .H35 1995 v.1-2

A two-volume handbook which provides articles pertaining to both fundamental and applied problems on a broad assortment of topics in optics.

Handbook of Optical Materials WOO Science Reference QC374 .W43 2003

This handbook is a compilation of the physical properties of optical materials used in optical systems and lasers, grouped by material properties.

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics WOO Science Reserves QD65 .H3 2007-08

Provides the latest and most accurate ready-reference information for the chemical and physical sciences. Includes basic constants, units and conversion factors, data on the physical constants of organic compounds, fluid properties, properties of solids, and much more. A general index facilitates access to required data.

Handbook of Liquid Crystal Research WOO Science Reference QD923 .H36 1997

This book contains 15 chapters about the most important scientific and technological advances in liquid crystals during the first 25 years of research in the field. The 21 authors who contributed to the handbook emphasize the work done most recently as well as “developments that have helped to both simplify and elucidate the phenomena.”

Handbook of Modern Sensors: Physics, Designs and Applications WOO Science Reference TA165 .F723 2004

This book covers numerous modern sensors and detectors, examining the basic principles which form the foundation for their operation. The information provided will allow the reader to choose alternative methods of design.

The Electronics Handbook WOO Science Reference TK7867 .E4244 2005

This publication provides a comprehensive reference for engineers and technicians involved in the design, production, installation, operation and maintenance of electronic devices and systems ranging from classical devices and circuits to emerging technologies and applications.

Electronic Instrument Handbook WOO Science Reference TK7878.4 .E55 2000

Provides descriptions of the technology and functioning of electronic instrumentation including discussions on how software, computers and networks work together with standard hardware.

Power Electronics Handbook WOO Science Reference TK7881.15|b .P6733 2007

This handbook covers a wide range of topics, including switching devices, converter circuit topologies, control techniques and analytical methods as well as solar power conversion, wind turbine applications, artificial neural network applications and more.

Knovel Critical Tables

This searchable, interactive electronic handbook contains tables of physical, solvent and thermodynamic properties of inorganic and organic compounds. It is accessible by title search from the CONSORT catalog. (NOTE: For maximum functionality this resource is best viewed on a PC.)

Smithsonian Physical Tables

This searchable electronic handbook contains more than 900 tables in PDF format with data of general interest to scientists and engineers, particularly physicists. It is accessible by title search from the CONSORT catalog.

International Critical Tables of Numerical Data, Physics, Chemistry and Technology

Originally published in seven volumes, this classic reference contains critical data on inorganic and organic compounds as well as pure substances. It is accessible by title from the CONSORT catalog. (NOTE: For maximum functionality this resource is best viewed on a PC.)

Physics Journals

Scholarly journals are usually considered the most important primary source of information in science. The three major functions of scientific communication are establishing intellectual property, evaluating work through the peer-review process and serving as a vehicle for disseminating information. A few of the many journals that contain scholarly articles in physics include the Physical Review series (sections A-E and Letters), American Journal of Physics, Journal of Chemical Physics, Nature and Science. Other journals and magazines of interest to physics students include Scientific American, Discover, American Scientist, New Scientist, Physics Teacher and Physics Today.

To view the College’s holdings of these and other relevant journals in any format, search by title from the Wooster eJournals and Journals page. You may also browse a complete list of journal titles available in the Physical Sciences and Mathematics subject category from the same page.

Indexes and Databases

Print and electronic indexes and abstracts provide access to the enormous quantity of science information published in widely-dispersed primary scientific literature found in journal articles. The libraries’ Databases by Title page provides access to all databases available to the college community. Online help is available within each search system and database. In addition to General Databases, there are many databases that focus entirely on the sciences. Selected Databases for Research in Science provides descriptions of the science-related databases. Indexes and databases that are especially useful for locating information in physics include:

INSPEC [OSearch] (1969 to present) INSPEC Archive (1898-1968)

This database covers the literature of Physics, Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Computing and Control, Information Technology, and Manufacturing and Production Engineering. It indexes more than 4000 journals, conference proceedings, books, reports, and dissertations.

Physics Abstracts (1907-1968) WOO Science Index Q1 .S3 (1969-1995) WOO Taylor Hall 109C Q1 .53

This is the major abstracting journal of physics. More than 85,000 entries included annually, obtained from 120 core journals, as well as books, conference proceedings, patents and selected technical reports. Provides short, descriptive abstracts. Includes an author index and a subject index, as well as other supplementary indexes. Updated semimonthly. Available electronically 1969- as INSPEC database through OhioLINK Research Databases.

Computers and Applied Sciences Complete [EBSCOhost]

This database covers the spectrum of the applied sciences, representing knowledge on traditional engineering challenges and providing material for research concerning the business and social implications of new technology. CASC provides indexing and abstracting for academic journals, professional publications and other reference sources. Full text is available for more than 500 periodicals. Subject areas include the many engineering disciplines, computer theory and new technologies.

Compendex [OSearch] (1969 to present) Compendex Historical (1884-1968)

This database contains more than 1.7 million abstracts and full bibliographic citations for worldwide engineering and technical literature and encompasses all engineering disciplines, as well as related fields in science and management. It includes journal articles, conference proceedings and individual conference papers, technical reports, monographs and other materials. The database indexes more than 2600 published journals. Updated monthly.

SciFinder Scholar [Chemical Abstracts Service] (1907 to present)

Chemical Abstract Service databases provide the most comprehensive coverage of the chemical literature through SciFinder Scholar. This user-friendly, natural language search system is available in the Timken Science Library computer lab.

Science Citation Index Expanded [ISI] (1980 to present)

This multidisciplinary database covering the journal literature of science provides basic subject and author searching as well as cited reference searching. This feature is useful because it allows you to search the database for articles that cite a known author or work. SCI, one of the databases in ISI’s Web of Science, indexes more than 5700 major journals across 164 scientific disciplines from 1980 to the present.

OhioLINK Electronic Journals Center

The Search function of OhioLINK EJC permits users to search the current OhioLINK database of electronic journals, including titles from Academic Press, American Chemical Society, American Physical Society, Elsevier Science, Institute of Physics, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Royal Society of Chemistry, Springer-Verlag, Wiley and other publishers. (NOTE: Using the OhioLINK EJC search function only retrieves articles from journals available electronically through the EJC. While this may provide a good starting place, a comprehensive search usually requires use of one or more discipline-specific databases.)

Locating Full Text of Journal Articles

Once you have retrieved citations to relevant articles from print indexes and abstracts, electronic research databases, bibliographies and other sources, you will need to determine whether they are available at the College of Wooster. Many articles are available by linking from within an electronic database, but other articles may be available in print, microform or online that are not accessible by direct link from a database.

To determine whether the College has access to a particular journal title in any format, search by title from the Wooster eJournals and Journals page. You may also browse a complete list of journal titles by subject category from the same page.

For a more detailed description of how to determine whether a journal article is available at Wooster, see Lesson 9: Finding Full Text of Journal Articles in the Guide to Library Research in Science.

Selected Internet Sites

Search Engines | Professional Organizations
People | Links to Physics Resources

Search Engines

Google Scholar

The Google Scholar search engine locates scholarly literature from a wide variety of academic publishers, professional societies, preprint repositories and universities, as well as scholarly articles available across the web. Results are ranked by relevance, taking into account the full text of each article as well as the article’s author, the publication in which the article appeared and how often it has been cited in scholarly literature. Search results may include citations of older works and seminal articles that appear only in books or other offline publications.

Professional Organizations

American Association of Physics Teachers

This site provides news and organizational information about the association and its publications. It also provides links to other physics or science education web sites.

American Institute of Physics

The home page of this site provides access to contact information for AIP and its member societies, and information on the organization’s publishing activities, upcoming conferences, career and educational services, government relations activities and more. It also provides a link to the Center for History of Physics, which aims to “preserve and make known the history of modern physics and allied fields.”

American Physical Society

The APS site provides information about the society and its membership, services to women and minorities, educational and career services, and public relations and publication activities. APS also sponsors Physics Central in which a team of physicists "communicate the excitement and importance of physics to everyone."

Institute of Physics

This site provides information about the institute and its membership as well as its publications and online services. It links to useful resources for business and industry, researchers, schools, students and policy makers. Physicsweb is a listing of links to many useful web resources for physics.

Optical Society of America

This site provides information about the organization and its publications.

People

Contributions of 20^th Century Women to Physics

This site presents “an archive of data on 83 20^th century women who have made original and important contributions” to subdisciplines of physics, including astrophysics, condensed matter physics, crystallography, mathematical physics and particles and fields. Entries include a photograph and “describe and document their major contributions and provide biographical information pertaining to the scientific lives of the women.”

Nobel Prize in Physics Winners

This archive of Nobel Prize winners in physics provides basic biographical information and links to sites that provide additional information about the work for which the prize was awarded. A Google search links to related pages about the prize winner.

Links to Physics Resources

arXiv.org e-print Archive

Based at Cornell University, this site provides open access to about 371,000 e-prints in physics, mathematics, computer science and quantitative biology.

Graduate Programs in Physics, Astronomy and Related Fields

This service of the American Institute of Physics provides a comprehensive source of information about graduate school programs in physical sciences, engineering and related fields. Supplementary content includes general advice about exams, admission processes, funding, and jobs and career information.

Librarians’ Index to the Internet: Physics

The Librarians’ Index to the Internet is a searchable, annotated subject directory of more than 11,000 Internet resources selected and evaluated by librarians. Sites are arranged by major categories (e.g. Science, Computers and Technology) and then further subdivided. Each entry includes the title of the site and a description, the URL, subject classification, the creator of the record and the date of the most recent update.

NOVA: The Elegant Universe

This site includes the entire NOVA television program narrated by physicist Brian Green, who wrote the book titled The Elegant Universe. It also features interesting sections about sense of scale, resonance in strings, multidimensional mathematics and elementary particles.

NTRS: NASA Technical Reports Server

This search interface provides access to NASA generated and sponsored scientific and technical literature. It also includes reports and articles from the physics e-print server (arXiv), BioMed Central, the Energy Citation Database and the Aeronautical Research Committee reports.

Physical Reference Data (National Institute of Standards and Technology Physics Laboratory)

This site provides access to phys ical constants, atomic spectroscopic data, ionization data, X-Ray and Gamma-Ray data, nuclear physics data and more.

PhysLINK.com

This site is a collection of resources for physicists, students and the general public. It links to online reference sources, university departments, and professional and student societies, as well as recent news in physics and astronomy.

PhysNet: Physics Departments and Documents Network

This site provides links to national physics societies and physics department worldwide. The search engine allows one to search for information by subject. The site also provides lists of links to journals, conferences, jobs and educational resources.

Science.gov

This site is a gateway to science information, including research and development results, provided by United States government agencies.

Guide to Library Research in Science

In an increasingly complex information environment, it is important that individuals develop the ability to determine when and what kind of information is needed, and to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively. Science Librarian Donna Jacobs has prepared a Guide to Library Research in Science, which consists of several integrated lessons, to help you with each stage of your library research.

Need Help?

Donna Jacobs
Science Librarian
330/263-2280