Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines Summary and Reviews

Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines
by Richard A. Muller

Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines
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Book Summary Information

Author: Richard A. Muller
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-08-17
ISBN: 0393066274
Number of pages: 354
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Book Reviews of Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines

Book Review: #1 Thinking Persons Primer on Climate, Energy, Weapons, Gore
Summary: 5 Stars

This is a primer on energy, climate, and weapons, and is the best of Professor Muller's #1 student rated course at Berkeley. He teaches hundreds of students per year and any reader what you need to know to join the debate. He is non political, but the topic is not. He demonstrates that: electric battery cars will not save the planet because they are still too expensive (@$4.00 per gallon), that solar still has a low return on investment, that wind power is good but limited, and that the risks of more nuclear energy plants (20% of U.S. energy usage versus 70% in France) is less than advertised. The professor shows that much of our current discussion is based on incorrect "facts" and sound bites, which can lead to incorrect policy. He shows that even Al Gore's graphs may give the wrong impression of "facts" and undermine Gore's message. Anyone that is interested in efficient use of energy, political decision making on nuclear and solar, how to control nuclear weapons, and how to be thoughtful about what to do about global warming, needs to understand the basics and basis presented here. There is not a lot of formula work or calculations required, however I found it better to take notes as I read. If you become more interested go to itunes and get his up to 50 hours of course lectures.

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