Hey! Like the title says I’m looking for a book (series?) on for instance geology, but then for people with a physics background. Specifically, that concepts are explained through calculations and formulas. It can be on any subject, as long as the explanation is formula/data/calculation based 🙂
by Bald_Peter394
2 Comments
You may have trouble finding what you describe at the “general overview” level. It’ll depend on the science of course. Chemistry you’ll get a decent amount of physics mixed in, but physics is not really necessary or relevant for something like intro biology or even geology. But dig deeper into more specialized topics (upper level undergrad and graduate level textbooks) and you’ll find equations.
I think I get the thrust of your request. I almost exclusively read non-fiction and books where “they do the math” is a big percentage of the total. Vaclav Smil comes to mind immediately. He writes about human energy consumption, specifically petrochemicals and the equations behind our productivity based on the fossil fuels. Sounds dry but I’ve read 3 or 4 of his and they’re stellar. More people should be aware of Vaclav Smil.
Let me know if any on my list hit your mark. I may have more or I can try again if not.
*How the World Really Works: The Science Behind How We Got Here and Where We’re Going* –Vaclav Smil
*Energy and Civilization: A History* –Vaclav Smil
*The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Space, Time and Motion* –Sean Carroll
*The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations that Transform the World* –David Deutsch
*Existential Physics: A Scientist’s Guide to Life’s Biggest Questions* –Sabine Hossenfelder
*The Equations of Life: How Physics Shapes Evolution* –Charles Cockell
*Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs: The Astounding Interconnectedness of the Universe* –Lisa Randall
*The Vital Question: Energy, Evolution and the Origins of Life* –Nick Lane
*Every Life Is on Fire: How Thermodynamics Explains the Origins of Living Things* –Jeremy England
*Alien Oceans: The Search for Life in the Depths of Space* –Kevin Hand
*The Math of Life and Death: 7 Mathematical Principles That Shape Our Lives* –Kit Yates
*The Physics of Climate Change* –Lawrence Krauss