Physics
From Simmons Library Research Guides
We have selected these resources to help you find relevant information on your research topic. Please contact a librarian for help using the resources listed in this guide or for help with your research process.
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Reference and Background Information
Search for Reference sources that contain information about your specific research topic here:
You may also consult the resources below for overviews of the topic that you have chosen to research. Use these resources to help you to put your topic in context and give you the big picture of what information exists about your topic. These resources may have bibliographies at the end of each entry that can help further your research.
- CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics
Level 1 Reference QD65 .H3
Provides chemical data including unit conversion, physical constants, compounds, properties, symbols & terminology, mathematical tables, and practical laboratory data.
- Dictionary of Named Effects and Laws in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
Level 1 Reference QD5 .B32 1980
This specialized dictionary provides succinct definitions for a comprehensive list of phenomena that were named after scientists. It is particularly useful when learning about a new area in these scientific fields, since the phenomena and the scientists whose names they carry often have no obvious association.
- A Dictionary of Physics
Simmons Eresource and Level 1 Reference QC5 .C56 2000
An excellent introduction to physics for beginners, and an ideal reference tool for students of physics. This dictionary covers all commonly encountered physics terms and concepts, including terms relating to astronomy, astrophysics, and physical chemistry.
- Encyclopedia of Modern Physics
Level 1 Reference QC5 .E544 1990
This encyclopedia presents a survey of advances in theoretical and applied physics since the early 20th century. The contents are at a suitable level for upper division students with a basic knowledge of chemistry, physics and calculus.
- Encyclopedia of Physics
Level 1 Reference QC5 .E545 1990
This resource provides more detailed entries and a wider breadth of terms, theories, and discoveries in the field of Physics. The articles are written in a clear and concise language by renowned scholars and scientists, and each entry offers a list of additional references for more information about a topic.
- Handbook of Physics
Level 1 Reference QC61 .H37 2001
This Handbook is a useful tool for "problem solving, homework, examinations and practical application of physics." It covers a range of topics, from the more basic to the complex, and provides brief definitions and relevant formulas, rules and theorems for each. Check the "Contents" to find your area of interest, or search in the alphabetical index for specific terms.
- Penquin Dictionary of Physics
Simmons Eresource
Provides definitions of terms and concepts drawn from every area of physics. Ranging from optics and acoustics to mechanics and electronics, including quantum theory and relativity, it forms the ideal reference guide to a fast-evolving subject, and will prove invaluable to students and teachers, scientists and doctors, as well as technicians and technologists.
Astronomy
- Astronomy Encyclopedia
Simmons Eresource
Nicely illustrated and very readable, this is an excellent resource for students and laypersons with curiosity about the field of astronomy and its related phenomena. Some of the entries are more complex, but links to related terms and thorough definitions help with overall clarity. See Moore's Atlas of the Universe for more photographs and sky maps.
- Atlas of the Universe
Simmons Eresource
This "guide to astronomy and space exploration" has lots of great photographs and maps of the constellations and individual stars during different seasons. It also provides useful and current information about the universe and discoveries in the field of Astronomy. This is a great companion to Moore's Astronomy Encyclopedia.
- Collins Dictionary of Astronomy
Simmons Eresource
This comprehensive dictionary provides clear and succinct definitions covering all aspects of astronomy. It has been revised and updated to include recent missions, new discoveries, and advances in technology.
- Dictionary of Astronomy
Simmons Eresource
The second edition of this established dictionary contains up-to-date entries on all aspects of astronomy. It covers everything from space exploration and the equipment involved, to astrophysics, cosmology, and the concept of time. The dictionary also features biographical entries on eminent astronomers, as well as worldwide coverage of observatories and telescopes. Appendices include tables of Apollo lunar landing missions, the constellations, and the Local Group of galaxies. Entries are supported by numerous tables and diagrams. An invaluable reference source for students, professionals, amateur astronomers, and for space enthusiasts generally.
- Dictionary of Astronomy
Simmons Eresource
A useful resource for anyone interested in space and astronomy, this dictionary compiles information from a variety of authoritative books, journals and magazines as well as press information from federal and international organizations in the field.
- Guide to Stars and Planets
Simmons Eresource
This is an excellent introduction to the night sky and others aspects of astronomy. The illustrations and clearly-written text include practical advice and helpful recommendations for anyone entering the field.
Finding Articles
Below are suggested databases and indexes for articles on the topic that you have chosen to research. These databases include articles from newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals. Articles are shorter and more narrowly focused than books or reference materials so you should use them after you have narrowed your topic.
- Applied Science and Technology Index
Simmons Eresource
Bibliographic database that indexes and abstracts articles dealing with applied science and technology. Indexed articles come from trade and industrial publications, journals issued by professional and technical societies, and specialized subject periodicals, as well as special issues such as buyers' guides, directories, and conference proceedings.
- arXIV.org
Free Online
A searchable electronic archive and distribution server for research papers. Covered areas include physics and related disciplines, mathematics, nonlinear sciences, computational linguistics, and neuroscience.
- CERN Document Server
Free Online
Provides access to materials on a number of preprint servers in the physical sciences. Covers preprints, articles, books, journals, photographs, and much more, with over 800,000 bibliographic records and 360,000 fulltext documents.
- General Science Index
Simmons Eresource
Covering topics from the fields of astronomy, atmospheric Science, biology, botany, chemistry, conservation, earth science, environment, food, genetics, health, mathematics, medicine, microbiology, nutrition, oceanography, physics, physiology, and zoology. Includes research articles, biographical sketches, symposia, conferences, review articles, selected letters to the editor, and special issues of journals published as supplementary issues, review issues, book reviews, and laboratory guides from American and British journals and magazines.
- HEPSearch
Free Online
Indexes more than 500,000 high-energy physics related articles, including journal papers, preprints, e-prints, technical reports, conference papers and theses.
- SciFinder Scholar
Simmons Eresource
A software program that enables searching of the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) databases. The database covers research from many scientific disciplines, including biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, material science, agricultural science. It contains references from nearly 9,500 currently published journals and patents from more than 50 active patent issuing authorities. It also includes the most comprehensive collection of organic and inorganic substance information.
- Academic Search Complete
Simmons Eresource
Academic Search Complete is a great place to start your search for both popular and scholarly articles, no matter what your topic is! It contains journals from almost every topic and is designed specifically for academic institutions. It provides more than 5,300 full-text periodicals, 4,400 of which are peer-reviewed journals. This resource also features content as far back as 1865.
- Academic Onefile
Simmons Eresource
Academic Onefile contains 8,000 academic journals, the majority in full-text, available in HTML and PDF formats. In addition it contains hundreds of podcasts and transcripts from NPR, CNN, and the CBC.
- Expanded Academic ASAP
Simmons Eresource
From arts and the humanities to social sciences, science and technology, this database meets research needs across all academic disciplines. Access scholarly journals, news magazines, and newspapers - many with full text and images. Updated daily.
TIP: Use the Advanced Search for a more precise search!
- Science Citation Index -- ISI Web of Science
Simmons Eresource
This source is an index of citations and abstracts of scholarly articles from over six thousand journals pertaining to almost all the scientific fields
Note: Full text of the cited articles is not available through Social Science Citation Index. Click the link that says "Check for Full-Text Availability" to determine if the library has access to the article. Remember, if we do not have the entire article, it can be requested through Interlibrary Loan.
Searching the Web
Simmons librarians have created a customized search engine that allows you to find physics information on the free web. Use this Physics Google Custom Search Engine box to search all select, quality free web sites at the same time:
You might also consider going directly to, or bookmarking, the Physics Google Custom Search Engine
Tips for Searching the Internet:
- Use the advanced search function, which is available from most search engines:
- Google - See also "Advanced Search Tips"
- Ask - Click "Advanced." See also "Advanced Search Tips"
- Live (MSN) - See also "Options"
- Exalead - See also "Exalead FAQ"
- Yahoo! Search
- Limit your search to .edu and .gov sites. These often provide quality research, statistics, and commentary. Sites ending in .org often have good information, too, but are likely to espouse a strong stance or bias on the issues they cover and may not be objective.
- Try Scandoo, which presents search results from Google, Yahoo! Search, or Live (MSN) with an evaluation about the objectivity, credibility, and overall reliability of the site.
- Consider using a directory of pre-screened, annotated sites:
Writing Style and Citation
For more information on style and citation for this discipline, please contact the Simmons College Writing Center
You may also consider consulting these resources:
- Writing Resources
Free Online
The Writing Center provides online resources for citing your research. If you are unsure of which citation style to use, consult your professor and consider the following:- Use APA (American Psychological Association) when your topic is in the Social Sciences
- Use ASA (American Sociological Association) when your topic is in Sociology
- Use MLA (Modern Language Association) when your topic is in the Humanities
- Use Chicago/Turabian when your topic is in Literature, History or the Arts
- Use CSE (Council of Science Editors) when your topic is in the Sciences
- RefWorks
Simmons Eresource
RefWorks is a great program for organizing articles, books, and other materials you need for research. You can also use RefWorks to create bibliographies, create in text citations in your paper (Write-N-Cite), and share your research with others. Access RefWorks from the A-Z list of resources on the library's web page, and then follow the instructions to create your own username and password. We hold RefWorks Clinics throughout the semester. For more information, ask a reference librarian
