Encyclopedias give general background information and can help you to define terms and get a brief overview. They also have lots of references, providing a good starting point for the primary literature.
You can find other encyclopedias or scientific dictionaries in your area by searching in Franklin or FindIt! or by browsing the TP call number ranges in the Chemistry and Engineering Libraries' print reference collections.
Please note, this is not a comprehensive list of all physical sciences resources!
