Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed

by Jim Al-Khalili

Paperback, 2004

Status

Available

Call number

QC174 .A42

Genres

Publication

London : Weidenfeld & Nicolson Illustrated, 2004.

Description

In this lively look at quantum science, a physicist takes you on an entertaining and enlightening journey through the basics of subatomic physics. Along the way, he examines the paradox of quantum mechanics--beautifully mathematical in theory but confoundingly unpredictable in the real world. Marvel at the Dual Slit experiment as a tiny atom passes through two separate openings at the same time. Ponder the peculiar communication of quantum particles, which can remain in touch no matter how far apart. Join the genius jewel thief as he carries out a quantum measurement on a diamond without ever touching the object in question. Baffle yourself with the bizzareness of quantum tunneling, the equivalent of traveling partway up a hill, only to disappear then reappear traveling down the opposite side. With its clean, colorful layout and conversational tone, this text will hook you into the conundrum that is quantum mechanics.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member fpagan

Somewhat coffee-table-ish pop intro to all matters quantum mechanical, with lots of stunning full-page artwork.

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LibraryThing member shawnd

Good for a scientist or super smart person. As a physics-challenged person--and in a moment of weakness apparently--I bought this book. Perhaps for the pictures. The pictures in this book are amazing - I've never seen anything like them. Everything from super-crisp scientific scans to colorful

drawings to pictures, etc. A number of inserts are short papers by professors on sub-topics; while novel and credibility-adding, they break up the flow. Overall the book is hard to read straight through, and in my opinion doesn't build on itself; but that may be my limited comprehension. This book includes all kinds of complex theories like Bose-Einstein and Broglie-Bohm etc in later sections. So don't take this up lightly, but be ready to admire the art.

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