Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Avery (2011), Edition: Reprint, 336 pages
Description
Most of us are unaware of how much we depend on quantum mechanics on a day-to-day basis. Using illustrations and examples from science fiction pulp magazines and comic books, this book explains the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics that underlie the world we live in.--From publisher description.
User reviews
LibraryThing member fpagan
How the basic results of quantum theory underlie aspects of modern physics, especially solid-state physics and its derivative technologies used in so many of today's everyday devices. Plenty of references to science fiction and superhero fiction, presumably to help the far-from-expert reader get
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through it all. I'm afraid it wasn't enough to demolish my life-long mental block against adequately understanding solid-state physics. Show Less
LibraryThing member timjones
My son, who is very keen on physics, keeps asking me questions about quantum mechanics that I can't answer. Before I get to the stage where I can't even understand the questions, I thought I'd give this backgrounder on quantum mechanics a try.
I enjoyed the early chapters, but found the later
I enjoyed the early chapters, but found the later
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chapters on the applications of quantum mechanics in technology less interesting - I would have preferred more on the fundamental scientific and philosophical issues raised by quantum mechanics. But that wasn't this book's brief, and it did what it does do very well. Show Less
LibraryThing member jeffayle
I had a lot of trouble understanding many concepts in this book, but I'm sure to someone who has more of a desire to understand them, it would not be as challenging.
Quantum mechanics is, of course, a very complicated subject, and this book attempts to explain the concepts of it in the most
Quantum mechanics is, of course, a very complicated subject, and this book attempts to explain the concepts of it in the most
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approachable way possible. If it doesn't help you understand (as was the case with me), it will at least show you that you can be content not knowing it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mrs_McGreevy
It's no secret what drew me to this book: the subtitle is A Math-Free Exploration of the Science That Made Our World. Math-free? That's for me. Sadly, as Kakalios admits in his introduction, it's not really math-free, merely math-simple (as defined by a physicist). Still and all, it's an enjoyable
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read. Kakalios is a self-admitted nerd and geek, and he draws his examples and illustrations from comic books. He's got a very accessible, conversational style, and he's not above a bad pun or two. Do I understand quantum mechanics now? No. Am I closer to understanding quantum mechanics? Definitely. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
336 p.; 6 inches
ISBN
1592406726 / 9781592406722