Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed - Hardcover

Al Khalili, Jim

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0297843052 ISBN 13: 9780297843054

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2003

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Jim al-Khalili is a theoretical physicist and senior lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of Surrey. He has twice been nominated for the Royal Society's Michael Faraday Award for the Public Understanding of Science and is the Institute of Physics Schools and Colleges lecturer. He is the author of BLACK HOLES, WORMHOLES AND TIME MACHINES and has appeared on Radio 4's LEADING EDGE and the BBC's TOMORROW'S WORLD and HORIZON programmes. Also contributing to QUANTUM are: Anton Zeilinger on Buckyballs and the Dual-Slit Experiment Ron Johnson on Radioactive Decay Michael Berry on Quantum Chaos Johnjoe McFadden on Quantum Mechanics in Biology Wojciech Zurek on Decoherence Chris Dewdney on Bohmian Mechanics Paul Davies on The Quantum Vacuum Lee Smolin on Quantum Gravity Frank Close on Unified Theories Ed Hinds on Bose Einstein Condensates Andrew Steane on Quantum Computers

Review

The book was reported as the number 5 bestseller for science at Waterstone'sin the Independent 24 May. Jim undertook the General News Service for the BBC, appearing on local radio for Surrey, Suffolk, Cumbria, Stoke, Shropshire, Scotland, Bristol, Essex, Hereford and Worcester on Wednesday 14 May. Portsmouth News, Jim's local newspaper, published a double page spread on his new book and Jim wrote the Don's Diary column re his experiences of publicising a book for The Times Higher Education Supplement 13th June. He appeared on Talk Sport Radio on 26th May. The book was previewed in Publishing News 8 November2002. A review was published in the Fortean Times where the book was rated 8/10, a review in Focus magazine rated the book 4/5 and an excellent review appeared in New Scientist on 7 June. The Guardian has commissioned a review. .... an excellent introduction to the strangest and most vital of scientific fields ..Tim ChapmanFORTEAN TIMES ...excellent and lavishly illustrated book ....Marcus Chown, NEW SCIENTIST ... one of the better introductions you can buy...Richard Wentk, FOCUS Jim gave a lecture to an audience of 350 at the Royal Institution and to over 300 at the Hay Literary Festival plus led a London pub discussion (sciBAr) on quantum physics. He talked about his book at Ottakars in Portsmouth and at the Cheltenham Science Festival. He is due to take part in the Guildford Book Festival in the autumn.

Edition details

• Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0297843052
• ISBN 13: 9780297843054
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192