Void: The Strange Physics of Nothing (Foundational Questions in Science) - Hardcover

Weatherall, James Owen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300209983 ISBN 13: 9780300209983

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2016

Synopsis

The rising star author of The Physics of Wall Street explores why “nothing” may hold the key to the next era of theoretical physics

James Owen Weatherall’s previous book, The Physics of Wall Street, was a New York Times best-seller and named one of Physics Today’s five most intriguing books of 2013. In his newest volume, he takes on a fundamental concept of modern physics: nothing. The physics of stuff—protons, neutrons, electrons, and even quarks and gluons—is at least somewhat familiar to most of us. But what about the physics of nothing? Isaac Newton thought of empty space as nothingness extended in all directions, a kind of theater in which physics could unfold. But both quantum theory and relativity tell us that Newton’s picture can’t be right. Nothing, it turns out, is an awful lot like something, with a structure and properties every bit as complex and mysterious as matter. In his signature lively prose, Weatherall explores the very nature of empty space—and solidifies his reputation as a science writer to watch.

About this title

About the Author

James Owen Weatherall is professor of logic and philosophy of science at the University of California, Irvine. He lives in Irvine, CA.

Edition details

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0300209983
• ISBN 13: 9780300209983
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 224