The Quantum Zoo: A Tourist's Guide to the Never-Ending Universe - Hardcover

Chown, Marcus; Joseph Henry Press

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0309096227 ISBN 13: 9780309096225

Publisher: Joseph Henry Press, 2006

Synopsis

The two towering achievements of modern physics are quantum theory and Einstein's general theory of relativity. Together, they explain virtually everything about the world we live in. But, almost a century after their advent, most people haven&#39t the slightest clue what either is about. Did you know that there's so much empty space inside matter that the entire human race could be squeezed into the volume of a sugar cube? Or that you grow old more quickly on the top floor of a building than on the ground floor? And did you realize that 1% of the static on a TV tuned between stations is the relic of the Big Bang? These and many other remarkable facts about the world are direct consequences of quantum physics and relativity.

Quantum theory has literally made the modern world possible. Not only has it given us lasers, computers, and nuclear reactors, but it has provided an explanation of why the sun shines and why the ground beneath our feet is solid. Despite this, however, quantum theory and relativity remain a patchwork of fragmented ideas, vaguely understood at best and often utterly mysterious. They have even gained a reputation of being beyond the understanding of the average person.

Author Marcus Chown emphatically disagrees. As Einstein himself said, "Most of the fundamental ideas of science are essentially simple and may, as a rule, be expressed in a language comprehensible to everyone."

If you think that the marvels of modern physics have passed you by, it is not too late. In Chown's capable hands, quantum physics and relativity are not only painless but downright fun. So sit back, relax, and get comfortable as an adept and experienced science communicator brings you quickly up to speed on some of the greatest ideas in the history of human thought.

About this title

About the Author

Marcus Chown is an award-winning writer and broadcaster. Currently cosmology consultant to New Scientist, he trained as a scientist and has a degree in physics from the U of London and an M.S. in astrophysics from the California Institute of Technology. The author of three previous popular science books, Chown lives with his wife in London.

Reviews

Marcus Chown, a former radio astronomer at Caltech, author of popular science books (The Universe Next Door), and a cosmology consultant to the New Scientist, will attract many readers with his anecdote-rich, jargon-poor explanation of quantum theory and relativity. Although not written for dummies, The Quantum Zoo contains such a light, entertaining touch, copious insightful analogies, and so many "little gem[s]" that critics were astounded that the book clearly explained difficult, abstract concepts (Nature). Many popular books exist on this subject, but Chown's approach—describing bizarre phenomena and then explaining the science behind them—offers readers an accessible, entertaining volume.<BR>Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.

Chown (The Universe Next Door) admirably takes on the task of elucidating two of the most commonsense-defying concepts in modern science: quantum mechanics and relativity. He divulges the mysteries hidden in the very building blocks of matter, piques reader curiosity with every question and then satisfies it using language that is light, companionable and full of wonder. From why tables are solid when atoms contain lots of empty space, to the fact that gravity isn't a real force and you age faster the higher up you are, Chown touches on the intriguing consequences of quantum mechanics and relativity. The success of any popular science book about these unfathomable realities hinges upon the deployment of metaphor and imagery; in this, the author stands out. Readers who want to know what the big deal is about quantum mechanics but want to avoid more nitty-gritty examples (such as black body radiation) will find a clear window into the utter strangeness that defines our universe. (Apr.)
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Edition details

• Publisher: Joseph Henry Press
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0309096227
• ISBN 13: 9780309096225
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 216