The Quantum Age: How the Physics of the Very Small has Transformed Our Lives - Hardcover

Clegg, Brian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 184831664X ISBN 13: 9781848316645

Publisher: Icon Books, 2014

Synopsis

Quantum theory may be bizarre and inexplicable—but it's been shown to account for as much as 30 percent of American GDP, as this brilliant new book by science writer extraordinaire Brian Clegg reveals.

The Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, and the birth of steam machinery and electricity, saw human life transformed by new materials and technology. Clegg—who studied physics at Cambridge University and specializes in making the strangest aspects of the universe accessible to the general reader —explores the Quantum Age, the revolution led by our understanding of the very, very small.

Atoms, electrons, and photons of light are all quantum particles, acting totally unlike the objects we experience. This weird quantum behavior lies at the heart of every electronic device and powers lasers in everything from DVDs to eye correction. It is also behind quantum biology, the astonishing new realization that biological functions, from our ability to see and photosynthesis in plants to the amazing ability of birds to navigate, rely directly on quantum effects.

We've all heard about how odd quantum theory is. But in this book, for the first time, Clegg reveals to a popular science audience precisely how useful it is. Incredible revelations along the way will thrill popular science fans and general readers alike.

Brian Clegg is an acclaimed science writer published by Icon Books and St. Martin's Press. His books include Inflight Science, Dice World (forthcoming), The Universe Inside You, Gravity, and Extra-Sensory.

About this title

About the Author

Science writer Brian Clegg studied physics at Cambridge University and specialises in making the strangest aspects of the universe, from infinity to time travel and quantum theory, accessible to the general reader. He is editor of www.popularscience.co.uk and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. His previous books include Inflight Science, The Universe Inside You, Dice World and Introducing Infinity: A Graphic Guide.

Review

'If you are looking for an enjoyable read into all things quantum physics and how it is applied to everyday life, look no further.' * BBC Focus * Brian Clegg does a superb job of explaining complicated scientific concepts in easily understood language. The Quantum Age is his best book yet, because the concepts he explains are central to our everyday lives in the 21st century, even though most people think they are incomprehensible and abstruse. From how the Sun keeps shining to the quantum computer revolution there is plenty here to enthral and entertain, as well as to inform. -- John Gribbin 'What sets this book apart is the way it focuses on the applications of quantum physics - the things that have changed our lives and brought us to what Clegg calls the "quantum age". Truly fascinating.' * Times Higher Education * 'I challenge anyone not to find it spellbinding.' -- Nick Smith * E&T Magazine * 'Clegg's enthusiasm is catching, his science immaculate.' * The Good Book Guide *

About this edition

• Publisher: Icon Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 184831664X
• ISBN 13: 9781848316645
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288