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Quantum Theory: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions #69)
Quantum Theory is the most revolutionary discovery in physics since Newton. This book gives a lucid, exciting, and accessible account of the surprising and counterintuitive ideas that shape our understanding of the sub-atomic world. It does not disguise the problems of interpretation that still remain unsettled 75 years after the initial discoveries. The main text makes no...more
Paperback, 144 pages
Published
July 15th 2002
by Oxford University Press
(first published 2002)
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Jim Pearce
This book explains the history and physics of quantum mechanics in a manner that is concise (90 pages), clear, and void of complex mathematic formulas; they are included, but in the appendix. For most of us, the formulas do not help to explain the text, but they do provide an appreciation of the complexity of the topic. Additionally, these formulas bring to fore realization that physics is a world where observation and mathematics meet; observations must be defined mathematically and m...more
Polkinghorne, a student of the great Paul Dirac, may have achieved an undeniable eminence in his field, but I'm afraid I was left mostly unimpressed by this attempt to communicate his ideas. Not only one of the weaker books on quantum theory, but also one of the weaker entries in the Very Short Introduction series as a whole (well, of the few dozen I've read).
Two main problems I had with it:
1) Mathematical: It assumes too much of the reader in the way of complex numbers, probability amplitudes,...more
Two main problems I had with it:
1) Mathematical: It assumes too much of the reader in the way of complex numbers, probability amplitudes,...more
Jan 06, 2012
S.
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
beginner physicists
Recommended to S. by:
librarian
A brilliant book, a brilliant introduction to the principal, fundamental ideas of quantum mechanics. I'd say I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who still has no idea about what quantum mechanics actually is and what it does and who is interested in figuring this out and learning about the history of all the greatest physicists that ever existed and what discoveries they made that changed the way we see the world today.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and although I haven't understood all of the boo...more
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and although I haven't understood all of the boo...more
Very accessible, took a little chewing sometimes (probably because my physics background is minimal) but there are some nice slices of science history to be had. I'm sure there are plenty of more substantial books on quantum theory out there, but this was a nice sampling of concepts.
Nitpick: Used the words "fitful" and "cloudy" too much.
Nitpick: Used the words "fitful" and "cloudy" too much.
این کتاب تو ایران به نام نظریه کوانتم و در انتشارات بصیرت چاپ شده
نمیدونم مترجم این کتاب اصلا بلده فارسی حرف بزنه یا نه
تمام کتاب از جمله های بدون فعل و یا فعل های اشتباه ویا غلط های دستوری پر شده که خوندن کتاب و کاری سخت میکنه
نمیدونم مترجم این کتاب اصلا بلده فارسی حرف بزنه یا نه
تمام کتاب از جمله های بدون فعل و یا فعل های اشتباه ویا غلط های دستوری پر شده که خوندن کتاب و کاری سخت میکنه
A short overview which wastes time in the mire of philosophy and metaphysics.
Sadly avoids mathematics, which is typical for a popular science book.
Still, quite informative for the newcomer and good review for those already familiar with the topics.
Sadly avoids mathematics, which is typical for a popular science book.
Still, quite informative for the newcomer and good review for those already familiar with the topics.
A good, short overview of quantum theory, but unfortunately does not to a very good job as an introduction, making assumptions about the reader's knowledge of the subject. I fortunately already had some background with quantum theory, but others may have trouble making their way through this book
This book was a nice little review of quantum theory for me. It might be a little advanced for the average person's background but only in some areas. It has some nice analogies and the historical background with mentions of specific scientists and their work is good.
Amazing...I walked away slightly understanding a field that I really don't understand at all. Plus, I'm partial toward physics ;o)
I really like all of these "very short introduction" books. This is a wonderful introduction.
Of the four Very Short Introductions I have read, this was by far the best. Mr. Polkinghorne never loses sight of his audience.
I appreciated the enthusiasm the author brought to the subject, and I found his method of introducting Quantum Theory by tracing the history of quantum discoveries to be very accessible. He took care to avoid deep math, but didn't shy from it when necessary.
There were still some parts of this book that went over my head, but I finished it with a desire to know more. I th...more
I appreciated the enthusiasm the author brought to the subject, and I found his method of introducting Quantum Theory by tracing the history of quantum discoveries to be very accessible. He took care to avoid deep math, but didn't shy from it when necessary.
There were still some parts of this book that went over my head, but I finished it with a desire to know more. I th...more
"There is a inescapable trade-off between the increasing accuracy of position measurement and the decreasing accuracy of knowledge of momentum.
This fact is the basis of the uncertainty principle: it is not possible simultaneously to have perfect knowledge of both position and momentum. In more picturesque language, one can know where an electron is, but not know what it is doing; or one can know what it is doing, but not know where it is.
In the quantum world, what the classical physicist would...more
This fact is the basis of the uncertainty principle: it is not possible simultaneously to have perfect knowledge of both position and momentum. In more picturesque language, one can know where an electron is, but not know what it is doing; or one can know what it is doing, but not know where it is.
In the quantum world, what the classical physicist would...more
A light read that refreshes your knowledge about Quantum Mechanics, and its development. I highly recommend it for those wishing to learn, in layman terms, what QM is all about.
Sep 19, 2012
Steven Dunn
marked it as to-read
Intelligent Christians >>>>
Too high for me.
Obtuse and really giving nothing informative rather than multiple references to how the author spent much time listening to the lectures of such a great man. Came out really knowing nothing more than when I went in.
No, seriously, read this book. I know you are mostly into novels and biography, but give this one a chance. Best available explanation of quantum mechanics without math. If you want the math (some of it, anyway) there is an appendix. This is truly the science of the future, forget the books with DNA helices or bursting galaxies on the cover.
The Very Short Introduction series is great - this one provided basic understanding for some of the more in depth reading I am doing these days.
essential for understanding science and faith
It would probably help to have a better physics background, if for no other reason than to prevent one from constantly referencing the internet to explain what Im sure are commonly used terms in the science community. A brief intro that helps with some of his other books, I read a Q and A he wrote (with Beal) and thought this would be a good primer before reading anything else in this arena. Time will tell...
A good book.
May 06, 2013
Jeremy
marked it as to-read
May 06, 2013
John Brackbill
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May 03, 2013
สมต๋อง มข.
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Charles Naut
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May 01, 2013
Noran Raafat
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Apr 30, 2013
Steve Skirvin
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Apr 28, 2013
Tricia
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John Polkinghorne KBE FRS is a British particle physicist and theologian. He has written extensively on matters concerning science and faith, and was awarded the Templeton Prize in 2002.
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Oct 17, 2010 05:17am