Quantum theory is at the heart of modern physics, but how does it actually work? In this book, NASA scientist and communicator Sten Odenwald demystifies the subject and makes this crucial topic accessible to everyone. Featuring topics such as Schrodinger's cat, the wave-particle duality and the newly emerging theories of quantum gravity, as well as the personalities behind the science, such as Max Planck, Neils Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, Richard Feynman and many more, Knowledge in a Nutshell: Quantum Physics provides an essential introduction to the cutting edge science. Presented in an easy-to-understand format, with diagrams, illustrations and simple summary sections at the end of each chapter, this new addition to the 'Knowledge in a Nutshell' series brings clarity to some of the great mysteries of space.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The 'Knowledge in a Nutshell' series by Arcturus Publishing provides engaging introductions to many fields of knowledge, including philosophy, psychology and physics, and the ways in which human kind has sought to make sense of our world.
Initially I liked that the book had short chapters and that the chapters had short summaries. I don’t like the snapshot bios of famous scientists. For one thing, that isn’t the point of the book. We are supposed to be learning about an entire field of physics which is plenty to deal with and focus on. It’s like if they had mini-cooking competitions in the middle of a fashion show.
I did appreciate that he included lots of equations and math. He made it clear from the get go that the reader didn’t need to understand the math to get something out of the book. What I liked about the math was that is grounds the material in the reality that beyond having a basic conceptual overview of the material, knowing the math is what is needed to truly take the next step to understanding physics.
I wish I had found this book a lot sooner. It would have simplified my journey through quantum physics. It is a great read, which is very well written and does an amazing job at summarizing the field.
I would definitely recommend this to everyone who is new to the area of quantum physics and wants to get a comprehensive view of the field. While the book might become overwhelming to a non-specialist but trust me its a lot better than a lot of other works out there on the same subject.
Don't bother! In addition to mistakes (pg 51 - derivation of de Broglie's equation and repeat of an entire paragraph on pages 52 and 53), the book doesn't know what it was to accomplish. At times it tries to impress the reader with terms and equations while it still fails to adequately explain concepts. I can't think of anyone who this book was written for. The mini-biographical sketches are lame and brings no new insights. The fact that it is difficult to write a general audience book on quantum physics does not excuse the author for this work.