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The quantum adventure : does God play dice? / Alex Montwill, Ann Breslin.
Van Pelt Library QC174.12 .M66 2012
Available
- Format:
- Book
- Author/Creator:
- Montwill, Alex.
- Language:
- English
- Subjects (All):
- Quantum theory.
- Physical Description:
- ix, 248 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
- Place of Publication:
- Singapore ; London : Imperial College : Hackensack, NJ : Distributed by World Scientific Pub., 2012.
- Summary:
- Quantum theory revolutionized physics at the beginning of the last century. Einstein was one of its originators, but as the implications of the theory emerged, he began to have doubts. Are the most basic physical processes based on probability? Is the universe governed by chance? Do physical objects have an independent existence or do they exist only in our perception? The ramifications may appear bizarre but they are inherent to this perplexing subject.
- The Quantum Adventure deals with the birth and growth of quantum mechanics. It explains the 'classical dilemma' which faced physics at the start of the 20th Century and goes on to show how quantum mechanics emerged and flourished. Difficult and abstract concepts are treated with minimal mathematics and maximal physical imagery. Snippets of information about the dramatis personae are woven into the text and add colour to what is traditionally perceived as a complex and challenging topic. A must-read for anyone interested in quantum physics. Book jacket.
- Contents:
- Chapter 1 Prehistory - Isaac Newton 5
- Chapter 2 Preparing for Quantum Mechanics 15
- Chapter 3 The Pre-Quantum Atom - A Temporary Solution 33
- Chapter 4 Max Planck - The Birth of the Quantum Adventure 47
- Chapter 5 Light - Wave or Projectile? 69
- Chapter 6 Einstein Enters the Scene 79
- Chapter 7 Niels Bohr Introduces the Quantum into Atomic Physics 95
- Chapter 8 Werner Heisenberg - An Equation for Uncertainty 109
- Chapter 9 Louis de Broglie - Matter Waves 125
- Chapter 10 Erwin Schrödinger - Wave Mechanics 133
- Chapter 11 Eigenstates - The Theory of the Seen and Unseen 149
- Chapter 12 Eigenstates in the Subnuclear World 159
- Chapter 13 Paul Dirac - Tying Things Together 171
- Chapter 14 Richard Feynman - The Strange Theory of Light and Matter 191
- Chapter 15 Quantum Reality-The World of the Absurd 213.
- Notes:
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
- ISBN:
- 9781848166479
- 1848166478
- 9781848166486
- 1848166486
- OCLC:
- 751836208
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