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The Amazing Story Of Quantum Mechanics: A Math-Free Exploration Of The Science That Made Our World (2010)

by James Kakalios(Favorite Author)

3.66 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1592404790 (ISBN13: 9781592404797)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Gotham

review 1: This is a very accessible qualitative description of quantum mechanics and the real world applications of quantum effects In particular, his description of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is one the clearest I have ever read.He also uses the world of comics and science fiction to illustrate how quantum mechanics would make possible some of the events that happen in the stories.All in all, a surprisingly fun and very interesting read.
review 2: In my undergraduate thesis, I hypothesized that students who focused on understanding the concepts of quantum mechanics would learn more than students who instead focused on mathematical formalisms. In the "Amazing Story," Kakalios demonstrates just how interesting and engaging the ideas of quantum mechanics can be.W... moreithout any mind-numbing equations, he introduces theories from statistical mechanics, solid-state physics, and modern atomic/nuclear physics, and shows how they form the basis for many of today's new technologies (e.g., semiconductors and laser disc readers, to start). The science is also grounded in stories about quantum's discoverers (Schrodinger receives noteworthy treatment) and pulp science fiction from the 1950s (i.e., Buck Rogers). The purpose, I think, is two-fold: first, to emphasize the ongoing importance of imagination (Where would we be without speculative fiction? Practical applications aside, life is surely more interesting when we can see the Watchmen and think about controlling our own wavefunctions); and second, to contrast what we got to what we expected -- an increased ability to store information rather than an increased ability to store energy.In short, the book is approachable and loaded with applications. If you are interested in any of these topics, I encourage you to check it out. less

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