Quantum theory is the bedrock of contemporary physics and the basis of understanding matter in its tiniest dimensions and the vast universe as a whole. But for many, the theory remains an impenetrable enigma. Now, two physicists seek to remedy this situation by both drawing on their scientific expertise and their talent for communicating science to the general reader.
Quantum theory is the bedrock of contemporary physics and the basis of understanding matter in its tiniest dimensions and the vast universe as a whole. But for many, the theory remains an impenetrable enigma. Now, two physicists seek to remedy this situation by both drawing on their scientific expertise and their talent for communicating science to the general reader. In this lucid, informative book, designed for the curious, Lederman and Hill make the seemingly daunting subject of quantum physics accessible, appealing, and exciting. Their story is partly historical, covering the many "Eureka" moments when great scientists-Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrödinger, and others-struggled to come to grips with the bizarre realities that quantum research revealed. Although their findings were indisputably proven in experiments, they were so strange and counterintuitive that Einstein refused to accept quantum theory, despite its great success. The authors explain the many strange and even eerie aspects of quantum reality at the subatomic level, from "particles" that can be many places simultaneously and sometimes act more like waves, to the effect that a human can have on their movements by just observing them! Finally, the authors delve into quantum physics latest and perhaps most breathtaking offshoots-field theory and string theory. The intricacies and ramifications of these two theories will give the reader much to ponder. In addition, the authors describe the diverse applications of quantum theory in its almost countless forms of modern technology throughout the world. Using eloquent analogies and illustrative examples, Quantum Physics for Poets renders even the most profound reaches of quantum theory understandable and something for us all to savor.
Leon M. Lederman, Nobel Laureate (Batavia, IL) is the author of Beyond the God Particle, Quantum Physics for Poets, and Symmetry and the Beautiful Universe(coauthored with Christopher T. Hill), as well as The God Particle (with Dick Teresi). He has served as the editor of Portraits of Great American Scientists and a contributor to Science Literacy for the Twenty-First Century. He is formerly the Resident Scholar at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and Pritzker Professor of Science at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and he is director emeritus of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
Christopher T. Hill, PhD (Batavia, IL) is the coauthor with Leon M. Lederman of Beyond the God Particle, Quantum Physics for Poets, and Symmetry and the Beautiful Universe. He is a theoretical physicist (Scientist III) and the former head of Theoretical Physics at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
A sparkling and articulate new account of how the quantum revolution changed 20th century science – and, as a further delight, how physics and poetry can speak the same language.
-Chicago Tribune
Lederman and Hill, two very-well known physicists, have written in a prose that speaks to the poet in all of us. A delightful and illuminating guide through the mysteries of the quantum world.
-Gino Segrè, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, and author of Faust in Copenhagen: A Struggle for the Soul of Physics
No doubt about it, the quantum world is the weirdest place known to the human mind. With unexcelled clarity and humor, Leon Lederman and CHristopher Hill provide the best guide to this bizarre place Ive ever seen.
-James Trefil, Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Physics, Goegre Mason University, and coauthor of Dictionary of Cultural Literacy
Lederman and Hill have provided a great gift to poets and all other mortals in search of an accessible yet authoritative guide to the mysterious and weird world of quantum physics. Your head will still spin, but your feet will be on solid ground.
-Tom Siegfried, Editor in Chief of Science News
Quantum Physics for Poets is like sitting down to dinner with two very enthusiastic, amusing, and down-to-earth physicists who cant wait to tell you about the strange ways of electrons, which are so puzzling that Einstein, Schrödinger, and Heisenberg devoted their lives to sorting out what these strange things do. They tell you about baseballs knocked out of the park and water waves hitting boats; they bring up black holes and string theory, an occasional transistor, and a bit of chemistry... all while scribbling little pictures on the tablecloth and even (as the title promises) reciting poetry. Lederman and Hill stay with you all the way through- and by the time dessert rolls around, quantum cryptography actually sounds pretty enticing.
-Peter Galison, Joseph Pellegrino University Professor, Harvard University
Niels Bohr famously said that anyone who can think about quantum mechanics without getting giddy doesnt understand the first thing about it. This book changes all that. The wit and style with make you giddy, and you will understand a lot!
-Rocky Kolb, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Chicago
Two well-known experts on quantum mechanics- Lederman and Hill- have done a wonderful job in communicating its essence and logical content to a general audience.
-Emmanuel Paschos, Professor of Physics at Dortmund University, Germany, and author of The Schemata of the Stars
