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In Search Of Schrodinger's Cat: Updated Edition [Paperback]

John Gribbin
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
RRP: £9.99
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Book Description

1985

Quantum theory is so shocking that Einstein could not bring himself to accept it. It is so important that it provides the fundamental underpinning of all modern sciences. Without it, we'd have no computers, no science of molecular biology, no understanding of DNA, no genetic engineering.

In Search of Schrodinger's Cat tells the complete story of quantum mechanics, a truth stranger than any fiction. John Gribbin takes us step by step into an even more bizarre and fascinating place, requiring only that we approach it with an open mind. He introduces the scientists who developed quantum theory. He investigates the atom, radiation, time travel, the birth of the universe, super conductors and life itself. And in a world full of its own delights, mysteries and surprises, he searches for Schrodinger's Cat - a search for quantum reality - as he brings every reader to a clear understanding of the most important area of scientific study today - quantum physics.

In Search of Schrodinger's Cat is a fascinating and delightful introduction to the strange world of the quantum - an essential element in understanding today's world.


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Product details

  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Black Swan; Revised edition edition (1985)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0552125555
  • ISBN-13: 978-0552125550
  • Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 2.5 x 19.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 5,475 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Amazon Review

Part history book and part remedial physics text for those who lost interest when the equations started getting unintuitive, In Search of Schrödinger's Cat explains quantum physics in a way that's not only clear, but also enjoyable.

Gribbin opens with the subjects that most physics professors have just started to examine by the end of term: the mysterious character of light; the valence concept in Nils Bohr's atomic model; radioactive decay; and the physics of life-defining DNA all get clear, comprehensive and witty coverage. This book reveals the beauty and mystery that underlies everything in the universe.

Does this book claim to explain quantum physics without maths? No. Maths is too central to physics to be bypassed. But if you can do basic algebra, you can understand the equations in In Search of Schrödinger's Cat. Gribbin is the physics teacher everyone should have in high school or college: kind without being a pushover, knowledgeable without being condescending, and clearly expressive without being boring. Gribbin's book belongs on the shelf of every pre-calculus student. It also deserves a place in the library of everyone who was scared away from advanced physics prematurely.

Review

"A gripping account of the history of quantum mechanics and a clear description of its significance - and weirdness. Absolutely fascinating" (Isaac Asimov )

"Precise yet mysterious... as beautiful as a poem and as exciting as a novel" (The Sunday Times )

"Anyone who is not shocked by quantum theory has not understood it" (Niels Bohr )

Inside This Book (Learn More)
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wow Book As Far As Quantum Goes 19 Sep 2009
By demola
Format:Paperback
My first review went AWOL in Amazon's computers so let's hope this makes it through. John Gribbin's ISOSC is the best beginners quantum book I've read to date. As a layman, clear descriptive examples and not too much on the mass, spin and electric charge of umpteen antimatter particles work best or one loses the wood for the trees. Gribbin carefully explains the development and essential building blocks of (and personalities in) quantum mechanics and eventually even on what "spin" might be. I did get lost at Feynman diagrams showing particles moving backward in time but paraphrasing Niels Bohr, if you're not stunned by quantum mechanics then you don't get it. This is a wow book. Loved it.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb introduction 21 Jun 2005
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book is aimed squarely at those who did not do science A-level, and as such I found it a fantastic overview. Lively, funny and jaw-dropping. What more could you want?
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21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
John Gribbin has created an excellent book for anyone vaguely curious about Physics and moreover Quantum Mechanics.

It accurately and succinctly introduces the reader to the alien world of the very small, the world of particle physics and it's associated theory area, Quantum Mechanics. The book details the history of this study area in enough detail to satisfy those with some prior knowledge and yet will also keep the reader that is perhaps new to the Scientific arena interested throughout. Although clearly not a fictional work the "plot" follows the illuminate of Mathematics and Physics who, in the early part of this century, laid the ground work for a hugely productive area of science. It neatly explores sub-plots that highlight supporting narrative about the key figures, the mathematics they used, the air of discovery, political diversions and war across the Lab Benches as classical physics, led by Einstein, sort to push the Quantum lobby to the very limit of absolute understanding.

There are equations and experimental examples but not enough to disrupt a thoroughly good read for people without prior mathematical experience. Perhaps not quite enough for those that crave the quadratic or the matrix mechanic?

A great way to open a fascinating new way of viewing the universe(s)..!

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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Schrodingers Cat
Excellent book giving a general insight in to the beginnings of Quantum physics, explained for the non physicist to understand. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jon C
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, if a little hard-going
I don't think anyone who doesn't have an advanced knowledge of physics could read this book without finding it a mental challenge, yet it maintains the reader's interest... Read more
Published 1 month ago by D. Derbyshire
5.0 out of 5 stars Mind bending
Gets weirder the further in you get. I had to stop at times between certain pages just to contemplate what I'd read. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Cromlechi
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Liked it because its very interesting. A few pages were ripped though, so it does get 4 stars. Would recommend it to people who want to go in depth in physics.
Published 2 months ago by Tanzeela Bi Hussain
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read if you're into this stuff.
A nice little read, though a lot of the stuff went over my head. I find it fascinating reading about this stuff, though i would like to find a book that explains what the symbols... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Alexander Phillips
5.0 out of 5 stars I can't rate this product!
As I bought it as a gift for my 18 year old son, but in his words it is "well good" - so I guess that translates as 5 stars!
Published 5 months ago by John Roots
4.0 out of 5 stars The same or not the same?
As most reviewers have stated - this is a good book, with a great background to the C20th histroy of Quantum Mechanics... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Andrew B
5.0 out of 5 stars Short and to the point
Having previously read some longer popular science books, they all very much dwelled on points for much longer than is necessary. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Nocturne
5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS NOT ANOTHER "Masquerade". The leads aren't accurate.
Learn from my mistake - 7 years of my life and three mortgages have been wasted following the "clues" given in this book to find the mythical golden cat. Read more
Published 10 months ago by J. Kvalheim
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and referenced
This is a great book on a fascinating story,very interesting topic and well referenced.Do not need to have prior physics knowledge to enjoy the book.
Published 11 months ago by Steve B
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