- Paperback: 170 pages
- Publisher: Princeton University Press; New Ed edition (17 Sep 1992)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0691024170
- ISBN-13: 978-0691024172
- Product Dimensions: 21.3 x 13.5 x 1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
522,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #10 in Books > Science & Nature > Physics > Quantum Physics > Quantum Electrodynamics
- #91 in Books > Science & Nature > Education > Higher Education > Physics > Atomic & Molecular
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Product Description
Review
Physics Nobelist Feynman simply cannot help being original. In this quirky, fascinating book, he explains to laymen the quantum theory of light, a theory to which he made decisive contributions. The New Yorker Feynman's lectures must have been marvelous and they have been turned into an equally entrancing book, a vivid introduction to QED which is leavened and enlivened by his wit. Anyone with a curiosity about physics today should buy it, not only to get to grips with the deepest meaning of quantum theory but to possess a slice of history. -- Pedro Waloschek Nature
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Famous the world over for the creative brilliance of his insights into the physical world, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman also possessed an extraordinary talent for explaining difficult concepts to the nonscientist. "QED" - the edited version of four lectures on quantum electrodynamics that Feynman gave to the general public at UCLA as part of the Alix G. Mautner Memorial Lecture series - is perhaps the best example of his ability to communicate both the substance and the spirit of science to the layperson. The focus, as the title suggests, is quantum electrodynamics (QED), the part of the quantum theory of fields that describes the interactions of the quanta of the electromagnetic field - light, X rays, gamma rays - with matter and those of charged particles with one another. By extending the formalism developed by Dirac in 1933, which related quantum and classical descriptions of the motion of particles, Feynman revolutionized the quantum mechanical understanding of the nature of particles and waves. And, by incorporating his own readily visualizable formulation of quantum mechanics, Feynman created a diagrammatic version of QED that made calculations much simpler and also provided visual insights into the mechanisms of quantum electrodynamic processes. In this book, using everyday language, spatial concepts, visualizations, and his renowned "Feynman diagrams" instead of advanced mathematics, Feynman successfully provides a definitive introduction to QED for a lay readership without any distortion of the basic science. Characterized by Feynman's famously original clarity and humor, this popular book on QED has not been equaled since its publication.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A beautiful part of physics is conveyed without having to learn some rather deep mathematics. Feynman is one of the wonders in using diagrams to explain difficult things. This book shows how. It is captured from lectures and has a friendly feel as he talks up to his audience.
I found this book an inspiration later when trying to convey some electromagnetic ideas to someone without the math background. The diagramming techniques work well. Without Feynman and this book I may have given up. But if he can explain QED to mere mortals, certainly more of us can convey difficult concepts (far less difficult than QED) to educated adults.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
If you are interested in the philosophy of science and the ramifications of Quantum Mechanics then this is a must read. Feynman will live in the history of Science as one of the great Physicists but he should also be remembered as one of the greatest communicators of Science to the general public. All scientists should read this as an example of how to communicate their subject to the layman. To get the best from the book you should have some basic background in the history of scientific thought but if you don't, still have a go as he is just awesome in the way he explains what a Physicist is doing when practicing his field.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
How on earth can someone teach QED to a person who hasn't had much (or any) math or physics? Most authors dumb down the material, so key concepts are overlooked or over over simplified. And none are usually willing to attack such a complex subject. Feynman has done it. It's amazing, and it's fun.
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