Quantum Physics: A Beginner's Guide
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Review
Rae has done an impressive job. Any reader who is prepared to put in a little effort will come away from this book with not only an understanding of the basics of some important practical applications of the theory but also some appreciation of why its conceptual foundations are still the subject of such spirited debate. --Professor Anthony Leggett, winner of the 2003 Nobel Prize for Physics
Few appreciate how deeply quantum physics affects so many aspects of our everyday 21st century world, so Rae's emphasis on the practical impact of abstract concepts is very welcome. --Professor Sir Michael Berry, Royal Society Research Fellow, Bristol University
Few appreciate how deeply quantum physics affects so many aspects of our everyday 21st century world, so Rae's emphasis on the practical impact of abstract concepts is very welcome. --Professor Sir Michael Berry, Royal Society Research Fellow, Bristol University
Product Description
From quarks to computing, this fascinating introduction covers every element of the quantum world in clear and accessible language. Drawing on a wealth of expertise to explain just what a fascinating field quantum physics is, Rae points out that it is not simply a maze of technical jargon and philosophical ideas, but a reality which affects our daily lives.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having always had an interest in Physics since my A-level days, I thought I'd go for broke and brush up on my knowledge of Quantum Physics. Alastair Rae's book was really great for easing me back into the subject matter, since I hadn't looked at a physics book for over 7 years prior. His explanations aare simple yet thorough. Some did however test my memory, recalling those glory days of my college A-level lectures. I great one to recommend for anyone who's interested in the topic.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I graduated in Physics some 50 years ago when this topic was little (if at all) studied at undergraduate level. This book is just the right level for me - far from patronisingly simple but very understandable. Well recommended.
83 of 88 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
"Beginners Guide" is about the relevance of quantum physics to everyday technology: semiconductors and transistors; energy sources and greenhouse gases; some not-so-everyday phenomena like superconductivity and SQUIDS; even the cutting edge stuff of quantum computing and quantum encryption. All are explained in terms of a few precisely stated properties of matter at the atomic scale or smaller. The weirdness of wave-particle duality and indeterminacy become accessible with minimal recourse to mathematics.
In successive chapters an insight is given into how materials acquire their large-scale chemical, physical and electrical properties by reason of what is going on at the level of electron, photon or atom. The way these particles are able to act with a concerted weirdness then seems just as reasonable as their bizarre individual behaviour.
The maths would be even easier to follow if more care had been taken with proofreading. Errors are confined mostly to the panels of mathematical details (where parameters annoyingly come and go like quantum particles) but there are also some in the main text (see posted comments).
Historical background is sketchy. We read: "James Clerk Maxwell . . . around 1860 showed the aether postulate was unnecessary". Arguably, it was he who started this entire goose chase; Michelson and Morley were still on the trail in 1887 and famously drew a blank; a kludge was proposed in 1892 by Lorentz; Einstein cleared things up a bit in 1905 - but the hunt ran and ran.
A brief analysis of how quantum indeterminacy might actually come about is presented in a well-argued short chapter at the end. If this stimulates further interest, then get the excellent companion volume Quantum Physics - Illusion or Reality. Both books are rewarding reads.
In successive chapters an insight is given into how materials acquire their large-scale chemical, physical and electrical properties by reason of what is going on at the level of electron, photon or atom. The way these particles are able to act with a concerted weirdness then seems just as reasonable as their bizarre individual behaviour.
The maths would be even easier to follow if more care had been taken with proofreading. Errors are confined mostly to the panels of mathematical details (where parameters annoyingly come and go like quantum particles) but there are also some in the main text (see posted comments).
Historical background is sketchy. We read: "James Clerk Maxwell . . . around 1860 showed the aether postulate was unnecessary". Arguably, it was he who started this entire goose chase; Michelson and Morley were still on the trail in 1887 and famously drew a blank; a kludge was proposed in 1892 by Lorentz; Einstein cleared things up a bit in 1905 - but the hunt ran and ran.
A brief analysis of how quantum indeterminacy might actually come about is presented in a well-argued short chapter at the end. If this stimulates further interest, then get the excellent companion volume Quantum Physics - Illusion or Reality. Both books are rewarding reads.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Book Review
I found the book very descriptive and written in a style which would normaly be understandable, but of course, If one understood this subject after reading a book, then that book... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rave
Disappointing
I bought this as I was hoping to find portable replacement for wikipedia (I do not yet own an iPhone) because recently I have been spending a lot of time on the "Physics portal"... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Tom
| Disappointing >
Granted, this is a particularly difficult subject for anyone who does not sleep with it; and the task to make it accessible to others is very challenging. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Jean-Luc
my review
At the beginning of chapter 2 i gave up. i could not grasp the maths at all or the endless jargon. i'll look for something on the subject written in plain english instead. Read more
Published 9 months ago by kelvin
Extra-ordinarily Useful
I'm 15 and discovered an interest in quantum physics and so my physics teacher directed me towards this book. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Will Cooper
chemical engineer
Interesting point of view that does not differ from Brazil, though better approached by a different technology used that sometimes here it is still under studies. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Darcy Ferian Junior
Reads like a textbook
This is the antithesis of most popular modern science books. It's dry, maths-heavy and written in a very academic tone of voice. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Jamie891
Good at quanta - bad at electronics
I liked this book, but in my opinion it is marred by many typos and alas much of the electronics is just wrong. Read more
Published 17 months ago by D. J. Walter
Pleased with purchase
I bought this book because i wanted a general understanding of the subject. And this book gave me that. Read more
Published 17 months ago by 1benjy1
This was a gift to someone else interested in the subject
Quick delivery of the product as stated in the email. I was able to give it on time for his birthday. Thanks
Published 23 months ago by Julio Aparicio
Listmania!
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