Quantum Physics: A Beginner's Guide

by Alistair I. M. Rae

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780740478
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Publication date:	07/01/2005
Series:	Beginner's Guides
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Alastair Rae is editor of The European Journal of Physics and was until his recent retirement, Reader in Quantum Physics at the University of Birmingham. His Quantum Mechanics, now in its second edition, has become a standard undergraduate text on the subject, and his book on the philosophical implications of quantum theory, Quantum Physics: Illusion or Reality?, is in its fourth edition and has been translated into six different languages.

Table of Contents

1. Quantum physics is not rocket science
2. Waves and particles
3. power from the quantum
4. metals and insulators
5. semiconductors and computor chips
6. superconductivity
7. Spic doctoring
8. what does it all mean?
9. conclusions

Editorial Reviews

"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

"An accessible introduction to the field and assumes no prior knowledge; A comprehensive and up to date review."

Scientific and Medical Network

"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."

Bristol University Professor Sir Michael Berry - Royal Society Research Fellow