The Quantum Universe: Everything That Can Happen Does Happen is a 2011 book by the theoretical physicists Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw.
Author | Brian Cox, Jeff Forshaw |
---|---|
Language | English |
Subject | Physics, quantum mechanics |
Genre | Non-fiction |
Publisher | Allen Lane |
Publication date | 29 October 2011 |
Publication place | United Kingdom |
Media type | Print (hardcover) |
Pages | 272 pp. |
ISBN | 978-1846144325 |
Preceded by | Wonders of the Universe |
Followed by | Wonders of Life |
Overview
editThe book aims to provide an explanation of quantum mechanics and its impact on the modern world that is accessible to a general reader. The authors say that "our goal in writing this book is to demystify quantum theory". Starting with the concepts of wave–particle duality and a non-technical description of the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, the book explains the uncertainty principle, energy levels in atoms, the physics of semi-conductors and transistors, and the Standard Model of particle physics. A more mathematical Epilogue discusses the role of quantum mechanics in models of stellar evolution, and derives the Chandrasekhar limit for the maximum mass of a stable white dwarf.
See also
editReferences
edit- The Quantum Universe: Everything That Can Happen Does Happen, 2011, Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw, ISBN 978-1-84614-432-5
- Review by Doug Johnstone, 23 October 2011, The Independent
- Review by Chrqis Cook, 28 October 2011, The Financial Times
- Review by David Kaiser, 16 November 2011, The Guardian
- Review by Manpit Kumar, 24 October 2011, The Daily Telegraph
- Review by Elmar Bergeler, 8 January 2013, Science Niblets