With this book you begin exploring the mysterious world of Quantum Mechanics — two words that have for over 100 years struck terror in the hearts of both physics students and the general public. As we shall see, the behavior of nature is remarkably surprising in the micro-world of molecules, atoms, and everything smaller yet. But this should be a surprise of wonder instead of terror. For most of us, nature is also surprising on the savannahs of Serengeti, but who wouldn't delight in seeing lions, elephants, cheetahs, and gazelles in their native habitat? As your tour guide, I will show you the wonders of Quantum Mechanics, while making sure you aren't devoured.
Quantum Mechanics is the theory of physics that describes nature in the micro-world. There is much to discuss, too much for just one book. We will start by taking small steps that lead to some great surprises. We focus here on particles, waves, and quantization. In later books in the Everyone's Guide Series, we will continue our exploration, with topics such as Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, wavefunctions, wave interference, Schroedinger's Cat, quantum tunneling, superposition, entanglement, and virtual particles.
In each book, we will discuss the science and see how it enables products and technologies that enrich our everyday lives.
The Everyone's Guide Series explores modern astronomy, physics, and cosmology, making the frontiers of science accessible to all. With short books focused on specific topics, readers can easily mix and match, satisfying their individual interests. Each self-contained book tells its own story. The Series may be read in any order or combination.
In a way that no printed book could, the Series builds upon, updates, and expands on my previous award-winning, top-rated, popular science books. Since no one book can contain everything, references to supplementary material are provided. A complete list of books in the Everyone's Guide Series, my print books, and DVDs of my presentations can be found at: www.guidetothecosmos.com.
Quantum Mechanics is the theory of physics that describes nature in the micro-world. There is much to discuss, too much for just one book. We will start by taking small steps that lead to some great surprises. We focus here on particles, waves, and quantization. In later books in the Everyone's Guide Series, we will continue our exploration, with topics such as Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, wavefunctions, wave interference, Schroedinger's Cat, quantum tunneling, superposition, entanglement, and virtual particles.
In each book, we will discuss the science and see how it enables products and technologies that enrich our everyday lives.
The Everyone's Guide Series explores modern astronomy, physics, and cosmology, making the frontiers of science accessible to all. With short books focused on specific topics, readers can easily mix and match, satisfying their individual interests. Each self-contained book tells its own story. The Series may be read in any order or combination.
In a way that no printed book could, the Series builds upon, updates, and expands on my previous award-winning, top-rated, popular science books. Since no one book can contain everything, references to supplementary material are provided. A complete list of books in the Everyone's Guide Series, my print books, and DVDs of my presentations can be found at: www.guidetothecosmos.com.
