Paradox: The Nine Greatest Enigmas in Physics - Softcover

Al-Khalili, Jim

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0307986799 ISBN 13: 9780307986795

Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY), 2012

Synopsis

A fun and fascinating look at great scientific paradoxes.

Throughout history, scientists have come up with theories and ideas that just don't seem to make sense. These we call paradoxes. The paradoxes Al-Khalili offers are drawn chiefly from physics and astronomy and represent those that have stumped some of the finest minds. For example, how can a cat be both dead and alive at the same time? Why will Achilles never beat a tortoise in a race, no matter how fast he runs? And how can a person be ten years older than his twin?

With elegant explanations that bring the reader inside the mind of those who've developed them, Al-Khalili helps us to see that, in fact, paradoxes can be solved if seen from the right angle. Just as surely as Al-Khalili narrates the enduring fascination of these classic paradoxes, he reveals their underlying logic. In doing so, he brings to life a select group of the most exciting concepts in human knowledge. Paradox is mind-expanding fun.

About this title

Review

"Readers who enjoy mental challenges and scientific mysteries will have fun with Al-Khalili's lighthearted, accessible discussion." - Publisher's Weekly

"A very interesting book with some nifty surprises." - Booklist Online

Book Description

'This book is about my own personal favourite puzzles and conundrums in science' Jim Al-Khalili

About this edition

• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0307986799
• ISBN 13: 9780307986795
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256