The Ghost in the Atom: A Discussion of the Mysteries of Quantum Physics - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521313163 ISBN 13: 9780521313162

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1986

Synopsis

Quantum physics is one of the most successful branches of science. Its conceptual foundations, however, are replete with-paradoxes, and the implications of the theory for the nature of reality are profound. Interest in this topic has been re-awakened by a key experiment performed in 1982 to test the foundations of the theory. The occasion prompted BBC Radio to make a documentary (of the same title as the book) on the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics, for Radio 3. This book is based on the original transcripts of this broadcast, including interviews with several physicists who have played a prominent part in the debate on these paradoxes. The book also contains an introduction to quantum physics, its puzzles and paradoxes, and the contending proposed resolutions thereof, written at a non-specialist level. There is also a glossary and a bibliography.

About this title

Review

'Paul Davies' summary ... is one of the clearest short expositions of quantum theory I have ever read.' New Scientist

'For those puzzled by the mystery of Schrödinger's 'dead and alive' cat, or intrigued by the idea of parallel universes, this is a must.' The Good Book Guide

'Paul Davies' summary - well worth the price of the book - is one of the clearest short expositions of quantum theory I have ever read. But the best is yet to come. In the interviews we hear physicists defending passionately some very bizarre views of the world ... seeing these questions through the eyes of the people who are actually struggling to answer them offers an exciting firsthand glimpse into this fundamental and controversial field of enquiry.' New Scientist

'Non-specialists will find this an attractive and thought-provoking book.' Contemporary Physics

Book Description

In this book, which has its origin in a series of radio broadcasts, Paul Davies interviews eight physicists involved in debating and testing quantum theory, with radically different views of its significance.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521313163
• ISBN 13: 9780521313162
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 168
• Editor: Davies P. C. W., Brown Julian R.