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

P C W Davies & J R Brown (Editors)

ISBN 10: 0521313163 / ISBN 13: 9780521313162

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1986

About this Item

Non-specialist volume based on transcripts of interviews with distinguished quantum physicists recorded for a Radio 3 documentary. 157pp with index, illustrated with black and white drawings. Minimal crease to spine, light fading to front panel and former owner's name to half-title page, otherwise very good copy. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

Seller Inventory # 012182

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Ghost in the Atom - A Discussion of the Mysteries of Quantum Physics
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 1986
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521313163
• ISBN 13: 9780521313162
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Book Type: Book
• Seller catalogs:
  • Science

About this title

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.

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