(Exploring Quantum Physics through Hands-on Projects) [By: Prutchi, David] [Feb, 2012]

by David Prutchi

The book guides the reader in the construction and use of setups to reproduce the key experiments that have brought us to our current understanding of the quantum world. Importantly, all of the experimental equipment can be built out of relatively inexpensive materials that are readily available at the hardware store or from on-line vendors of electronic surplus.The book caters to a wide audience, ranging from science enthusiasts and undergraduate physics students, all the way through practicing physicists and engineers. The math simple, and clear explanations and analogies are provided to make the book accessible.The projects described range from simple measurements of Planck's constant all the way to testing violations of Bell's inequalities using entangled photons. The project descriptions are targeted to an audience with basic experience in electronic prototype construction. The circuits actually work, and the schematics are completely readable.Lastly, our book is not only a practical guide, but is also ideal as a textbook for an undergraduate Quantum Physics lab course. Every chapter includes a list of questions and lab experiments, and the accompanying Instructor's Guide should facilitate its adoption as a lab textbook.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published February 7, 2012

Reviews

[John B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hands-on approach to learning quantum physics. The authors take you through the discovery of important physics concepts by experiment. Many of the experiments will require some electronics ability--advanced electronics hobbyists or amateur radio hobbyists might be up for understanding circuits related to photo multiplier tubes, high voltage supplies for building a DIY CRT, geiger counters and other electronic support circuitry required to conduct some very amazing experiments. This would be a book of great interest to hobbyists wanting to play with quantum physics, high school teachers or higher level physics instructors wanting to implement experiments or demonstrations. The end of each chapter has questions that would recommend this as a companion to a physics lab. If you wanted to perform some cool science projects for highschool, this book would be a good first stop for some ideas. I haven't run any of the experiments, but I find this a fascinating reading experience--and further the authors discuss the theory as it develops and gives insight into understanding the outcome of the experiments. I haven't enjoyed a physics book this much since reading Back of the Envelope Physics by Clifford Swartz.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

While many/most of these experiments are beyond my ability to do (I'm not at all well-versed enough in electronics to set them up), I enjoyed reading this book as each and every section were written in accessible language, exploring a small segment of quantum (and some classical) physics in each "bite size" section, investigating the concept in words and calculations or experiments.

Due to its being well-written (easily understood by bright high school students) and the way it's presented in manageable chunks, it is a fun read whether one intends to do any of the hands-on activities or not.

I highly recommend this book to any serious amateur quantum physicists, as well as to people who would like a fun way to learn about the topic before pursuing it seriously at university.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the authors who did not expect nor asked for a review in return.

[Mills College Library]

535.15 P972 2012