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50 Ideas You Really Need to Know
50 Quantum Physics Ideas You Really Need to Know
A guide to everything you need and want to know about quantum physics, how our universe works and our existence in it.
Quantum physics is the most cutting-edge, important and fascinating area of modern science. We have all heard of Einstein's theory of relativity and Schrodinger's Cat - but do we really understand the mind-bending theories of our universe?
In 50 concise chapters, Joanne Baker covers the foundation concepts of quantum physics and moves on to present clear explanations of complex theories and their advanced applications - from string theory to black holes, and quarks to quantum computing. With informative two-colour illustrations alongside key ideas in straightforward, bite-sized chunks, this book will teach you everything you need to know about quantum physics - and challenge the way you understand the world.
The ideas explored Theory of relativity; Schrödinger's cat; Nuclear fission and fusion; Antimatter; Superconductivity.
Quantum physics is the most cutting-edge, important and fascinating area of modern science. We have all heard of Einstein's theory of relativity and Schrodinger's Cat - but do we really understand the mind-bending theories of our universe?
In 50 concise chapters, Joanne Baker covers the foundation concepts of quantum physics and moves on to present clear explanations of complex theories and their advanced applications - from string theory to black holes, and quarks to quantum computing. With informative two-colour illustrations alongside key ideas in straightforward, bite-sized chunks, this book will teach you everything you need to know about quantum physics - and challenge the way you understand the world.
The ideas explored Theory of relativity; Schrödinger's cat; Nuclear fission and fusion; Antimatter; Superconductivity.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2013
120 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Baker
34 books22 followersJoanne Baker is a writer and editor based in London. She has edited and written comment, books, and arts and opinion articles at the international science journal Nature for the past decade and formerly was space and earth editor at Science magazine. She has also written three books on physics, astronomy, and quantum physics. She has a background in astronomy research, where she studied quasars, black holes, galaxy evolution, and cosmology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 2, 2014
"50 Quantum Ideas You Really Need to Know" is a great read for those interested in more advanced physics concepts. Each chapter addresses a unique quantum physics idea, ranging from string theory to nuclear fission to paradoxes. While the title and subject matter may be intimidating, each chapter provides a relatable aspect to better guide understanding, such as Shroedinger's cat, and at the same time allows readers to remain comfortable with the book. Many of the sections feature multi-color diagrams, which is appealing to all ages. Whether you plan on plowing through this book in a few nights or taking chapter-sized nibbles, "50 Quantum Ideas" belongs on the shelves of any science student.
As a science enthusiast myself, this was a particularly great find. I am a mess when it comes to mathematics, but I enjoy learning about concepts. After hearing a brief summary of the seemingly abstract ideas behind quantum physics, I could hear my name being called. I was a bit unsure of how to approach learning, it's a topic that is rarely put into casual language and terms. When I spotted this at a science museum in London, I had to get it. A few train and car rides later I had finished, and made note of concepts I found particularly interesting or mind blowing.
This book is an excellent gateway into advanced quantum concepts. Anyone with a willingness to take their time reading and a beginning appetite for quantum physics should pick this book up.
As a science enthusiast myself, this was a particularly great find. I am a mess when it comes to mathematics, but I enjoy learning about concepts. After hearing a brief summary of the seemingly abstract ideas behind quantum physics, I could hear my name being called. I was a bit unsure of how to approach learning, it's a topic that is rarely put into casual language and terms. When I spotted this at a science museum in London, I had to get it. A few train and car rides later I had finished, and made note of concepts I found particularly interesting or mind blowing.
This book is an excellent gateway into advanced quantum concepts. Anyone with a willingness to take their time reading and a beginning appetite for quantum physics should pick this book up.
March 24, 2025
Quando ouvia falar de física quântica, achava que se tratava de um bicho estranho com o qual precisamos tomar cuidado para não nos morder 😂 Então li Un verdor terrible (Quando deixamos de entender o mundo) de Benjamín Labatut, que me deixou intrigado e curioso e a partir de então, li alguns livros sobre o tema para poder entender melhor se é algo assim tão complicado e do qual precisamos ter pavor.
O livro de Joanne Baker ajuda a perceber um pouco melhor o tema, inclusive entender como se estruturam os átomos, as partículas subatómicas e tudo o mais, embora por sua própria estrutura, ao se prender à 50 ideias, muitas outras, inclusive históricas, ficaram de fora, até mesmo aspectos filosóficos (não esquercer que a Física era chamada de Filosofia da Natureza), tais como o positivismo que se encontra no fundamento de algumas interpretações da física quântica, inclusive a Interpretação de Copenhage. E como o livro foi escrito e publicado em meados da década passada, obviamente que não alcança as últimas novidades (embora ainda não se tenha descoberto outras novas particulas).
Confesso que ao final, apesar de não sair grande entendedor do que se trata a mecânica quantica, o tema deixou de ser um animal selvagem, e hoje já até passo a mão em sua cabeça e faço alguns carinhos, mas sempre com um pouco de atenção 😂 (a culpa não é da Física, mas sim de D. Matemática).
P.S.: Esse livro traz pequenos textos com informações biográficas sobre alguns dos cientistas citados no decorrer dos textos. Já quem se interesse, o livro de Adam Becker, What is real, traz diversos fatos biográficos muito mais aprofunados de alguns desses cientísticas. A vontade é de ler biografias pr+oprias sobre cada um deles e delas, vidas verdadeiramente instigantes.
O livro de Joanne Baker ajuda a perceber um pouco melhor o tema, inclusive entender como se estruturam os átomos, as partículas subatómicas e tudo o mais, embora por sua própria estrutura, ao se prender à 50 ideias, muitas outras, inclusive históricas, ficaram de fora, até mesmo aspectos filosóficos (não esquercer que a Física era chamada de Filosofia da Natureza), tais como o positivismo que se encontra no fundamento de algumas interpretações da física quântica, inclusive a Interpretação de Copenhage. E como o livro foi escrito e publicado em meados da década passada, obviamente que não alcança as últimas novidades (embora ainda não se tenha descoberto outras novas particulas).
Confesso que ao final, apesar de não sair grande entendedor do que se trata a mecânica quantica, o tema deixou de ser um animal selvagem, e hoje já até passo a mão em sua cabeça e faço alguns carinhos, mas sempre com um pouco de atenção 😂 (a culpa não é da Física, mas sim de D. Matemática).
P.S.: Esse livro traz pequenos textos com informações biográficas sobre alguns dos cientistas citados no decorrer dos textos. Já quem se interesse, o livro de Adam Becker, What is real, traz diversos fatos biográficos muito mais aprofunados de alguns desses cientísticas. A vontade é de ler biografias pr+oprias sobre cada um deles e delas, vidas verdadeiramente instigantes.
October 25, 2015
Very interesting read, it exposed me to a lot of quantum physics ideas that got me thinking. I felt some descriptions could've been better or more accurate, however, which is why I didn't give it 5 stars, but still very good nonetheless.
September 15, 2024
my knowledge level is waaaay below the one i'd need to fully understand everything in this book. However, i'll give my flowers to the author because this is extremely well-structured and easy enough to follow (even when u feel as if u just walked into the wrong class in college). piqued my curiosity!
<3
<3
March 26, 2024
Too soon
July 12, 2018
Insightful and easy reading
Very nice compilation of quantum theories and timeline.
Zero formulas, which is not a good thing from my point of view, but may be to others.
Recommended as an introductory text for anyone interested in understanding the bizarre nature of the universe.
Very nice compilation of quantum theories and timeline.
Zero formulas, which is not a good thing from my point of view, but may be to others.
Recommended as an introductory text for anyone interested in understanding the bizarre nature of the universe.
January 4, 2020
Um bom livro de divulgação cientifica com uma boa apresentação dos físicos que contribuíram para os temas.
March 28, 2018
Exciting!!
Remarkable phrases, life summaries of some of the biggest names from quantum physics and disconcerting theories and revelations to "fry the brain".
Even with a clear and no scientific language, many of the concepts presented in this book are still difficult to understand as: "It (dark energy) is a form of energy stored in the vacuum of free space that causes negative pressure in some empty regions." :/
But we can understand that a mathematical equation often explains better an idea than some words.
Beyond the quantum questions, this work shows the challenge of understanding the possible relations of different theories and studies of physics, such as the theory of relativity with the quantum ideas.
Read this book is to jump into the void and discover some elements and thoughts that, at least for the layman, did not even know about the possibility of existence.
Remarkable phrases, life summaries of some of the biggest names from quantum physics and disconcerting theories and revelations to "fry the brain".
Even with a clear and no scientific language, many of the concepts presented in this book are still difficult to understand as: "It (dark energy) is a form of energy stored in the vacuum of free space that causes negative pressure in some empty regions." :/
But we can understand that a mathematical equation often explains better an idea than some words.
Beyond the quantum questions, this work shows the challenge of understanding the possible relations of different theories and studies of physics, such as the theory of relativity with the quantum ideas.
Read this book is to jump into the void and discover some elements and thoughts that, at least for the layman, did not even know about the possibility of existence.
July 24, 2023
If you've read the other books in the 50 Things You Really Need to Know series then you'll know they love quantum mechanics. They jam it into pretty much every other book in the series even when it makes no sense.
But here it does make sense because it is finally the topic of a book.
How do they do?
Pretty well actually.
There's some historical context I wish was included, perhaps a little bit more about the basics, definitely more about practical applications should have been there.
And it should go without saying that this is not information that 80% of people on the planet need to know or care about. This is only relevant to people with a particular interest in the field.
If that's you however, this book is as reasonable of a starting point as any.
But here it does make sense because it is finally the topic of a book.
How do they do?
Pretty well actually.
There's some historical context I wish was included, perhaps a little bit more about the basics, definitely more about practical applications should have been there.
And it should go without saying that this is not information that 80% of people on the planet need to know or care about. This is only relevant to people with a particular interest in the field.
If that's you however, this book is as reasonable of a starting point as any.
October 14, 2022
Um livre super interessante mas para quem é leigo no assunto, como eu, tem uma sensação que deveria estar anotando, marcando ou buscando um vídeo para entender melhor o que queriam dizer. Alguns conceitos foram muito bacanas pois eu já havia visto mas não tão explicados, estão ler sobre me deu uma visão melhor sobre o assunto.
Com certeza precisarei reler se quiser entender melhor ou rever os conceitos.
Foi legal ver o quanto cada conceito vão se interligando e dando base para a próxima ideia, é tudo muito complexo assim como nós, acho que no fim me fez refletir o quanto o todo é muito mais do que vemos é tocamos, existe muito mais do que falamos todos os dias.
Com certeza precisarei reler se quiser entender melhor ou rever os conceitos.
Foi legal ver o quanto cada conceito vão se interligando e dando base para a próxima ideia, é tudo muito complexo assim como nós, acho que no fim me fez refletir o quanto o todo é muito mais do que vemos é tocamos, existe muito mais do que falamos todos os dias.
October 3, 2018
Na esteira das leituras sobre as ideias que marcaram determinados campos do conhecimento, este é um dos que mais me intrigavam. Todos sabemos que física quântica não é coisa fácil, mas alguns conceitos, bem explicados, podem até ser bem interessantes.
Só lamento saber que muitos dos grandes cientistas que descobriam isso fossem, muitas vezes, pessoas tão perturbadas ou de péssimo caráter - quase um pré requisito dos gênios...
Recomendo para todos que gostam do assunto e querem abrir o apetite para leituras mais aprofundadas.
Só lamento saber que muitos dos grandes cientistas que descobriam isso fossem, muitas vezes, pessoas tão perturbadas ou de péssimo caráter - quase um pré requisito dos gênios...
Recomendo para todos que gostam do assunto e querem abrir o apetite para leituras mais aprofundadas.
June 17, 2020
Wherever you read quantum physics you know it's definitely complex and this book is no exception. It doesn't get in depth with the topics, but you need to have quite solid knowledge about physics in order to catch up with the content. Overall it's an interesing and eventually mind blowing reading, but it's not so to-the-ground explained, so it might also bring some "headache" while reading. If you have some background knowledge and interest on the area, this book might be for you. But if you are just an occasionally interested person about quantum physics, I wouldn't recommend it to you.
February 10, 2021
Só os qubits de um computador quântico podem mensurar o amor que eu senti por essa leitura, que por via das dúvidas é extremamente didática, além dos rumores sobre tema (Física quântica) serem infinitamente assustadores (e realmente são, como dizia Richard Feynman: "Se você acha que entendeu a física quântica, é porque você não entendeu"), a autora faz uma abordagem sistemática e de fácil compreensão sobre o incompreendido. [5/5]
August 23, 2025
A book that tries to explain the already confusing field of quantum physics in even more confusing ways.
A horrible lack of images and diagrams that would help explain many concepts, as well as trying to simultaneously simplify topics by mashing high and low level concepts is a wild way to try and approach this field.
I love quantum, and I feel put off from the field after having read half this book. I can't finish the rest, it's painful.
A horrible lack of images and diagrams that would help explain many concepts, as well as trying to simultaneously simplify topics by mashing high and low level concepts is a wild way to try and approach this field.
I love quantum, and I feel put off from the field after having read half this book. I can't finish the rest, it's painful.
July 11, 2023
Adorei o livro, ele traz muitas das ideias bem simplificadas e com ilustração, mas não se aprofunda muito sobre, seria um livro como complemento para o estudo e conhecer as outras ideias existentes dentro do mundo subatômico.
Em minha opinião, eu recomendo ler sobre e depois se aprofundar (caso queira) em uma das ideias mostradas no decorrer do livro.
Em minha opinião, eu recomendo ler sobre e depois se aprofundar (caso queira) em uma das ideias mostradas no decorrer do livro.
September 17, 2024
Pretty interesting and comprehensive read. The pacing could’ve been better, sometimes it felt like the content was jumping back and forth. Some parts are confusing and lack good explanation. All in all a good summary if you’re already acquainted with the theme.
May 11, 2018
Em alguns trechos as explicações são difíceis para os "não-iniciados", mas, em geral, o texto é acessível. Bom livro. Mostra o "emaranhamento" em que se encontra hoje o modelo-padrão com suas 61 partículas, quatro forças e explicações absurdas como as supercordas ou a forçada supersimetria. A verdade é que as renormalizações para "acabar" com os infinitos das teorias ficam lindas no quadro negro, mas ainda peca pela experiência. Estou com Einstein. Acho que ainda falta um pouco a ser descoberto e compreendido para a mecânica quântica consolidar-se totalmente como a melhor teoria física de todas.
Embora, como Gleiser, eu também ache que não existe a real "necessidade" de uma "teoria de tudo". O nosso modelo de bricks (tijolos) explica o suficiente para mudarmos e transformamos o mundo à nossa maneira!
Embora, como Gleiser, eu também ache que não existe a real "necessidade" de uma "teoria de tudo". O nosso modelo de bricks (tijolos) explica o suficiente para mudarmos e transformamos o mundo à nossa maneira!
May 24, 2018
Lackluster
September 7, 2018
Do meio pro fim a leitura fica bem pesada, pode ser difícil pra não acadêmicos
July 15, 2020
Compulsive buy at Wal-Mart jeje
April 7, 2022
Lots of interesting science in summary form
August 11, 2022
I liked so much how the author goes from the most simple concepts to the most complex. Recomended to have some previous knowledge that helps understanding the concepts of the book.
Read
December 19, 2023This pretty much just condenses these physics ideas rather than simplifying or making them fun/interesting. Was too dry and over my head.
Cover is cute though.
Cover is cute though.
March 16, 2024
Not perfect, but condensing quantum physics into a short book for a general audience is huge challenge. This does an excellent job.
May 19, 2025
مقدمة جميلة لمن اراد دراسة ميكانيكا الكم
Read
July 13, 2025Le livre qui m'a fait venir en SPRINT peut-être on sait pas
June 6, 2020
"Se você acha que entendeu alguma coisa sobre mecânica quântica, então é porque você não entendeu nada" - Richard Phillips Feynman
Um livro instigante apesar de difícil compreensão, isso faz que se aprofunde nesse maravilhoso e complexo mundo quântico.
Um livro instigante apesar de difícil compreensão, isso faz que se aprofunde nesse maravilhoso e complexo mundo quântico.
Read
March 6, 2017very good, thought provoking, and really need to read up on Quantum physics to fully understand this.
February 28, 2021
Obra que faz parte de uma coleção que aborda principalmente ideias relativas ao desenvolvimento da ciência. Muito bom para quem quer entender um pouco mais de Física Quântica, de maneira gradual e histórica. O livro é dividido por temas, com 6 a oito tópicos cada: luz e energia (conservação de energia, lei de Planck etc), elétrons ( dualidade onda-partícula, saltos quânticos etc), mecânica quântica, campos quânticos, cosmo quântico, irrealidade quântica e as aplicações quânticas.
August 28, 2025
I have never formally studied quantum physics but, as with many people in that position, I am still fascinated by the subject and am keen to further my knowledge. But I keep having to be reminded of the the history, the fundamentals, the evidence, the likely future directions, and the implications of the science for our wider understanding of the world. So this is a very useful revision course for me. I don't find it easy but, then again, I have never found books for the non-specialist on this topic all that easy either. Incidentally, I avoid books that make extravagant and unfounded claims about quantum physics, of which there are plenty around.
Update: This book has proved a struggle for me (a lot of the chapters are too advanced for me). I've now stopped attempting to read the book chapter by chapter, and instead, I choose one chapter from the 50 to read and study each week, ignoring those chapters that don't make much sense to me.
avoid the wilder
Update: This book has proved a struggle for me (a lot of the chapters are too advanced for me). I've now stopped attempting to read the book chapter by chapter, and instead, I choose one chapter from the 50 to read and study each week, ignoring those chapters that don't make much sense to me.
avoid the wilder
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews