The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book

by Charles Liu

Quantum Physics. Quantum Mechanics. Quantum Computing. Quantum Chemistry. Quantum Astronomy. Quantum Theory. Oh my, but it need not be quantum difficult with this informative, accessible, easy-to-follow guide to the fundamentals and concepts of quantum physics and our quantum universe!

Governing the behavior of matter and energy on minuscule scales, quantum physics affects you in countless ways. It helps shape everything from the DNA inside you and the sun shining on you to the mobile phone in your hands and the computer on your desk. Quantum physics appears in so many sciences, even psychology and philosophy! From the basics to the theories and from the practical applications to the future, The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book makes quantum physics and its impact on us, the world, and the universe entertaining and easy to grasp.

Demystifing the complex scientific principles, making them understandable without sacrificing accuracy or depth, this illuminating book delves into more than 800 of the most intriguing questions about quantum physics, ranging from its origins and historical significance to its practical applications and future implications, including ...

Genres: Science, Physics

480 pages, Paperback

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

Charles Tsun-Chu Liu is an American astronomer and astronomy educator. His research interests include merging and colliding galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and the star formation history of the universe. Liu is one of the original team members of the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS), the largest contiguous deep field ever observed with the Hubble Space Telescope. He is a former director of the William E. Macaulay Honors College and The Verrazano School at the City University of New York’s College of Staten Island. He currently serves as a professor of physics and astronomy at the College of Staten Island, and as President of the Astronomical Society of New York. In 2019, he was named a Fellow of the American Astronomical Society.

Reviews

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listen to Dr. Liu on Star Talk all the time and he’s always entertaining, so I figured I’d give this a try. The book is pretty much an A to Z on everything relating to quantum physics. It starts off assuming the reader has zero knowledge on the subject and walks through very basic concepts subject by subject slowly building up to more technical and complex ideas. My head was spinning numerous times as it usually does when reading about quantum mechanics. The Q&A format also makes it feel really fast paced, almost like getting barraged by information. But it’s not supposed to be easy to understand. Anyone who is interested in the topic should absolutely start here.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this after watching Dr. Liu many times on Star Talk, where he is a frequent guest and always provides an engaging conversation with Dr. Tyson. It's a great place to start if you are interested in quantum mechanics, but doesn't go into very much detail on many of the topics covered; some of which receive very short descriptions, for example Bell's theorem. But it definitely makes up for the lack of depth in the sheer number of topics covered, many of which I read about for the first time here.

[Rafael Morillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Liu is a great educator who conveys complex thoughts comprehensively and logically. I enjoy Quantum Physics and learned new aspects in the subject. I strongly recommend this book for those interested in Quantum Physics and anyone who is curious about learning this subject.