Everything and Nothing: an introduction to quantum probability

by Jim Schnabel

A quick, math-free survey of quantum mechanics and its central conundrums.Anyone who has had high-school physics should find it an easy read.Topics ♦ how quantum mechanics emerged from classical physics♦ Heisenberg and his Uncertainty Principle♦ early interpretations of Schrödinger’s equations♦ the two-slit experiment♦ Einstein’s rebellion against the Copenhagen Interpretation♦ the original purpose of the “Schrödinger’s cat” thought-experiment♦ the deep problems of the Copenhagen Interpretation♦ the rise of Hugh Everett’s Relative-State (“Many Worlds”) Interpretation♦ decoherence theory and Quantum Darwinism♦ quantum encryption and quantum computing♦ existential and moral implications of the Many Worlds Interpretation

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 29, 2012

About the author

American science writer.

Schnabel has written for Nature, Science, New Scientist, the Washington Post, The Guardian and the Independent.

Subjects of his books include: crop circles, alien abduction en psychic detectives.

Reviews

[Matt Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book actually explains quantum theory in a clear way.

I spent a long time searching for good explanations of quantum theory, but all the science writers seemed to misunderstand it, pushing myths instead of facts. This book explains the experiments whose weird results defied classical and relative physics, making it necessary to develop a newer and weirder kind of physics.

This book doesn't attempt to explain quantum phenomena. It does something better than that. It clearly shows how those experiments had confusing results.

The author also describes the history of the ideas that led to those experiments, and some of the aftermath.

I give it five stars because it's so clear and cuts through the clutter of science writing. This was a very important book to me.