The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book

by Charles Liu

Quantum physics helps explain many mysteries of the universe. It underpins everything, 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!




Quantum physics is all around us. It’s in electrical lights, lasers, and the color of the sky. Without it, the sun wouldn’t shine. It even explains how human eyes work. With its role in photosynthesis, it literally supports life. Yet, it had Schrödinger wondering whether his cat was alive or dead. It tells us that something can be both a wave and a particle and that two linked particles can communicate across the universe instantaneously! And it might even explain how the multiverse is real. Quantum physics is the key to understanding our complex world, yet even our most brilliant minds haven’t figured it all out yet.




Engaging and approachable, The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book helps untangle this complex subject, making quantum physics and its impact on us, the world, and the universe entertaining and easy to grasp. From the basics to the theories and from the practical applications to the future, this illuminating book answers more than 800 fascinating questions so you can easily understand quantum physics, including ...


Did the Big Bang arise from quantum foam?
When did philosophers first consider the existence of atoms?
What is the largest nuclear weapon ever detonated?
What are quarks?
What is quantum teleportation?
What is the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle?
What is the quantum principle used in MRI machines?
Does entangled time mean the present can affect the past?
Why did Albert Einstein say, “God does not play dice with the universe”?
How is a black hole a quantum object?
How does quantum physics appear in portrayals of space?
Do we live in a multiverse?
What is artificial intelligence?
Are human brains actually quantum computers?
How does quantum physics affect me?


The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book provides a bridge between scientific concepts and everyday understanding, allowing you to grasp the wonders and implications of quantum physics. This compelling resource is for the casually curious as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most captivating scientific fields of our time. With 135 photos and graphics, this tome is richly illustrated. Its glossary of commonly used terms cuts through the jargon, a helpful bibliography provides sources for further exploration, and an extensive index adds to its usefulness.

Genres: Science, Physics

Kindle Edition

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.