Quantum Physics : From Schrödinger’s Cat to Antimatter

by Sten Odenwald

An accessible guide to the intriguing and revolutionary science of quantum physics, written by one of NASA's leading astronomers and educators Sten Odenwald.

Quantum Physics looks at the world of the very small and the weird and wonderful forces that govern the universe. It breaks down this uncertain, complex world of quantum mechanics into easily accessible language.

Featuring everything from wave functions to black-body radiation and the Large Hadron Collider to the pioneering thinkers who reshaped our understanding of science including Niels Bohr and Erwin Schrödinger , this is the perfect introduction for everyone looking to expand their knowledge of modern physics.

ABOUT THE The Arcturus Fundamentals series explains fascinating and far-reaching topics in simple terms. Designed with rustic, tactile covers and filled with dynamic illustrations and fact boxes, these books will help you quickly get to grips with complex topics from the sciences and humanities.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Ebooks

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2022

Reviews

[Kay Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, first, prepare yourself. And what I mean by that is find a quiet place to read, somewhere with zero distractions because you'll need to concentrate. Make sure your mind is clear and able to focus before reading. Now, this isn't A technical text book; it's laid out in layman's terms but it's diving into things that are overly complex. I mean, really. These subjects will literally alter your reality. So, as I said, jyst be prepared.

This was well written. It didn't gloss over as most layman texts on the subject do but it doesn't dive into the deep end either. It's a great half way point that felt interesting and informative. No matter what, some concepts of quantum physics and the quantum realm will be to difficult to absorb. But this, at least, made it all chewable.

[Patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I was terrified of this book before I started, convinced I was not gonna be able to read it at all or understand anything. And don't get me wrong, I haven't by any means become an expert of the basics of quantum physics after reading it. However, it was strangely accessible for someone that studied art since high school and didn't even have math after 9th grade.

Here's what this book did for me:
-Made me search concepts I didn't know before;
-Made me re-read things over and over and really think about them;
-Made me less afraid of reading on the subject because even if I haven't just absorved all these concepts I now have some familiarity with them, so I don't feel so lost on the concept;
-Made me want to read more science books.

I'm sure there is a big lot this book left unsaid. I will confess the chapters with more equations did get a bit lost on me but I would love to keep reading on the subject and would recommend this book for beginners like me. Just don't get scared by the big (small???) numbers.

[Alexander Peterhans · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The theory would literally have to create spacetime out of even more primitive ingredients that may not look anything like space or time."

Quantum physics! What's that all about, right? That's what I keep thinking, but I'm having a hard time finding a good book that provides an overview to someone who is bad at grasping physics in general. That someone is me!

This book isn't that book, though. You really need to go slo-o-ow with me - I'm not stupid, but quantum physics makes theoretical jumps that I find hard to follow. And that's the point where I realise I need visual aids - I literally need it drawn out before me. Just having one theory described after another will only confuse me, and that's kind of what happens in this book. It becomes a kind of poetry.

This is probably a fine introduction for people who have a good understanding of basic physics, just not for a novice like myself.

(Thanks to Arcturus Publishing for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley)

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Arcturus Publishing for the ARC of this!

I am trying to read more non-fiction and the cover drew me in, but my brain did not want to cooperate on this one. I might’ve just not had enough base knowledge- a math degree and some intro physics courses, or it could be my current mental health because the writing didn’t *seem* like it would be too complicated but I struggled 😂 I don’t feel like I got much out of it, but someone else totally might!

[Thabs · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent and up-to-date review of quantum physics that is moderately accessible to the lay-reader.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Quantum Physics by Dr. Sten Odenwald is a layman accessible overview over some concepts in physics and how they relate to the "real world" and advances in science and technology. Released 1st Feb 2022 by Arcturus, it's 279 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately; it makes it so easy to find information with the search function. The interactive format in this case rendered the read much more accessible and comprehensible for me. Special concepts and references are hyperlinked in the text making it simple to click back and forth without losing one's place.

This is a good general concepts survey of quantum physics related by an experienced science-educator. In the physics books (and to a lesser degree mathematics) which I've read and reviewed, there seems to be a deep divide between books which are highly technical and written for academic studies in the field and those written for laypeople and which struggle (and often fail) to explain complex material to readers who don't have essential context. This book seems to be something of a unicorn. It manages to explain some difficult concepts and theory without presupposing extensive background knowledge on the part of the reader.

The author has done a good job of presenting information in small understandable portions; special points are presented in highlighted text boxes along with salient (and comprehensible) diagrams and illustrations. This book is a part of the Arcturus Fundamentals series which purport to be layman accessible introductions to non-fiction subjects such as mathematics, physics, neuroscience, and the like.

This is *not* to imply that it's a particularly easy read. There are complex and baffling concepts contained here, and readers who don't have a background in mathematics and physics must expect to expend some effort. The effort is well rewarded however and the author managed to do what my university physics professors couldn't: namely explain Heisenberg's uncertainty principle clearly and simply and how it relates to electron states in a manner which I could understand.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Colm Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the history and theory of quantum physics. Although I found myself struggling to fully understand most of the content, it is a great start to attempt to understand this tough subject.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowledge in a Nutshell: Quantum Physics, by Stan Odenwald, is a concise, midrange exploration of its title subject. by “midrange”, I mean it falls in the middle between highly accessible popular science books that do away with any math and use of symbols and try to reduce field terminology as much as possible and those less accessible but still not for academics popular science books that will give you sometimes lengthy equations and assume you know what at least some of the terminology/names refer to. As such, while it’s a mostly lucid guide to the fascinating field, I’d say it’s better suited for someone who has read a few of the easier books on the topic so as to have a solid foundation. This book is not inaccessible by any means, but readers coming to it cold may struggle a bit or at least have to work harder at it. And certainly anyone will need to give it attention; this is not the book to read while you’re watching TV and checking your phone every five or ten minutes.

Those who pick it up and persevere will find a lucid, mostly clear at first read and always clear with some rereading, overview of the field’s history, major discoveries/tenets, and it’s modern findings and open questions (of which there are many and none of them insignificant). Odenwald does a good job of keep the reader grounded vis various methods, such as connecting abstract theory to practical applications in the real world — things the reader will be more familiar with. Overall, a good, up to date book for those interested in the topic (and who wouldn’t be?), though some prior (basic) familiarity would be a good idea. Recommended.

[Philip Tidman · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Einstein’s theory of relativity states that all actions take place within the arena of a four-dimensional object called spacetime. It consists of three dimensions of ordinary space together with a one-dimensional time axis that has a geometry built up from the histories of all the particles in the universe, which are individually called worldlines. Your particular worldline began at the instant of your birth and ends at the moment of your death. Your constituent atoms and molecules, however, will lead a far more complex history, extending far beyond your birth and death.’ Mind officially blown. I didn’t understand everything in this fascinating book but I still learned an awful lot.

[Cat]

I'm an idiot when it comes to some of the sciences, but do enjoy a good read about them on occasion. This book breaks it down pretty well and made the reading of the various concepts mostly understandable, and when they weren't, intriging enough to look up for more information. Quantum Physics is pretty intimidating (any physics in my experience is,,,) I wish it had been this enjoyable in college! Read a chapter time and gace myself time to mull over.
Arm chair science geeks and Big Bang fans will likely enjoy this book!

[Ken Finklea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very technical book about a highly complex subject but the author does a very decent job explaining the concepts without too much ambiguation. Odenwald references some algebraic formulas for reference and comparison to emphasize the fact that this subject can only be defined through mathematics. Our 4 dimensional worldview is not adequate to articulate quantum relationships but Odenwald does a good job nonetheless. The author also provides a platform for all of the great minds and contributors to our collective understanding.

[Nils Termote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book that delves into the history of physics and quantum mechanics. The theories and histories recounted in this book are really fascinating! There are a lot of formulas throughout the book, but since I'm not a mathematician, I skipped those. If they scare you, don't let them. They're not really essential to the essence of the book and can be ignored.

[xhozush · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked learning about quantum physics from this book. Once the content got more into computers/modern applications of quantum physics I lost a bit of interest, though. I also dont think this book is as introductory as its made out to be but I learned a great deal and I would read the first 12 chapters again

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done. While the content does require some thought, the author does a good job of explaining complex ideas. In many ways, it's a starter book, since those that already know this topic should move on, and for others this may prompt a deeper dive.

Thanks very much for the free review copy!!

[Tshebeletso Tjabane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, explains the concepts in a simple manner, this is only an introductory text.

[Holly Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understood about 60% of that.....

Could of done with a conclusion or closing paragraph it just kind of ended but as a whole, pretty good overview of quantum physics.

[Ghuncha Fatma · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good for beginners. Things started fizzling from Chapter 9 on Locality and Realism. Nevertheless, it made me curious to read more about it.

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quantum Physics by Sten Odenwald is a nice introduction and overview of what quantum physics is and how science progressed to where we are now.

This is less of an explanation of quantum physics, though a few of the basic concepts and ideas are discussed, than it is a foundation upon which someone with an interest can comfortably start to dive a bit deeper. Unlike the other book in the Fundamentals series I've read, this one tends to take various strands of thought in each chapter and bring them historically into the present (the other book presented one long chronology, which worked well for that topic). I think this worked well because there is not simply one monolithic idea that is quantum physics but a basic idea that then spreads out into many narrower areas.

While I have only had a couple of college level quantum physics courses and a relativity course, I didn't feel like this book overly simplified things, yet it did have to, out of necessity, omit some things that simply require a more nuanced explanation. But the reader unfamiliar with the field won't notice any omissions and will come away with a much better idea of what scientists are talking about when they talk about quantum physics. I can also imagine this would serve as a nice primer for those undecided about a career/academic path since it does talk about what is still to be done as well as what has been done.

This probably won't be of great interest to those in the research part of the field I think this would offer ideas for educators on how to teach these, and by extension other, subjects. This is ideal for the lay reader who wants to have some kind of basic idea of what quantum physics is and how it relates to both the science they learned in school and current scientific advances.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best book on quantum physics I've read. It's both comprehensive and comprehensible. The author seems to take the stance that Max Born did—that quantum physics only seems mystifying because we don't have the language to explain it: it's not like anything that exists in our Newtonian world. If you're looking for a thorough overview of the subject, this book is a good choice.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Rosni Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s true what they say!

It’s a good attempt to explain quantum physics, but I must say, my head actually hurt reading some parts, around 10% was very interesting, and quite easy to follow.
It took me around a month to read the book.
80% of the book was way above my level of understanding equations,

I must find a book that’s nearer to my level of education.
But, if you really want to know, dive in and read the book. Good luck,

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great overview that connected a lot of ideas of quantum mechanics you pick up over years of being a nerd. However, the last few chapters lose touch with your average reader, and introduces new concepts way too fast for easy comprehension. Well worth the read as a first intro and overview of quantum and its history!

[None · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good overview of quantum

You will not find a lot of mathematics in the book, but it has a good content with respect to the theories related to quantum with its corresponding star researchers.