Product Description

Quantum theory is so shocking that Einstein could not bring himself to accept it. It is so important that it provides the fundamental underpinning of all modern sciences. Without it, we'd have no nuclear power or nuclear weapons, no TV, no computers, no science of molecular biology, no understanding of DNA, no genetic engineering. In Search of Schrodinger's Cat tells the complete story of quantum mechanics, a truth stranger than any fiction. John Gribbin takes us step by step into an ever more bizarre and fascinating place, requiring only that we approach it with an open mind. He introduces the scientists who developed quantum theory. He investigates the atom, radiation, time travel, the birth of the universe, superconductors and life itself. And in a world full of its own delights, mysteries and surprises, he searches for Schrodinger's Cat - a search for quantum reality - as he brings every reader to a clear understanding of the most important area of scientific study today - quantum physics. In Search of Schrodinger's Cat is a fascinating and delightful introduction to the strange world of the quantum - an essential element in understanding today's world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5828 in Books
• Published on: 1985-02-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 318 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Part history book and part remedial physics text for those who lost interest when the equations started getting unintuitive, In Search of Schrödinger's Cat explains quantum physics in a way that's not only clear, but also enjoyable.

Gribbin opens with the subjects that most physics professors have just started to examine by the end of term: the mysterious character of light; the valence concept in Nils Bohr's atomic model; radioactive decay; and the physics of life-defining DNA all get clear, comprehensive and witty coverage. This book reveals the beauty and mystery that underlies everything in the universe.

Does this book claim to explain quantum physics without maths? No. Maths is too central to physics to be bypassed. But if you can do basic algebra, you can understand the equations in In Search of Schrödinger's Cat. Gribbin is the physics teacher everyone should have in high school or college: kind without being a pushover, knowledgeable without being condescending, and clearly expressive without being boring. Gribbin's book belongs on the shelf of every pre-calculus student. It also deserves a place in the library of everyone who was scared away from advanced physics prematurely.

From the Back Cover
Quantum theory is so shocking that Einstein could not bring himself to accept it. It is so important that it provides the fundamental underpinning of all modern sciences. Without it, we'd have no nuclear power or nuclear weapons, no TV, no computers, no science of molecular biology, no understanding of DNA, no genetic engineering.

In Search of Schrödinger's Cat tells the complete story of quantum mechanics, a truth stranger than any fiction. John Gribbin takes us step by step into an ever more bizarre and fascinating place, requiring only that we approach it with an open mind. He introduces the scientists who developed quantum theory. He investigates the atom, radiation, time travel, the birth of the universe, superconductors and life itself. And in a world full of its own delights, mysteries and surprises, he searches for Schrödinger's Cat - a search for quantum reality - as he brings every reader to a clear understanding of the most important area of scientific study today - quantum physics.

In Search of Schrödinger's Cat is a fascinating and delightful introduction to the strange world of the quantum - an essential element in understanding today's world.

About the Author
John Gribbin's books include The Hole in the Sky, a survey of the destruction of the ozone layer, and Hothouse Earth, a study of the greenhouse effect. He has written regularly for The Times and the Guardian, and is physics consultant for the New Scientist. He also broadcasts for the BBC World Service and is occasionally adviser for television documentaries. John Gribbin lives in Sussex with his wife and their two sons.

Customer Reviews

Truly Brilliant, as you might expect from a Sussex Academic.
I am one of those few people who have actualy read their copy of the Brief History of Time and this book is just as good if not better. The book is not hard to read as some may think and gives insight and wonder into the World of Quantum Mechanics. In fact I think I learnt more Quantum Mechanics from this book than I did from my entire Physics degree.

An insight into the very fabric of everything...
John Gribbin has created an excellent book for anyone vaguely curious about Physics and moreover Quantum Mechanics.

It accurately and succinctly introduces the reader to the alien world of the very small, the world of particle physics and it's associated theory area, Quantum Mechanics. The book details the history of this study area in enough detail to satisfy those with some prior knowledge and yet will also keep the reader that is perhaps new to the Scientific arena interested throughout. Although clearly not a fictional work the "plot" follows the illuminate of Mathematics and Physics who, in the early part of this century, laid the ground work for a hugely productive area of science. It neatly explores sub-plots that highlight supporting narrative about the key figures, the mathematics they used, the air of discovery, political diversions and war across the Lab Benches as classical physics, led by Einstein, sort to push the Quantum lobby to the very limit of absolute understanding.

There are equations and experimental examples but not enough to disrupt a thoroughly good read for people without prior mathematical experience. Perhaps not quite enough for those that crave the quadratic or the matrix mechanic?

A great way to open a fascinating new way of viewing the universe(s)..!

Anything You Want To Know About PHYSICS!
If you want to know more about the world Of physics.. READ IT...

You don't need abny prior knowledge ... and even if you do know something about physics you will love this anyway...

A Must have.. as thrilling as a novel and more educational than a physics textbook.. I give you my personal guarantee!!!