Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition

By: Richard Wolfson, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Richard Wolfson

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

"It doesn't take an Einstein to understand modern physics," says Professor Wolfson at the outset of these twenty-four lectures on what may be the most important subjects in the universe: relativity and quantum physics. Both have reputations for complexity. But the basic ideas behind them are, in fact, simple and comprehensible by anyone. These dynamic and illuminating lectures begin with a brief overview of theories of physical reality starting with Aristotle and culminating in Newtonian or "classical" physics. After that, you'll follow along as Professor Wolfson outlines the logic that led to Einstein's profound theory of special relativity and the simple yet far-reaching insight on which it rests. With that insight in mind, you'll move on to consider Einstein's theory of general relativity and its interpretation of gravitation in terms of the curvature of space and time.

From there, you'll embark on a dazzling exploration of how inquiry into matter at the atomic and subatomic scales led to quandaries that are resolved-or at least clarified-by quantum mechanics, a vision of physical reality so profound and so at odds with our experience that it nearly defies language.

By bringing relativity and quantum mechanics into the same picture, you'll chart the development of fascinating hypotheses about the origin, development, and possible futures of the entire universe, as well as the possibility that physics can produce a "theory of everything" to account for all aspects of the physical world. But the goal throughout these lectures remains the same: to present the key ideas of modern physics in a way that makes them clear to the interested layperson.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2000 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2000 The Great Courses

Wonderful!

I took quite a few physics courses a few years ago, and this was a wonderful refresher on the theories I studied. The lecturer does a great job of presenting complex theories in an easy to understand format.

Very good lectures.

Very easy to grasp. Wish they included the bibliography and the pictures he was talking about. This is not very mathematical, so you may need to look for other sources for those...

great introduction for complex topics

I quite enjoyed listening trough this class thought I need to confess I did not comprehend it all. And I must say that there is a couple of experiments described which are quite hard to grasp without any visuals involved so I believe this audio book requires it's additional material. Even if the material was there it does not improve my lack of comprehension but it would make easier to get certain ideas and analogies described

Excellent Crash Course

High quality audio recording of simple explanations for classical and quantum physics without all the math. Relativity of time, light, and gravity, with multiple references to new and old experiments, both applicable and imagined.

Just loved this audio book!

Where does Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The narrator was extremely easy to understand. This was presented in a way that made it exciting to listen to.

What other book might you compare Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition to and why?

The Elegant Universe

Any additional comments?

I was sad when this ended.

One of the best explanations I found

To zoom into special relativity helped me to finally grasp it. The quantum mechanics part was a very nice bonus.

Great Explanations--don't miss the PDFs

Where does Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It builds on other courses that I have also listened to. Getting more slightly different explanations on similar topics is effective

What did you like best about this story?

Great flow of explanation from topic to topic

Which character – as performed by Professor Richard Wolfson – was your favorite?

I loved his performance of himself. :)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it was good to let the lectures permeate the brain. Sometimes I went back and looked over the lecture notes between. Don't miss the notes on PDF as other reviewer(s) did.

The best of the Great Courses

This is one of the best of the GC series. Fascinating content that delicately walked the line between engaging non-science beginners and still provoking inquiry for more studied listeners. Truly an experience that joined with only a handful of other works resulting in a change in perception and the way I view life. I find I reference it continually and have gone back to listen again - the only audiobook on which I can ever lay that claim!

Awesome!!

The course met my expectations! The narrator is really good! I definetely recommend this course for eveyone who is in

I have Always wondered.

Where does Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Well done and fairly technical in presentation. You have to be interested in learning. One of the best talking book I have listened to and I have been listening to talking books for about ten years. I had a stroke 20 years ago and slowly lost my ability to read.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition?

His explanation of speed of light and the effect of time.

Which character – as performed by Professor Richard Wolfson – was your favorite?

Very good at teaching and finding the word that are easily understand.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No it took me awhile to hear all of it.

Any additional comments?

Well worth you time if you are interested in knowing more about the subject.