Quantum Physics

What Everyone Needs to Know

By: Michael G. Raymer

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Around 1900, physicists started to discover particles like electrons, protons, and neutrons, and with these discoveries believed they could predict the internal behavior of the atom. However, once their predictions were compared to the results of experiments in the real world, it became clear that the principles of classical physics and mechanics were far from capable of explaining phenomena on the atomic scale. With this realization came the advent of quantum physics, one of the most important intellectual movements in human history. Today, quantum physics is everywhere: it explains how our computers work, how lasers transmit information across the Internet, and allows scientists to predict accurately the behavior of nearly every particle in nature. Its application continues to be fundamental in the investigation of the most expansive questions related to our world and the universe.  

However, while the field and principles of quantum physics are known to have nearly limitless applications, the fundamental reasons why this is the case are far less understood. In Quantum Physics: What Everyone Needs to Know, quantum physicist Michael G. Raymer distills the basic principles of such an abstract field, and addresses the many ways quantum physics is a key factor in today's science and beyond. The book tackles questions as broad as the meaning of quantum entanglement and as specific and timely as why governments worldwide are spending billions of dollars developing quantum technology research. Raymer's list of topics is diverse, and showcases the sheer range of questions and ideas in which quantum physics is involved. From applications like data encryption and quantum computing to principles and concepts like "quantum nonlocality" and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, Quantum Physics: What Everyone Needs to Know is a wide-reaching introduction to a nearly ubiquitous scientific topic.

©2017 Oxford University Press (P)2018 Tantor

Excellent overview explained in clear language

An excellent overview of the current state of quantum physics that uses easily digestible analogies. I feel like I have a better understanding of how to describe quantum phenomenon now than what I had understood previously via standard pop-science explanations. For example, the uncertainty principle is usually stated as: if you measure the position of a particle then its momentum is uncertain, and vice-versa. But, it's important to understand that the "particle" in this case never had a position or momentum, and the author spends a sufficient amount of time on this and other concepts to clarify the difference. This, and other concepts are all elucidated well, a difficult task for a subject that is inherently unintuitive. The reader comes away with the full appreciation that quantum fields can explain virtually every process in the universe with great accuracy, along with the profound wonder about it's deeper meaning without veering into the mystical.

Amazing

I’ve read or listened to most quantum physics books out there and this one by far does the best at explaining the theory accurately without dumbing down the material or making analogies that don’t hold up under scrutiny. The author does an amazing job at describing what is known/not known/can’t be known and why as well as providing sufficient evidence and persuasion to allow the reader to come to the same conclusions on their own - something very hard to achieve in such a complicated theory of reality that does not fit our intuition. Bravo!! The narrator for the audiobook is also one of my favorites. His voice is soothing and relaxing, which helps when listening to something that typically causes a person to become perplexed or frustrated in the ability to fully comprehend what the author is saying. 5 stars for sure. Get this book or audiobook and share with your friends!

amazing book.....

amazing book....a first comprehensive step in an otherwise thorny subject as quantum physics is. Truly flabbergasting audio book....well read, easy yo follow and thorougly documented. A must to enjoy in this time of uncertanty indeed....

The Facination of Quantum Computer

I just live it. It is clear to me. This book told me what many professors did not have the strenght to tell me.

great content

Would be nice to see the diagrams for sure. if it included a PDF I'd would be giving it all 6s. I love this narrator's voice for technical books.

Great overview of key concepts

The book explains exactly enough to fundamentally and by example understand the key concepts of quantum physics.
Absolutely necessary to read for anyone who wants to understand the field.
Every information in the book is useful.

Good primer and the narrator's voice is relaxing

I mainly got this one because I like the narrator and over time you forget a lot of the basic foundations, so tried it out. For someone just refreshing your memory or, and especially, anyone getting their first taste of quantum physics, this book does a very good job! It doesn't get too far from the foundational descriptions that you need to keep in mind as you learn more and more.

and beyond that the narrator is great very understandable and relaxing voice,.

This book was very informative but it was not for the general reader or even someone trying to learn about quantum physics.

I am an amateur in quantum physics, I’ve been reading books on quantum physics for several years trying to understand the dilemma in the field. Several of the chapters in this book were way over My head

If I had known this book was so highly technical I am might have thought twice about buying it. Although, several of the chapters were very good.

Structure and pace

The presentation was good enough(and for me that seems great) that I began to anticipate details and questions. I want more details; I have more questions.

I like it and am rereading it.

Are the illustrations & charts available?

Awesome

I mean what more could you ask for, i could listen for free. Just goes to show how much you can learn in this world, much better than the others. Pick up an applied quantum mathematics work book why you’re at it.