Physics of the Impossible

A Scientific Exploration into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel

By: Michio Kaku

Narrated by: Feodor Chin

Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

One hundred years ago, scientists would have said that lasers, televisions, and the atomic bomb were beyond the realm of physical possibility. In Physics of the Impossible, the renowned physicist Michio Kaku explores to what extent the technologies and devices of science fiction (such as phasers, force fields, teleportation, and time travel) that are deemed equally impossible today might well become commonplace in the future.

From teleportation to telekinesis, Kaku uses the world of science fiction to explore the fundamentals - and the limits - of the laws of physics as we know them today. In a compelling and thought-provoking narrative, he explains:

How the science of optics and electromagnetism may one day enable us to bend light around an object, like a stream flowing around a boulder, making the object invisible to observers downstream

How ramjet rockets, laser sails, antimatter engines, and nanorockets may one day take us to the nearby stars

How telepathy and psychokinesis, once considered pseudoscience, may one day be possible using advances in MRI, computers, superconductivity, and nanotechnology

Why a time machine is apparently consistent with the known laws of quantum physics, although it would take an unbelievably advanced civilization to actually build one

Kaku uses his discussion of each technology as a jumping-off point to explain the science behind it. An extraordinary scientific adventure, Physics of the Impossible takes listeners on an unforgettable, mesmerizing journey into the world of science that both enlightens and entertains.

©2008 Michio Kaku (P)2008 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Science and science fiction buffs can easily follow Kaku's explanations as he shows that in the wonderful worlds of science, impossible things are happening every day." ( Publishers Weekly)

Capable of being understood.

Dr. Kaku is wonderful because he has a way of explaining *very* complex things in a way that the layman can understand. His exploration of "impossible" feats from science fiction is awesome for any sci-fi fan, and it really helps explain why certain things will or will not work. It's not a math book, which is great for those who are not mathematicians or engineers/scientists. Very enjoyable, providing you're interested in such things (which is a fair guess if one is considering this book.)

Goldie Locks science

Where does Physics of the Impossible rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book ranks on a shelf by itself. I enjoyed the way Dr. Kaku explains difficult subjects in an everyday understandable fashion.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This question doesn't really apply so I will just say. I really enjoyed the way the author explained common science fiction topics such as artificial intelligence and time travel from a point of view that accepts their possible eventuality.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the section describing nano technology.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This book doesn't work like that but I did get a real sense of hope for an interesting future for man kind.

Any additional comments?

I've seen Dr. Kaku many times on T.V. And know his voice well. The narrator often inflected his speech identical to that of the author. I just found that to be a curiosity.

all you ever wanted to know about things you never

this book allowed a common person like myself, to enjoy journey into a world of hypotheticals. if you listen to it closely you'll find yourself questioning the very existence of what you are at an atomic level.

Loved this book and audio book

Any additional comments?

I liked this book so much I got the audio book. When I first read this book a couple years ago, I pretty much devoured it. my physics knowledge has been minimal at best, but I picked up enough to have a lengthy conversation with a physics teacher and understand what was the concepts she brought up. Michio's books should have a sub label "Physics for dummies" I will pick up some of the other books he's written to see if they are as good.

Needs an update.

It’s amusing listening to outdated speculative physics. Definitely needs a little brush up with advances from the past decade or two!

Great book

very informative book,loved. it. the first science book I've actually enjoyed. I really enjoyed the authors style of writing.

Fantastically interesting

This book went through different science ideas that were interesting and partly theoretical. It was a true joy to read/listen. It also gave ideas for writing science fiction.

Outstanding Book. Needs Author as Narrator.

Narrator does not have passion or understanding of the subject matter. Dr. Kaku's voice would bring both!

Great book

The pacing was nice, and the details rampant. If you enjoy learning about complex ideas this is a very good book. It explains things in terms that are interesting and easy to understand.

Leaves a tad cold

I just can't bring myself to give 5 stars to a non-fiction title that is read by someone other than the other; exception Steven Hawking. Kaku is on TV all the time so it's not shyness or speaking ability that prevents him from putting in the time (and I'm sure it's a lot) to lend his voice to his works. The book is interesting and it teaches you real physics by showing you unreal physics. Very interesting all though I think not seeing some charts or pictures probably is a drawback in this case.