Quantum Themes: The Charms Of The Microworld

by Thanu Padmanabhan

Overview

Quantum theory is one of the more abstract branches of theoretical physics, yet it makes clear and concrete predictions which are repeatedly verified experimentally. More recently, there has been some confluence between the concepts of microphysics and those of macrophysics. Currently fashionable ideas in cosmology are also deeply linked to concepts from quantum theory, thus piquing greater interest in this subject. This timely book takes stock of what quantum theory has achieved and where it is leading to at present, in a manner understandable to an educated layman.The book describes concepts in a strictly scientific manner without trying to make them sound overly philosophical or “hyping” them up. At the same time, careful explanation of the concepts and details (including the technical terminology) are given in a nonmathematical language for the general reader. In particular, emphasis is given to the specific aspects of quantum theory that interface with gravity and cosmology, so as to keep the book reasonably up to date and focused on a key underlying theme.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789812835451
Publisher:	World Scientific Publishing Company, Incorporated
Publication date:	03/13/2009
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

Table of Contents

Preface vii

1 The hubris of classical physics 1

1.1 Explaining nature: Apples and the moon 1

1.2 More laws of classical physics 9

1.3 Laws of physics in moving cars 16

1.4 Heat as a form of motion 19

1.5 Entropy: A new beast 25

1.6 A peep ahead: Where did it go wrong? 32

2 And then there was Einstein 37

2.1 Something crazy about light 37

2.2 Time and its flow 39

2.3 Relativity in action 43

2.4 Principle of equivalence 48

2.5 Gravity and light: More amazing consequences 56

2.6 Gravity and the universe 61

2.7 The odd man out 67

3 Madness of the micro-world 69

3.1 Waves 69

3.2 Electron: Wave or particle? 73

3.3 Things are quantized! 80

3.4 Spin and the social behaviour of particles 87

3.5 Interaction of matter and radiation 91

3.6 The atomic nuclei 95

3.7 Quantum states of cats and other conceptual issues 104

4 Particles, particles everywhere 111

4.1 Adding relativity to quantum theory 111

4.2 The particle zoo 120

4.2.1 Leptons and quarks 121

4.3 Quantum electrodynamics: A prototype model 127

4.4 Weak and strong interactions 133

4.5 The secret life of the vacuum 138

5 Cosmos and the quantum 143

5.1 Structure of the universe 143

5.2 Thermal history of the universe 146

5.3 Very early universe 152

5.4 Inflation 155

5.5 Dark matter 158

5.6 Structure formation 160

5.7 Ripples in radiation 162

5.8 Dark energy 164

6 Matters of gravity 171

6.1 This peculiar thing called gravity 171

6.2 Particles from the vacuum 178

6.3 Horizon, entropy and temperature 188

6.4 Gravity as an emergent phenomenon 197

6.5 Black holes, singularity and the information 200

7 In the beginning 205

7.1 But, howdid it all begin? 205

7.1.1 Chemical elements 205

7.1.2 Galaxies and stars 206

7.2 The origin of initial perturbation 209

7.3 Quantum cosmology 211

7.4 Cosmogenesis 214

Index 217