Quantum Theory: A Very Short Introduction

by John Polkinghorne

Overview

Quantum Theory is the most revolutionary discovery in physics since Newton. This book gives a lucid, exciting, and accessible account of the surprising and counterintuitive ideas that shape our understanding of the sub-atomic world. It does not disguise the problems of interpretation that still remain unsettled 75 years after the initial discoveries. The main text makes no use of equations, but there is a Mathematical Appendix for those desiring stronger fare. Uncertainty, probabilistic physics, complementarity, the problematic character of measurement, and decoherence are among the many topics discussed. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191577673
Publisher:	OUP Oxford
Publication date:	05/30/2002
Series:	Very Short Introductions
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

John Polkinghorne was from 1968 to 1979 Professor of Mathematical Physics in the University of Cambridge, and later president of Queen's College. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, and was knighted in 1997. His many books include The Quantum World (1986), The Faith of a Physicist (1994), and Science and Theology (1998).

Table of Contents

	Preface	xi
	List of illustrations	xiii
1	Classical cracks	1
2	The light dawns	15
3	Darkening perplexities	39
4	Further developments	58
5	Togetherness	77
6	Lessons and meanings	82
	Further reading	93
	Glossary	95
	Mathematical appendix	99
	Index	111