Where Did the Universe Come From? And Other Cosmic Questions: Our Universe, from the Quantum to the Cosmos

by Chris Ferrie, Geraint Lewis

Overview

Go on an awe-inspiring journey, unraveling the secrets of our universe from the tiniest particles to the vastness of space

In this thought-provoking exploration, physicists Chris Ferrie and Geraint F. Lewis delve into the fundamental questions that have puzzled humanity for centuries. What sparked the birth of the universe? How did matter and energy come into existence? With clarity and precision, Ferrie and Lewis navigate the realms of quantum physics, relativity, and cosmology, providing accessible explanations that engage both novices and enthusiasts.

Featuring a harmonious blend of scientific rigor and captivating storytelling, Where Did the Universe Come From? bridges the gap between complex concepts and everyday understanding. 

Readers will:

• Explore the origin of the universe and the fundamental forces that govern it.
• Dive into the mind-boggling realm of quantum mechanics and its implications on the cosmic scale.
• Uncover the mysteries of black holes, dark matter, and the enigmatic nature of the cosmos.
• Enjoy an engaging narrative that seamlessly integrates complex scientific concepts with accessible explanations.

Whether you're an astrophysics enthusiast, a science student, or simply someone with a profound interest in the wonders of the universe, this comprehensive guide offers a rich tapestry of knowledge about the captivating wonders that surround us all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728238814
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	09/07/2021
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	653,181
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 5.30(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Chris Ferrie is an award-winning physicist and Senior Lecturer for Quantum Software and Information at the University of Technology Sydney. He has a Masters in applied mathematics, BMath in mathematical physics and a PhD in applied mathematics. He lives in Australia with his wife and children.

Table of Contents

Preface xiii

The Quantum and the Cosmos 1

Part 1 The Quantum of Cosmos Past 19

Where did the universe come from? 21

Why is the universe so smooth? 38

Why is there matter in the universe? 55

Where did the elements come from? 72

Part 2 The Quantum of Cosmos Present 87

How did we unravel the chemistry of the heavens? 89

Where did the chemicals inside us come from? 104

Why do dying stars rip themselves apart? 119

Is the entire universe a quantum thing? 133

Part 3 The Quantum of Cosmos Future 147

Why don't all dead stars become black holes? 149

Will matter last forever? 161

Do black holes last forever? 173

Is the end of the universe really the end? 184

Part 4 The Future of a Quantum Cosmos 195

Where have we been? 197

What does a theory of everything look like? 201

Where can a theory of everything take us? 208

What still stands in our way? 212

Acknowledgments 219

Endnotes 221

Index 238

About the Authors 254

Editorial Reviews

09/27/2021

Physicists Ferrie (Quantum Physics for Babies) and Lewis (The Cosmic Revolutionary’s Handbook) lead a tour through space and time in this accessible exploration of the universe’s greatest mysteries. In an effort to show how quantum science (about “the world of the very small”) and the cosmos (“the whole shebang”) are closely connected despite being “the two extremes of human understanding,” the authors cover a wealth of cosmological phenomena and scientific concepts. Thermodynamics (in the answer to “Why is the universe so smooth?”) and chemistry (“Where did the elements come from?”) are up first and serve as a foundation for understanding and appreciating more theoretical concepts, such as quasars, which help to explain how “we unravel the chemistry of the heavens”; a discussion of why every star doesn’t become a black hole; and a deep-dive into dark energy, which plays a role in whether “the end of the universe is really the end.” Though the early, more basic explanations are often choppy and repetitive, the authors hit their stride in later chapters as they get into knottier topics. Historical anecdotes, dashes of humor, and the authors’ passion keep things moving. Readers curious about cosmology will find this a good place to start. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

"A comprehensive but accessible tour of what we know about our amazing universe, which addresses the big questions about its origin and ultimate fate, and is suitable for anyone with curiosity, from 9 to 109." — Marcus Chown, author of Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand

"With questions that bring together quantum physics and cosmology, this book's answers offer a unique and engaging slant on science at the very largest and very smallest scales. You'll never look at the universe the same way again." — Chad Orzel, international bestselling author of Breakfast with Einstein and How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog

"Where Did the Universe Come From? is one of the most accessible summaries of the present state of cosmology on the market." — Booklist" — Booklist

From the Publisher