The Quantum World: Quantum Physics for Everyone | Kenneth W. Ford

The Quantum World: Quantum Physics for Everyone | Kenneth W. Ford | One of the best

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The Quantum World:...

	The Quantum World: Quantum Physics for Everyone Kenneth W. Ford Harvard University Press, 2005 - 304 pages average customer review:based on 24 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

As Kenneth W. Ford shows us in The Quantum World, the laws governing the very small and the very swift defy common sense and stretch our minds to the limit. Drawing on a deep familiarity with the discoveries of the twentieth century, Ford gives an appealing account of quantum physics that will help the serious reader make sense of a science that, for all its successes, remains mysterious. In order to make the book even more suitable for classroom use, the author, assisted by Diane Goldstein, has included a new section of Quantum Questions at the back of the book. A separate answer manual to these 300+ questions is available; visit The Quantum World website for ordering information.

There is also a cloth edition of this book, which does not include the "Quantum Questions" included in this paperback edition.

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A good introduction

It is a very good introduction to this
exciting field for high school or college
students.

One of the best

This book is obviously targeted at the layman -- it's not a textbook. It makes very few assumptions about the reader's background -- but from a practical perspective, a reader with some appreciation for basic physics will get more from the book. What amazes me is just how much territory the author covers, using a very informal and approachable style. It's thoughtful exposition, not just a perfunctory review of the facts. In my opinion this is one of the best "introductory" books on quantum physics.

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Deeper within the Onion

Of all of the basic introductory, non-textbook physics books that I have been using lately, this is one of the better ones. I rated it a 4 but it is just short of being a five.

Dr Ford writes for a brighter group of readers, who are willing to understand and tackle deeper concepts in physics. It is interesting to note that a class of high school physics physics students are thanked for their feedback on reviewing the book. I could easily see this book being used as a supplemental book for a high school class.

I like the way he introduces and uses possible decay equations for particles. This and his discussion of some concepts move the reader into a deeper understanding of the physics concepts. One example is the detailed introduction to fermions and bosons. It is like peeling away some of the skin of the onion and moving deeper within the onion that is physics and science in general.

I also like the information on some of the scientists that show examples of some of the brightest people and their work over the last 100 plus years. One example, Wolfgang Pauli, of exclusion principle fame, graduating with PhD at age 21 and and earning his fame by age 26.

Some of his phrasing is intended to be fun and interesting, especially for younger readers. One example is the fact that he cites of Olivia Newton-John being the grand-daughter of Max Born. Although I am not sure how many youngsters will remember her or her years of fame as a singer back in the 1970s and 80s.

I recommend this book as a good read.

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Physics

I have found this book very easy to read and understand. It is great for people who want to know things regarding physics without a 'gob' of formulas to be confused with.

No, not everyone

I wanted a book that would give me an overview of quantum physics and since this was a fairly recent book, I thought it would do the trick.

Unfortunately, I found it pretty dull. It was alright at first, but every time it got bogged down into the historical notes, I found my brain wandering off and it became increasingly difficult to return and finish the book. With the extensive and detailed digressions into who wrote what when, I approached the more interesting parts with growing disinterest.

I do NOT mind historical notes and have often read history of ___ books, but the amount of detail was completely unnecessary in telling the story.

I agree with what another reader said, 'all over the place.' Perhaps he was trying to appease every audience he could think of rather than producing a book with universal appeal/approachability.

In short, if I wanted a history of physics book, I would have bought one. I didn't intend to buy half a pop-sci physics book and half a history of physics book and lose track every time it switched from one to the other. It was ok. It was just not what I thought I purchased.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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