Quantum

From Schrodinger’s cat to Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, this book untangles the weirdness of the quantum world.

‘A master of making the complex simple’ Independent
‘Al-Khalili is the ideal guide through [the] mysteries of modern science’ New Scientist
‘Superb’ Guardian

Quantum mechanics underpins modern science and provide us with a blueprint for reality itself. And yet it has been said that if you’re not shocked by it, you don’t understand it. But is quantum physics really so unknowable? Is reality really so strange? And just how can cats be half-alive and half-dead at the same time?

Our journey into the quantum begins with nature’s own conjuring trick, in which we discover that atoms – contrary to the rules of everyday experience – can exist in two locations at once. To understand this, we travel back to the dawn of the twentieth century and witness the birth of quantum theory, which over the next one hundred years was to overthrow so many of our deeply held notions about the nature of our universe. Scientists and philosophers have been left grappling with its implications ever since.

‘An excellent and lavishly illustrated book’ Marcus Chown, New Scientist

‘This guide may leave the reader enlightened and perplexed at the same time. Reassuringly, the pros feel the same’ Independent

Readers love this:

‘It’s clear and straightforward . . . I think I may have finally understood what the quantum universe is about. If I have it’s because the book is well written’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I took Quantum Mechanics as part of my physics degree in 1967 and didn’t understand a word of it. Where were you Jim when I needed you most!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The inexplicable presented in a very readable way’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I must say Jim Al-Khalili has got to be . . . the funniest scientist on the planet’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Quantum Mechanics demonstrates that fact is stranger than fiction’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐