Introducing Quantum Theory: A Graphic Guide to Science's Most Puzzling Discovery [Paperback]

J.P. McEvoy (Author), Oscar Zarate (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 2003

Quantum theory confronts us with bizarre paradoxes which contradict the logic of classical physics. At the subatomic level, one particle seems to know what the others are doing, and according to Heisenberg's "uncertainty principle", there is a limit on how accurately nature can be observed. And yet the theory is amazingly accurate and widely applied, explaining all of chemistry and most of physics. "Introducing Quantum Theory" takes us on a step-by-step tour with the key figures, including Planck, Einstein, Bohr, Heisenberg and Schrodinger. Each contributed at least one crucial concept to the theory. The puzzle of the wave-particle duality is here, along with descriptions of the two questions raised against Bohr's "Copenhagen Interpretation" - the famous "dead and alive cat" and the EPR paradox. Both remain unresolved.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

J.P. McEvoy is a former research scientist and now a science journalist. Oscar Zarate is a highly acclaimed graphic artist who has illustrated many Introducing titles. His prize-winning graphic novel A Small Killing is known throughout the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Icon Books; First edition & printing in this form edition (October 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840468505
• ISBN-13: 978-1840468502
• Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 0.5 x 6.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,402 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Quantum Theory

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 64 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good review of a tough subject March 26, 2000

By Larry Goeller

Format:Paperback

I went through the ordeal of getting a PhD in Physics many years ago; like most students of physics, I spent a lot of time diagonalizing Hamiltonians and finding eigenvalues, and not as much time as I would have liked studying the big picture. Thus, I got a lot out of this book. It helped me "connect the dots" of the islands of knowledge I have of the more general theory. I very much like the historical approach this book takes; the history of quantum mechanics really is a great story. It is always nice to hear that the guys that invented this stuff had trouble understanding it too.

I don't know how much of what I got out of this book is due to the ten years (!) I spent in college and grad school struggling with these concepts. I think a book like this should be required reading for all physics majors and graduate students. It is my hope that all interested readers would get as much enjoyment out of this book as I did, but it may be that there is just too much pre-supposed knowledge for this to be the case. All I can say is, this is about as clear as quantum mechanics gets.

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolute Must for a Fundamental Understanding January 25, 2005

By C. Middleton

Format:Paperback

The "Introducing" and "Beginners" series of texts in the last decade, has paved the way for readers to understand, at least on a fundamental level, highly complex schools of thought on a wide variety of subjects. From Analytical philosophy to Semiotics and Modernism to Post Modernism, readers curious about these subjects now have the opportunity to at least grasp basic tenets and general theories, enabling a solid foundation or spring board to venture into further study. Unfortunately for some, these texts appear infantile, at least in appearance, because they are illustrated in a comic book style, peppered with dubious humour, and so basic, that those `expert' in these subjects believe, at least on a surface level, that they do more harm than good. In other words, this is an effort at mere trivialization of a known serious subject. In my view, this is no more than intellectual snobbery, as these books have indeed paved the way for students interested in complex subjects to grasp their basic tenets and graduate to specific and more sophisticated study.

For those not acquainted with Quantum Theory, this text is a must for those interested in further study. It begins with a basic explanation of classic physics and gently brings the reader forward in the subjects fascinating evolution to present day.

We are introduced to the theories of Max Planck and his Pre-Atomic Model of Matter. Albert Einstein's theories are explained and expanded upon, along with the "Quantum Hero" of quantum theory, Neils Bohr. We are guided through the theories of these physics giants, Heisenberg, Schrödinger and Wolfgang Pauli with his Anomalous Zeeman Effect, Electron Spin and the Exclusion Principle. These titles seem daunting, but author, J.P. McVoy and illustrator, Oscar Zarate, present these theories in translucent terms and easy-on-the-eye visuals, ensuring the penny drops for all of us.

There are two notions in Quantum theory that has always puzzled me. These are the `wave-particle duality and so-called `no-locality' theory where, almost magically, at the sub atomic level, a single particle seems to be "aware" of what the others are doing. In other words, there is an action and corresponding reaction, transcending the speed of light. This text adequately explains these theories and have made them much more comprehensible than ever before.

As an introduction to Quantum Theory, this text is an absolute must for the curious reader or serious student.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great little book March 10, 2004

By magellan HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

I already had the Introducing Logic book, which I thought was excellent, so I thought I'd try this one too in the series. I certainly never thought I'd see a book on quantum physics that was as good as this one done in such a cartoon-like style. I really liked the Introducting Logic book, and I wasn't disappointed with this one either. It presents the many strange and even paradoxical phenomena of quantum physics in a clear and concise way, and the illustrations are a fun and amusing way of keeping the reader's attention while helping to further the reader's understanding of the concepts. Even presented in such an engaging way, however, they're still not easy. Quantum physics is just not very intuitive and you just have to get used to that fact, but this book will give you a basic understanding of the area without too much cognitive anguish and serious brain strain.

After reading this book, if you're interested in further material, the late, great Richard Feynman's book, QED, is still the best introduction for the non-specialist. It contains almost no math and Feynman uses mainly spatial concepts to illustrate and explain quantum electrodynamics in a less mathematical, more intuitive way with his usual wit, enthusiasm, and style. The concepts are explained clearly and concisely in a way that is accessible to the layman and non-physicist. After reading this book, if you're interested in a more mathematical treatment, I would recommend the R.I.G. Hughes book, The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Theory. It uses a little calculus, but mostly sticks to presenting the mathematics of quantum linear algebra, vector spaces, tensors, and matrix theory as developed by David Hilbert specifically for use in quantum mechanics. It's much more technical than Feynman's book but will give you a much better understanding of quantum mechanics in terms of the mathematical theory.