Quantum (book)
Encyclopedia
Quantum is a science history book written by Manjit Kumar. He describes Einstein
, Bohr
and the "Great Debate about the Nature of Reality
" that played out over a number of years, particularly at the Fifth Solvay International Conference on Electrons and Photons in 1927. It offers a masterclass in how to help readers through, as he narrates the life of some eminent physics revolutionaries and their work and also present the readers an exicting overlook of the environment of science in the golden age of physics. He entertains with a wonderfully illuminating narrative, telling the life stories of not only Bohr
and Einstein
, but also Planck
, Rutherford
, Schrödinger
and many more. It had also been shortlisted for the BBC Saemuel Johnson Prize
, 2009.
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of general relativity, effecting a revolution in physics. For this achievement, Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics and one of the most prolific intellects in human history...
, Bohr
Niels Bohr
Niels Henrik David Bohr was a Danish physicist who made foundational contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum mechanics, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922. Bohr mentored and collaborated with many of the top physicists of the century at his institute in...
and the "Great Debate about the Nature of Reality
Bohr–Einstein debates
The Bohr–Einstein debates were a series of public disputes about quantum mechanics between Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr, who were two of its founders. Their debates are remembered because of their importance to the philosophy of science. An account of them has been written by Bohr in an article...
" that played out over a number of years, particularly at the Fifth Solvay International Conference on Electrons and Photons in 1927. It offers a masterclass in how to help readers through, as he narrates the life of some eminent physics revolutionaries and their work and also present the readers an exicting overlook of the environment of science in the golden age of physics. He entertains with a wonderfully illuminating narrative, telling the life stories of not only Bohr
Niels Bohr
Niels Henrik David Bohr was a Danish physicist who made foundational contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum mechanics, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922. Bohr mentored and collaborated with many of the top physicists of the century at his institute in...
and Einstein
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of general relativity, effecting a revolution in physics. For this achievement, Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics and one of the most prolific intellects in human history...
, but also Planck
Max Planck
Max Karl Ernst Ludwig Planck, ForMemRS, was a German physicist who actualized the quantum physics, initiating a revolution in natural science and philosophy. He is regarded as the founder of the quantum theory, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.-Life and career:Planck came...
, Rutherford
Ernest Rutherford
Ernest Rutherford, 1st Baron Rutherford of Nelson OM, FRS was a New Zealand-born British chemist and physicist who became known as the father of nuclear physics...
, Schrödinger
Erwin Schrödinger
Erwin Rudolf Josef Alexander Schrödinger was an Austrian physicist and theoretical biologist who was one of the fathers of quantum mechanics, and is famed for a number of important contributions to physics, especially the Schrödinger equation, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933...
and many more. It had also been shortlisted for the BBC Saemuel Johnson Prize
Samuel Johnson Prize
The Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction is one of the most prestigious prizes for non-fiction writing. It was founded in 1999 following the demise of the NCR Book Award and based on an anonymous donation. The prize is named after Samuel Johnson...
, 2009.
Further reading
- Poole, Steve, "The mischievous oracle: A brilliant guide to quantum physics impresses Steven Poole", The GuardianThe GuardianThe Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
, Saturday 15 November 2008 - Martin, Andy, "Quantum, By Manjit Kumar : Collisions with the solace of quantum", The IndependentThe IndependentThe Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
, Friday, 5 December 2008