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  • Quantum

  • A Guide for the Perplexed
  • By: Jim Al-Khalili
  • Narrated by: Hugh Kermode
  • Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (479 ratings)

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Quantum

By: Jim Al-Khalili
Narrated by: Hugh Kermode
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Summary

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

Quantum mechanics underpins modern science and provides 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 20th century and witness the birth of quantum theory, which over the next 100 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.

Read by Hugh Kermode.

©2003 Jim Al-Khalili (P)2016 Orion Publishing Group
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What listeners say about Quantum

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very well explained

quantum theory visualised dare I say it! the best explaination and conceptualisation of quantum mechanics yet.

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excellent

loved it! a great introduction for anyone wanting a better understanding of the quantum world and the latest developments with quantum computing.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Thought provoking

This is a well written if incredibly technical account of theoretical physics. It helps explain the wonders of the universe but you do need to be a PHD graduate to even begin to grasp much of this. I admit some of this is outside my range of understanding but then some of this was also outside Albert Einstein’s reach too so I’m in good company.

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Wow!!

What a great read/listen. Well worth the listen. Some really hard things to grasp, but the author puts it across in a way that is easy to understand.

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1 person found this helpful

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A little less perplexed.

Jim Al-Kalili certainly makes quantum physics more accessible to the lay person non-scientist. A few times I felt like I was just hearing words, but most of the time I was getting it, I think. As much as anyone can really wrap their head around quantum physics. I do feel like I know more and understand the topic better.

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23 people found this helpful

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brilliant sometimes too consise

this book gives amazing explanations of things, lets you know history of quantum physics and is precise in its detail though some parts are too concise, like loop quantum gravity

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Still perplexed but getting there

Maybe, I should have bought the book rather than the audio? Of course I might just be too thick to fully comprehend the subject matter.
Then I am get the impression, that the subject leaves those that are studying it in much the same quandary.
Great audio, enjoy.

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4 people found this helpful

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Perplexed?

I’m still perplexed and have come to realise that this subject is beyond me.The book itself is well written and the author strives to educate even me ,so well worth a listen.

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Wow. Just wow.

This is what I've been looking for, for a long time. The book is amazing because it doesn't go into the into the crazy mathematics and concepts that other books would delve into, while explaining the matter clearly. The analogies used are very helpful, at times humourous. When listening to this, I had more than one moment of epiphany.

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7 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Great book for the curious layman

Helped me understand a bit more about the quantum world and elaborates on the fundamental aspects.
Explained some of the practical applications of quantum physics.
I recommend adding this to your reading list if you fascinated with the quantum world but don't really have a 'scooby doo' about its maths and physics!

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6 people found this helpful