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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 (477 ratings)
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Quantum cover art

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

What listeners say about Quantum

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

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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    5 out of 5 stars
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This is a truly excellent read!

Any additional comments?


Well written and well read. For such a mind bending topic, the audiobook flowed well and kept to a good pace.

Even for a quantum layman, I felt this was a great overview of this fascinating topic.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in stretching their mind a little.

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21 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Not my first quantum book

I have read other books on science which dealt with quantum mechanics but this book has it as the main matter while still covering the related familiar classical/relativity areas of research. I enjoyed this change of perspective as well as the style of writing. Like other good books or gives the authors opinions, but in context referring to other opinions and open questions.
Like others have said it will definitely need to be re listened to. But then unless you are a physicist that applies to most of these books.
The reader did his job well and wasn't annoying. That's all you can ask.

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12 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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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    5 out of 5 stars
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More than loved this.

Brilliantly clear and understandable. Though I'll need to listen several times to grasp it. Perfectly narrated too.

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7 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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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

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    4 out of 5 stars
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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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    5 out of 5 stars
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Best things come in small packages or is it waves?

Jim does a great job explaining the unexplainable, although will need a re-listen as I'm not a physicist; in fact id imagin I'll come back again and again. He manages to avoid using any complex maths and tells the story of the weird little world very well.

Narrator is pretty good, would have preferred a slightly slower pace in order to digest the info, shame Jim didn't narrate himself.

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4 people found this helpful

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great introduction to quantum mechanics.

great listen. covers all the major points and gives a good overview of major figures in the development of the theory, and its practical applications. above all links or up nicely with quantum gravity at the end and the quest for a unified theory.

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3 people found this helpful

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A fascinating descruption of current quantum theory

I can't honestly say I undetstood it alk but I certainly got the general direction - I found it easy listening and will certainly give another go.

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3 people found this helpful