Sneaking a look at God's cards: unraveling the Mysteries of quantum mechanics.SNEAKING A LOOK AT GOD'S CARDS: Unraveling the Mysteries of Quantum Mechanics quantum mechanics: see quantum theory. quantum mechanics Branch of mathematical physics that deals with atomic and subatomic systems. It is concerned with phenomena that are so small-scale that they cannot be described in classical terms, and it is GIANCARLO GHIRARDI The world of quantum mechanics is inherently counterintuitive coun·ter·in·tu·i·tive adj. Contrary to what intuition or common sense would indicate: "Scientists made clear what may at first seem counterintuitive, that the capacity to be pleasant toward a fellow creature is ... . Waves behave like particles; particles behave like waves. An electron faced with two tiny holes will travel through both at the same time, rather than one or the other. Scientists' knowledge of the diminutive world of electrons and atoms, the domain at which quantum mechanics unfolds most dramatically, remains fractional, but that hasn't stopped them from exploiting what they know to develop technologies ranging nuclear energy to microelectronics. AS Ghirardi chronicles the scientific and technological advances in quantum mechanics, he also offers insight into the conundrums that plague scientists and philosophers who struggle to make sense of this realm. Furthermore, he explores why this line of research has yet to permeate permeate /per·me·ate/ (-at?) 1. to penetrate or pass through, as through a filter. 2. the constituents of a solution or suspension that pass through a filter. per·me·ate v. our culture in the way that genetics, evolution, or general relativity general relativity n. The geometric theory of gravitation developed by Albert Einstein, incorporating and extending the theory of special relativity to accelerated frames of reference and introducing the principle that gravitational and inertial forces already have. Ghirardi provides both a retrospective account that gives readers a sense from whence quantum mechanics has come and a prospective analysis that suggests what's on What's On (Traditional Chinese: 熒幕八爪娛) is a weekly half-hour TV series that airs on Fairchild Television. Format Originally started in 1996, the show is currently the longest-running program in Fairchild Television history. the horizon for quantum physicists as they strive to reach the next level of understanding. The text is rigorous, even including mathematical equations from time to time, but not totally daunting daunt tr.v. daunt·ed, daunt·ing, daunts To abate the courage of; discourage. See Synonyms at dismay. [Middle English daunten, from Old French danter, from Latin . Dozens of drawings help the reader grasp the many challenging concepts that Ghirardi summons in this sweeping treatment of one of the most unfathomable yet important scientific frameworks of our time. PUP, 2005, 488 p, b&w photos/illus., hardcover, $35.00. |
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