Quantum themes : the charms of the microworld / Thanu Padmanabhan.

Print version record.

1. The hubris of classical physics. 1.1. Explaining nature : apples and the moon. 1.2. More laws of classical physics. 1.3. Laws of physics in moving cars. 1.4. Heat as a form of motion. 1.5. Entropy : a new beast. 1.6. A peep ahead : where did it go wrong? -- 2. And then there was Einstein. 2.1. Something crazy about light. 2.2. Time and its flow. 2.3. Relativity in action. 2.4. Principle of equivalence. 2.5. Gravity and light : more amazing consequences. 2.6. Gravity and the universe. 2.7. The odd man out -- 3. Madness of the micro-world. 3.1. Waves. 3.2. Electron : wave or particle? 3.3. Things are quantized! 3.4. Spin and the social behaviour of particles. 3.5. Interaction of matter and radiation. 3.6. The atomic nuclei. 3.7. Quantum states of cats and other conceptual issues -- 4. Particles, particles everywhere. 4.1. Adding relativity to quantum theory. 4.2. The particle zoo. 4.3. Quantum electrodynamics : a prototype model. 4.4. Weak and strong interactions. 4.5. The secret life of the vacuum -- 5. Cosmos and the quantum. 5.1. Structure of the universe. 5.2. Thermal history of the universe. 5.3. Very early universe. 5.4. Inflation. 5.5. Dark matter. 5.6. Structure formation. 5.7. Ripples in radiation. 5.8. Dark energy -- 6. Matters of gravity. 6.1. This peculiar thing called gravity. 6.2. Particles from the vacuum. 6.3. Horizon, entropy and temperature. 6.4. Gravity as an emergent phenomenon. 6.5. Black holes, singularity and the information -- 7. In the beginning ... 7.1. But, how did it all begin? 7.2. The origin of initial perturbation. 7.3. Quantum cosmology. 7.4. Cosmogenesis.

Quantum theory is one of the more abstract branches of theoretical physics, yet it makes clear and concrete predictions which are repeatedly verified experimentally. More recently, there has been some confluence between the concepts of microphysics and those of macrophysics. Currently fashionable ideas in cosmology are also deeply linked to concepts from quantum theory, thus piquing greater interest in this subject. This timely book takes stock of what quantum theory has achieved and where it is leading to at present, in a manner understandable to an educated layman. The book describes concepts in a strictly scientific manner without trying to make them sound overly philosophical or "hyping" them up. At the same time, careful explanation of the concepts and details (including the technical terminology) are given in a nonmathematical language for the general reader. In particular, emphasis is given to the specific aspects of quantum theory that interface with gravity and cosmology, so as to keep the book reasonably up to date and focused on a key underlying theme.

eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - Worldwide