Quantum Physics A Beginner's Guide

by Rae, Alastair

• ISBN13: 9781851683697
• ISBN10: 1851683690
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-07-01
• Publisher: Oneworld Publications

Summary

Of all modern scientific theories, quantum theory has perhaps done more than any other to change the way we think about basic structure of the universe. This clear and accessible introduction covers quantum physics in theory and in practice, and explains why it has become known not just as a theory, but as a revolution.

Author Biography

Alastair Rae is editor of The European Journal of Physics and was, until his recent retirement, Reader in Quantum Physics at the University of Birmingham.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. x
Quantum physics is not rocket science	p. 1
Mathematics	p. 4
Classical physics	p. 7
A first look at quantum objects	p. 16
Summary	p. 22
Waves and particles	p. 24
Travelling waves and standing waves	p. 27
Light waves	p. 29
Interference	p. 30
Light quanta	p. 32
Matter waves	p. 36
An electron in a box	p. 38
Varying potential energy	p. 44
Quantum tunnelling	p. 45
A quantum oscillator	p. 48
The hydrogen atom	p. 50
Other atoms	p. 56
Summary	p. 58
Power from the quantum	p. 61
Chemical fuels	p. 61
Nuclear fuels	p. 65
Green power	p. 72
Summary	p. 79
Metals and insulators	p. 81
What about the ions?	p. 88
A bit more about metals	p. 96
Summary	p. 99
Semiconductors and computer chips	p. 101
The p-n junction	p. 107
The transistor	p. 110
The photovoltaic cell	p. 116
Summary	p. 118
Superconductivity	p. 119
'High-temperature' superconductivity	p. 130
Flux quantization and the Josephson effect	p. 132
Summary	p. 137
Spin doctoring	p. 140
Quantum cryptography	p. 144
Quantum computers	p. 148
Summary	p. 154
What does it all mean?	p. 156
The measurement problem	p. 165
Alternative interpretations	p. 169
Summary	p. 175
Conclusions	p. 177
The early years	p. 177
Since 1950	p. 178
The future	p. 180
Glossary	p. 182
Index	p. 189
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