Completely non-mathematical, yet wholly faithful to the basic concepts of quantum mechanics, this book tells the fascinating story of the most thoroughgoing revolution in physics since Newton. In the first year of the twentieth century, a professor of theoretical physics in Berlin, Max Planck, suggested that light was not absorbed smoothly, but rather in small bundles or "quanta." Five years later, a Swiss patent clerk, Albert Einstein, proposed that the radiation itself must exist as quanta. Thus was born a new age in physics — the age of the quantum — in which some of the most basic assumptions of classical physics were swept away, and a magnificent new theoretical structure created. This new physics was steeped in higher mathematics. Its concepts were often in contradiction with common sense. It rapidly became increasingly abstract and complex, to such an extent that even those well versed in classical physics were often unable to follow its labyrinthine turns and twists. How then could the layman understand it? This book answers that question. By means of analogies, examples, and imaginative insights, it acquaints the layman with the historical development and basic meaning of such momentous theories and discoveries as Bohr's energy levels of the atom, Pauli's exclusion principle, de Broglie's wave theory, Bohr's correspondence principle. Schroedinger's wave equation, Heinsenberg's uncertainty principle, Dirac's fundamental laws of quantum mechanics, Sommerfeld's fine structure theory, Feynman's world lines, electron spin, invariance, the quantum number, and numerous other concepts that so drastically changed our notion of the universe. A long postscript, written especially for this edition, brings the reader abreast of events to 1958. "Of the books attempting an account of the history and contents of modern atomic physics which have come to my attention, this is the best. The captivating beauty of its prose, the ingenuity of its organization and the peculiar adequacy of its analogies entitle a reviewer of this book to such luxurious praise." — Henry Margenau, Professor of Physics, Yale University.

The Strange Story of the Quantum

Science & Math

HOFFMANN, BANESH

Physics

Dover Publications

In this fascinating, accessible introduction to one of the most revolutionary developments in modern physics, Einstein scholar Banesh Hoffmann recounts the successive insights that led to both the special and general theories of relativity. Using simple examples from everyday life, the author presents entertaining, nontechnical demonstrations of what relativity actually means and how it has revolutionized our ideas of time and space. Starting with the geometrical and cosmological ideas of the ancient Greeks, the author traces the succession of ideas and advances that paved the way for modern physics, including the theories of Kepler and Newton, Galilean mechanics, the work on electricity and magnetism by Faraday and Maxwell, and many other relevant topics. Complete with easily understood analogies and numerous instructive diagrams, this stimulating volume brings the complexities of relativity into focus for all readers, even for those with no math or science background.

Relativity and Its Roots

Astronomy & Space Science

"Excellent." — Harper's Magazine. "A controversy has raged for some time over the validity of multiple-choice questions which are overwhelmingly the chief device of the college entrance examinations. The strongest attack on this front is The Tyranny of Testing by Dr. Banesh Hoffmann." — The Wall Street Journal. "It would be a fine thing if this book could be made required reading for all high school guidance and college admissions officers and committees." — Baltimore Sun. In this classic critique, a mathematician and educator who served for many years as a test consultant to the Westinghouse Annual Talent Search challenges the supremacy of standardized testing. "There is no escaping the testers with their electrical scoring machines," warns author Banesh Hoffmann. "They measure our IQs at regular intervals. They tell admissions officers how many points worth of college aptitude we possess. They classify us en masse in the army. They screen us when we apply for jobs." Hoffmann's complete and well-documented account of the failings and dangers of mechanical testing illustrates the inherent flaws in aptitude and achievement tests. It demonstrates the inadequacies of multiple-choice testing, in which candidates simply choose answers and need not justify their replies, revealing the tests' inclination to reward superficiality rather than subtlety and creativity. Aimed at teachers and others involved in education, this polemic exposes the corporate testing giants whose dubious claims to scientific accuracy shield them from public scrutiny.

The Tyranny of Testing

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Using simple examples from everyday life, an Einstein scholar offers entertaining, nontechnical demonstrations of the meaning of relativity theory. Starting with the geometrical and cosmological ideas of the ancient Greeks, he traces the theory's development from its basis in work by Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Faraday, Maxwell, and others. 1983 edition.

Relativity and its roots

Scientific American Books

Describes the advances in mechanics, optics, and electromagnetism which indirectly led to Einstein's general and special theories of relativity

W.H.Freeman & Co.

Albert Einstein: Creator & Rebel

Biographies & Memoirs

Dukas, Helen

Professionals & Academics

Blackstone Pub

Recreates the dramatic birth of a new age in science in an imaginative history of the theories and discoveries which have formed the basis of modern atomic physics

The Strange Story of the Quantum: An Account for the General Reader of the Growth of the Ideas Underlying Our Present Atomic Knowledge

Dover Pubns

THE STRANGE STORY OF THE QUANTUM SECOND EDITION

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

History

Nabu Press

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.  This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible.  Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.   This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations.  Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc.  Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Andesite Press

Albert Einstein, créateur et rebelle

SEUIL

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Books by HOFFMANN, BANESH

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The Strange Story of the Quantum

Relativity and Its Roots

The Tyranny of Testing

Relativity and its roots

Relativity and Its Roots

Albert Einstein: Creator & Rebel

The Strange Story of the Quantum: An Account for the General Reader of the Growth of the Ideas Underlying Our Present Atomic Knowledge

THE STRANGE STORY OF THE QUANTUM SECOND EDITION

THE STRANGE STORY OF THE QUANTUM SECOND EDITION

Albert Einstein, créateur et rebelle