The World According to Physics

Synopsis

Quantum physicist, New York Times bestselling author, and BBC host Jim Al-Khalili offers a fascinating and illuminating look at what physics reveals about the world

Shining a light on the most profound insights revealed by modern physics, Jim Al-Khalili invites us all to understand what this crucially important science tells us about the universe and the nature of reality itself.

Al-Khalili begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of space, time, energy, and matter, and then describes the three pillars of modern physics-quantum theory, relativity, and thermodynamics-showing how all three must come together if we are ever to have a full understanding of reality. Using wonderful examples and thought-provoking analogies, Al-Khalili illuminates the physics of the extreme cosmic and quantum scales, the speculative frontiers of the field, and the physics that underpins our everyday experiences and technologies, bringing the reader up to speed with the biggest ideas in physics in just a few sittings. Physics is revealed as an intrepid human quest for ever more foundational principles that accurately explain the natural world we see around us, an undertaking guided by core values such as honesty and doubt. The knowledge discovered by physics both empowers and humbles us, and still, physics continues to delve valiantly into the unknown.

Making even the most enigmatic scientific ideas accessible and captivating, this deeply insightful book illuminates why physics matters to everyone and calls one and all to share in the profound adventure of seeking truth in the world around us.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Stuff of the Universe

* Introduces the fundamental particles of matter: electrons, protons, neutrons, and quarks.
* Explains the structure of atoms and the electromagnetic force that binds them together.
* Real example: The detection of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider confirmed the existence of the force that gives particles mass.

Chapter 2: Motion and Energy

* Discusses the laws of motion and energy, including Newton's laws and the conservation of energy.
* Explores the connection between energy, mass, and the speed of light as given by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc².
* Real example: The development of rocket engines based on the principle of conservation of momentum.

Chapter 3: Heat and Temperature

* Explains the concept of heat as the transfer of energy between objects.
* Introduces the laws of thermodynamics and the different states of matter.
* Real example: The use of refrigerators to cool food by transferring heat from the inside to the outside.

Chapter 4: Waves

* Explores the nature of waves, including their properties (frequency, wavelength, amplitude) and their ability to transmit energy.
* Discusses different types of waves (electromagnetic, sound, water) and their applications.
* Real example: The use of electromagnetic waves in communication and medical imaging.

Chapter 5: Light

* Examines the dual nature of light as both a wave and a particle (photon).
* Explains the principles of reflection, refraction, and diffraction.
* Real example: The use of mirrors and lenses in telescopes and microscopes to enhance our vision.

Chapter 6: The Quantum World

* Introduces the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, including the wave-particle duality of matter and the concept of quantum superposition.
* Discusses the implications of quantum theory for our understanding of reality.
* Real example: The development of quantum computers, which exploit quantum properties to solve complex problems.

Chapter 7: The Universe

* Explores the structure and history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present day.
* Discusses the properties of stars, galaxies, and black holes.
* Real example: The discovery of exoplanets, planets that orbit stars outside our solar system.

Chapter 8: Relativity

* Introduces Einstein's theories of special and general relativity.
* Explains the effects of time dilation, length contraction, and gravity on space and time.
* Real example: The use of GPS systems, which account for relativistic effects to provide accurate positioning.

Chapter 9: The Future of Physics

* Discusses the unresolved questions and challenges in physics, such as dark matter, dark energy, and the nature of consciousness.
* Explores the potential for future discoveries and technological advancements.
* Real example: The ongoing search for a unified theory of all the forces of nature.