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Title:  The Strange Story Of The Quantum

Author: Banesh Hoffmann
Edition: 2nd
ISBN: 0-486-20518-5
Date: 1947/1959
Publisher: Dover Publications
Binding: Soft Cover
Size approximately (inches): 5-1/4 x 8
Pages: 285

Book Condition: Acceptable. Previously owned. Shelving wear, some wrinkles and rolled edges/corners

Special Notes: NA

About the book*

The Strange Story of the Quantum by Banesh Hoffmann is a compelling narrative that chronicles the evolution of quantum theory from its inception to its establishment as a cornerstone of modern physics. Aimed at general readers, the book eschews complex mathematics in favor of clear explanations, analogies, and historical context, making the intricate world of quantum mechanics accessible to non-specialists.

Chapter list:

1. Preface

2. Prologue

3. Act I

   • The Quantum is Conceived

   • It Comes to Light

   • Tweedledum and Tweedledee

   • The Atom of Niels Bohr

   • The Atom of Bohr Kneels

   • Author's Warning to the Reader

4. Act II

   • The Exploits of the evolutionary Prince
   • Laundry Lists Are Discarded

   • The Asceticism of Paul

   • Electrons Are Smeared

   • Unification

   • The Strange Denouement

   • The New Landscape of Science

5. Epilogue

6. 1959 (Postscript updating developments up to that year)

7. Index

This structure reflects Hoffmann's narrative approach, blending historical context with conceptual explanations to make quantum mechanics accessible to general readers. Each chapter delves into pivotal developments and figures in the evolution of quantum theory, providing insights into the scientific revolutions that reshaped our understanding of the atomic world.

Hoffmann begins by setting the stage with late 19th-century physics, highlighting experiments like Heinrich Hertz's work on electromagnetic waves, which laid the groundwork for future discoveries. He then delves into Max Planck's revolutionary proposal in 1900 that energy is quantized, introducing the concept of energy quanta. This idea was further developed by Albert Einstein, who suggested that light itself is quantized, leading to the explanation of the photoelectric effect.

The narrative continues with Niels Bohr's model of the atom, which introduced quantized electron orbits, and the subsequent challenges that led to the development of new quantum theories. Hoffmann discusses the emergence of wave-particle duality, Louis de Broglie's hypothesis of matter waves, and the formulation of quantum mechanics through the contributions of Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrödinger, and Paul Dirac.

Throughout the book, Hoffmann emphasizes the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics, such as the uncertainty principle and the probabilistic nature of quantum events, which challenged classical notions of determinism and reality. He also touches upon the broader impact of quantum theory on fields like chemistry and technology.

By weaving historical developments with conceptual explanations, The Strange Story of the Quantum provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of how quantum mechanics emerged and transformed our perception of the physical world. It's an enlightening read for anyone interested in the history and fundamentals of quantum physics.

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From W5SWL

*AI is used to present some modern description content. Subject to review and possible inaccuracy.