The Quantum World, New Scientist
The Quantum World, New Scientist
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The Quantum World
The disturbing theory at the heart of reality

Author: New Scientist

Narrator: Mark Elstob

Unabridged: 4 hr 26 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/15/2017

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

Forget everything you thought you knew about reality.

The world is a seriously bizarre place. Things can exist in two places at once and travel backwards and forwards in time. Waves and particles are one and the same, and objects change their behaviour according to whether they are being watched. This is not some alternative universe but the realm of the very small, where quantum mechanics rules. In this weird world of atoms and their constituents, our common sense understanding of reality breaks down - yet quantum mechanics has never failed an experimental test. What does it all mean?

For all its weirdness, quantum mechanics has given us many practical technologies including lasers and the transistors that underlie computers and all digital technology. In the future, it promises computers more powerful than any built before, the ability to communicate with absolute privacy, and even quantum teleportation.

The Quantum World explores the past, present and future of quantum science, its applications and mind-bending implications. Discover how ideas from quantum mechanics are percolating out into the vast scale of the cosmos - perhaps, in the future, to reveal a new understanding of the big bang and the nature of space and time.

ABOUT THE SERIES
New Scientist Instant Expert books are definitive and accessible entry points to the most important subjects in science; subjects that challenge, attract debate, invite controversy and engage the most enquiring minds. Designed for curious readers who want to know how things work and why, the Instant Expert series explores the topics that really matter and their impact on individuals, society, and the planet, translating the scientific complexities around us into language that's open to everyone, and putting new ideas and discoveries into perspective and context.

About New Scientist

Since 1956, New Scientist has established a world-beating reputation for exploring and uncovering the latest developments and discoveries in science and technology, placing them in context and exploring what they mean for the future. Each week through a variety of different channels, including print, online, social media and more, New Scientist reaches over 5 million highly engaged readers around the world.Follow New Scientist on Twitter: @newscientist


Reviews

Goodreads review by S.A on October 10, 2025

Lazy Researcher Review: Listen Albert Einstein Vs Neil Bohr, Schroedinger vs that student who basically inspired him to go on a ski trip and theorize on that cat, Einstein Vs Schroedinger, etc etc. Quantum Theory and Quantum Mechanics is so dramatic I'd pay to watch theorists go mad and enter the ri......more

Goodreads review by Mauricio on February 26, 2023

It’s an overall good book to grasp the basics of Quantum Physics.......more

Goodreads review by Steph on January 19, 2022

It got a bit deep at times, but that's the nature of the subject. If you're not confused when reading about quantum physics then you're probably a genius. 💖 I enjoyed it overall and it's a good introduction to the subject.......more

Goodreads review by Eva on June 30, 2018

It's an up-to-date review of what's hot in quantum information, as well as a documented essay about quantum theory history. Weird enough, some fundamental definitions are missing, such as what is the EPR paradox (it's everywhere in the book, but never cleary explained), but it's an interesting and i......more

Goodreads review by Dani on October 24, 2021

A great stepping stone for anyone who wants to understand quantum mechanics......more