The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics

ISBN-13: 9780521667807 / Angielski / Miękka / 2000 / 172 str.

Daniel F. Styer

Opis

This is an exceptionally accessible, accurate, and nontechnical introduction to quantum mechanics. After briefly summarizing the differences between classical and quantum behavior, this engaging account considers the Stern-Gerlach experiment and its implications, treats the concepts of probability, and then discusses the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and Bell's theorem. Coverage introduces the quantal interference and the concept of amplitudes, and also reveals the link between probabilities and the interference of amplitudes. Final chapters explore exciting new developments in quantum computation and cryptography, discover the unexpected behavior of a quantal bouncing-ball, and tackle the challenge of describing a particle with no position. Thought-provoking problems and suggestions for further reading are included. Suitable for use as a course text, The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics enables students to develop a genuine understanding of the domain of the very small. It will also appeal to general readers seeking intellectual adventure.

Recenzje

'The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics not only provides a lively written, accurate and non-technical introduction to these basic concepts of quantum mechanics but also manages to bridge the gap from these basic concepts to modern developments which are still of topical interest for current research … this book is an ideal source for any non-physicist with a strong interest in the central ideas of quantum mechanics … thus The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics is also highly recommendable to students and even to experts as a complementary textbook.' G. Alber, Contemporary Physics

Spis treści

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Classical magnetic needles; 3. The Stern–Gerlach experiment; 4. The conundrum of projections: repeated measurements; 5. Probability; 6. The Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen paradox; 7. Variations on a theme by Einstein; 8. Optical interference; 9. Quantal interference; 10. Amplitudes; 11. Working with amplitudes; 12. Two slit inventions; 13. Quantum cryptography; 14. Quantum mechanics of a bouncing ball; 15. The wavefunction; Appendix A: a brief history of quantum mechanics; Appendix B: putting weirdness to work; Appendix C: sources; Appendix D: general questions; Appendix E: bibliography; Appendix F: skeleton answers for selected problems; Index.