The Quantum Dice

Front Cover
CRC Press, Jan 1, 1993 - Science - 256 pages
"Real black magic calculus" is how Albert Einstein described quantum mechanics in a letter in 1925. Quantum mechanics is now rather more widely understood by physicists, but still many "outsiders" are unaware of what quantum mechanics is, how it has changed the course of development of physics and how it affects their everyday lives. This book gives a fascinating account of the evolution of the ideas and concepts of quantum theory and modern physics, written by an "insider" but aimed specifically at the general science reader. Many anecdotes from famous past physicists give an insight into their work and personalities. The many illustrations are an important and attractive feature of the book.
Leonid Ponomarev is a leading theoretical physicist. His deep understanding of the subject is allied with his wide knowledge of history, literature and philosophy to produce this history of the development of modern physics and its impact on our lives.

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Contents

Preface
9
Chapter Two
25
Chapter Three
39
Chapter Four
52
Chapter Five
63
Table of Elements
69
Chapter Six
79
Quantumalia
86
Chapter Eleven
136
Chapter Twelve
147
The Energy of Radium
155
Uranium Family
161
Quantumalia
167
Artificial Radioactivity
173
Chapter Fifteen
180
Nuclear Fission
188

OpticalMechanical Analogy
92
Chapter Eight
99
Quantum Truth
105
Uncertainty Relation
111
Quantumalia
117
Probability Waves
123
Probability and Atomic Spectra
126
Chapter Sixteen
192
The Atomic Bomb
206
Crucibles of Elements
220
Chapter Nineteen
235
SUBJECT INDEX
250
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About the author (1993)

L.I Ponomarev (Atomic Energy Inst, Russian Sci Center, Moscow, Russia) (Author), I.V Kurchatov (Atomic Energy Inst, Russian Sci Center, Moscow, Russia) (Author)

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