Understanding Quantum Physics
After Newton and Maxwell formulated their theories, it seemed that
nothing could challenge physics' established approach to describing
natural phenomena.
The principle of causality successfully described electromagnetic
phenomena and the motion of celestial bodies within a deterministic
framework.
With his theory of relativity, Einstein extended the description of motion
to speeds comparable to the speed of light.
The change began with increasingly detailed studies at the atomic level.
Planck, Bohr and Einstein abandoned the concept of continuity in favor
of quantization, while still interpreting phenomena within a classical
framework.
It took the contributions of the young Heisenberg and Schr dinger to
move beyond the classical interpretation and embrace the astonishing
new quantum interpretation.
The subsequent formalization of quantum mechanics, based on the
noncommutative algebra introduced by the young Dirac, further
advanced the application of quantum theory to the microscopic world.
Quantum physics revealed an entirely new way in which matter and light
behave in the microscopic world.
The atom is no longer pictured as a system of electrons orbiting like
planets along definite trajectories, with precisely determined velocities
and positions.
Quantum physics describes the microscopic world in terms of
uncertainty and an evolution of nature toward disorder, rather than the
cause-and-effect determinism that dominates classical physics.
Particles can transmit information to one another instantaneously,
exceeding the speed-of-light limit imposed by Einstein's theory of
special relativity.
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Understanding how matter behaves at the atomic level will encourage
you to reflect on the idea that the world around us can no longer be
interpreted through deterministic reasoning alone.
Hundreds of books explore the fascinating world of quantum physics,
but most are either written for a general audience or intended for
university-level study.
In this book, I have aimed to explain the concepts clearly without
neglecting rigorous mathematical formulas and proofs, using language
accessible to readers with a high-school background in mathematics
and physics.
This book does not claim to offer an exhaustive account of quantum
theory. Its aim is to equip readers to understand popular science books
on the subject from a scientific perspective and to provide a sound
foundation for further study at university level.
I would like to thank everyone who supported me while I was writing this
book. I hope it will be useful to all those beginning to study the
fascinating world of quantum physics, and I would welcome any
suggestions for improvement.
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