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The World According to Physics by Jim Al-Khalili

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The World According to Physics

Publisher
Princeton University Press
Publish Date
10 March 2020
Run Time
6 hours 35 minutes
Format
Audiobook
$13.95

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What to expect

This audiobook narrated by quantum physicist, New York Times bestselling author, and BBC host Jim Al-Khalili offers an illuminating look at what physics reveals about the world
Shining a light on the most profound insights revealed by modern physics, Jim Al-Khalili invites us all to understand what this crucially important science tells us about the universe and the nature of reality itself.
Al-Khalili begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of space, time, energy, and matter, and then describes the three pillars of modern physics—quantum theory, relativity, and thermodynamics—showing how all three must come together if we are ever to have a full understanding of reality. Using wonderful examples and thought-provoking analogies, Al-Khalili illuminates the physics of the extreme cosmic and quantum scales, the speculative frontiers of the field, and the physics that underpins our everyday experiences and technologies, bringing the reader up to speed with the biggest ideas in physics in just a few sittings. Physics is revealed as an intrepid human quest for ever more foundational principles that accurately explain the natural world we see around us, an undertaking guided by core values such as honesty and doubt. The knowledge discovered by physics both empowers and humbles us, and still, physics continues to delve valiantly into the unknown.
Making even the most enigmatic scientific ideas accessible and captivating, this deeply insightful book illuminates why physics matters to everyone and calls one and all to share in the profound adventure of seeking truth in the world around us.

Critics Review

  • "People should enjoy physics, says Al-Khalili, and you can't help thinking as you are propelled along through the historical and familiar principles, as well as more recent and emerging ideas, that he is entirely correct. . . . The beauty of [Al-Khalili's] approach is that it keeps open the sense of wonder, discovery and possibility that is so attractive to the non-specialist reader."---Nick Smith, Engineering & Technology

    Engineering & Technology

  • "This book is a refreshing, equations-free, occasionally philosophical take on what physics is all about that should appeal to physicists and the public alike."

    Nature Astronomy

  • "Jim Al-Khalili's The World According to Physics is a thrilling ride . . . [it] makes cutting-edge physics easily understandable and makes it clear why he fell in love with the subject as a teenager."---Richard Webb, New Scientist

    New Scientist

  • "Al-Khalili shows how physics can enrich our understanding not just of the world around us, but of ourselves, too."---Hannah Shaddock, Radio Times

    Radio Times

See more reviews
  • "A fantastic book . . . [it] helped me to remember what I first loved about the subject."---Daniel Bennett, BBC Science Focus Podcast

    BBC Science Focus Podcast

  • "Broadcaster and quantum physicist Jim Al-Khalili is a superb guide to the fundamental principles of quantum theory, relativity and thermodynamics."

    Mail on Sunday

  • "Ever wanted to get into quantum physics, but been afraid to try? This book might be the answer. Bestselling author and BBC host Jim Al-Kahlili invites us to understand reality and the universe better as he explains modern physics to us."---Claire Handscombe, Book Riot

    Book Riot

  • "One of Waterstones' Books of the Year 2020: Popular Science"

    Waterstones

  • "Shortlisted for the Royal Society Insight Investment Prize for Science Books"

    Royal Society Insight Investment Prize

  • "One of the Financial Times' Summer Books of 2020: Science"

    Financial Times

  • "One of the Financial Times' Best Books of 2020: Science"

    Financial Times

  • "One of Symmetry Magazine's Top Physics Books of 2020"

    Symmetry Magazine

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Details

Author
Jim Al-Khalili
Narrator
Jim Al-Khalili
Duration
6 hours 35 minutes
Release Date
10 March 2020
ISBN
9780691205052
Format
Audiobook
Publisher
Princeton University Press
Genre
Physics, Philosophy of science

Synopsis

This audiobook narrated by quantum physicist, New York Times bestselling author, and BBC host Jim Al-Khalili offers an illuminating look at what physics reveals about the world Shining a light on the most profound insights revealed by modern physics, Jim Al-Khalili invites us all to understand what this crucially important science tells us about the universe and the nature of reality itself. Al-Khalili begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of space, time, energy, and matter, and then describes the three pillars of modern physics—quantum theory, relativity, and thermodynamics—showing how all three must come together if we are ever to have a full understanding of reality. Using wonderful examples and thought-provoking analogies, Al-Khalili illuminates the physics of the extreme cosmic and quantum scales, the speculative frontiers of the field, and the physics that underpins our everyday experiences and technologies, bringing the reader up to speed with the biggest ideas in physics in just a few sittings. Physics is revealed as an intrepid human quest for ever more foundational principles that accurately explain the natural world we see around us, an undertaking guided by core values such as honesty and doubt. The knowledge discovered by physics both empowers and humbles us, and still, physics continues to delve valiantly into the unknown. Making even the most enigmatic scientific ideas accessible and captivating, this deeply insightful book illuminates why physics matters to everyone and calls one and all to share in the profound adventure of seeking truth in the world around us.

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