Sneaking a look at God's cards: unraveling the Mysteries of quantum mechanics

Science News, March 12, 2005

SNEAKING A LOOK AT GOD'S CARDS: Unraveling the Mysteries of Quantum Mechanics GIANCARLO GHIRARDI

The world of quantum mechanics is inherently counterintuitive. Waves behave like particles; particles behave like waves. An electron faced with two tiny holes will travel through both at the same time, rather than one or the other. Scientists' knowledge of the diminutive world of electrons and atoms, the domain at which quantum mechanics unfolds most dramatically, remains fractional, but that hasn't stopped them from exploiting what they know to develop technologies ranging nuclear energy to microelectronics. AS Ghirardi chronicles the scientific and technological advances in quantum mechanics, he also offers insight into the conundrums that plague scientists and philosophers who struggle to make sense of this realm. Furthermore, he explores why this line of research has yet to permeate our culture in the way that genetics, evolution, or general relativity already have. Ghirardi provides both a retrospective account that gives readers a sense from whence quantum mechanics has come and a prospective analysis that suggests what's on the horizon for quantum physicists as they strive to reach the next level of understanding. The text is rigorous, even including mathematical equations from time to time, but not totally daunting. Dozens of drawings help the reader grasp the many challenging concepts that Ghirardi summons in this sweeping treatment of one of the most unfathomable yet important scientific frameworks of our time. PUP, 2005, 488 p, b&w photos/illus., hardcover, $35.00.