In Search of Schrödinger's Cat
Encyclopedia
In Search of Schrödinger's Cat is a book written by physicist John Gribbin
on quantum theory
, discussing in layman's terms its logic and many interpretations. Gribbin explains the body of evidence leading up to the development of quantum physics and summarises the historical context in which it occurred. He explores in detail the mysteries surrounding quantum physics and the implications of the theory. Throughout the book, Gribbin refers to a body of experimental evidence to support the theory and to aid the reader's understanding. He also uses thought experiment
s to help the reader understand the crucial concepts and interpretations of quantum physics, including of course Schrödinger's Cat
. Finally, Gribbin explores the philosophical implications of the theory, and leaves the reader with loose ends. In the sequel to this book, Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality
, Gribbin tries to tie these loose ends together with his interpretation of String Theory
.
John Gribbin
John R. Gribbin is a British science writer and a visiting Fellow in astronomy at the University of Sussex.- Biography :John Gribbin graduated with his bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Sussex in 1966. Gribbin then earned his master of science degree in astronomy in 1967, also...
on quantum theory
Introduction to quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics is the body of scientific principles that explains the behavior of matter and its interactions with energy on the scale of atoms and atomic particles....
, discussing in layman's terms its logic and many interpretations. Gribbin explains the body of evidence leading up to the development of quantum physics and summarises the historical context in which it occurred. He explores in detail the mysteries surrounding quantum physics and the implications of the theory. Throughout the book, Gribbin refers to a body of experimental evidence to support the theory and to aid the reader's understanding. He also uses thought experiment
Thought experiment
A thought experiment or Gedankenexperiment considers some hypothesis, theory, or principle for the purpose of thinking through its consequences...
s to help the reader understand the crucial concepts and interpretations of quantum physics, including of course Schrödinger's Cat
Schrödinger's cat
Schrödinger's cat is a thought experiment, usually described as a paradox, devised by Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger in 1935. It illustrates what he saw as the problem of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics applied to everyday objects. The scenario presents a cat that might be...
. Finally, Gribbin explores the philosophical implications of the theory, and leaves the reader with loose ends. In the sequel to this book, Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality
Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality
Schrödinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality is a book by John Gribbin, published in 1996, which attempts to explain the mysteries of modern quantum mechanics in a popular-scientific way...
, Gribbin tries to tie these loose ends together with his interpretation of String Theory
String theory
String theory is an active research framework in particle physics that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity. It is a contender for a theory of everything , a manner of describing the known fundamental forces and matter in a mathematically complete system...
.