Light Physics

Histories of science in the 20th century have focused on relativity and quantum mechanics. But, quietly in the background, there has been a third area of exploration that has equally important implications for our understanding of the universe. It is unknown to the general public, despite the fact that many Nobel prize winners, senior academics and major research centres around the world have been devoted to it - it is the study of plasma.

In this book, we will break through the confusion and reveal to you the most important ideas of quantum physics, told through the amazing true story of just four bizarre discoveries–many of which were made completely by accident!

No less a figure than Bertrand Russell remarked that Aristotle’s Physics was ‘extremely influential and dominated science until the time of Galileo’. This was despite the fact that this work is as much a collection of ‘lectures on nature’ rather than dealing with the science of physics...

Unlock the mind-bending secrets of the universe and everyday physics without touching a single complex math equation. Designed for curious lifelong learners, this conversational guide transforms intimidating scientific concepts into intuitive, concrete mental pictures. Whether you are driving on...

A fascinating exploration of the science of the impossible—from death rays and force fields to invisibility cloaks—revealing to what extent such technologies might be achievable decades or millennia into the future. One hundred years ago, scientists would have said that lasers, televisions...

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.

Explore the laws and theories of physics in this accessible introduction to the forces that shape our Universe, our planet, and our everyday lives. Using a bold, graphic-led approach The Physics Book sets out more than 80 key concepts and discoveries that have defined the subject and influenced...

In 1965, the great American physicist Richard Feynman famously proclaimed, "I think I can safely say that nobody understands Quantum Mechanics." Is there any wonder why? Particles that pop in and out of existence... Spooky action at a distance that travels faster than light... Infinite universes and branching realities? In this book, we will break through the confusion and reveal to you the most important ideas of Quantum Physics, told through the amazing true story of just 4 bizarre discoveries.

In Quantum Physics: What Everyone Needs to Know, quantum physicist Michael G. Raymer distills the basic principles of such an abstract field, and addresses the many ways quantum physics is a key factor in today's science and beyond. The book tackles questions as broad as the meaning of quantum entanglement and as specific and timely as why governments worldwide are spending billions of dollars developing quantum technology research. Raymer's list of topics is diverse, and showcases the sheer range of questions and ideas in which quantum physics is involved.

In this deeply original book, science writer Anil Ananthaswamy sets out in search of the telescopes and detectors that promise to answer the biggest questions in modern cosmology. Why is the universe expanding at an ever faster rate? What is the nature of the "dark matter" that makes up almost a quarter of the universe? Why does the universe appear fine-tuned for life? Are there others besides our own?

"Consciousness might be the greatest mystery of the universe, and Annaka Harris is our best detective... You'll never think about what happens between your ears in the same way again." -Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again "Follow along as Annaka Harris interviews (and...

Awe-inspiring and accessible, this exclusive audio documentary by bestselling author Annaka Harris explores the unknown corners of consciousness and the cosmos. 'Follow along as Annaka Harris interviews (and graciously challenges) the world’s leading scientists on the nature of...

My beginner's book is your ticket to one of the coolest and most mysterious subjects out there. This isn't your average physics book. It's a portal to understanding the stuff that makes up... well, everything! Subatomic particles. Do not let their size fool you; they have a massive impact on the world around you—the fundamental part of how everything works and not as complex as you might fear.

Let There Be Light presents a simple, beautiful, and elegant view of the oneness of all life, subjective and objective. It demonstrates the unity of the physical world with conscious experience of the physical world. Consciousness is not inside space and time, space and time are within consciousness; they are a special structure of the perceptual portion of consciousness.

Relativity's validity hinges on the velocity of light being invariant—meaning it never shifts. This self-narrated audiobook argues that it does—and presents monumental consequences of that reality. As Einstein himself said, "If the velocity of light is even a little bit dependent upon the velocity of the light source, then my entire theory of Relativity and theory of Gravitation is false." LIGHT takes Einstein's quote and 1913 acknowledgment of this Achilles' heel seriously—and demolishes the cornerstone of relativity's entire edifice—and with it, much of QED.

In a beautifully written, science-packed, and inspirational memoir, Egyptian-American astrophysicist Sarafina El-Badry Nance shares how she boldly carved out a place in the field of astrophysics, grounding herself in a lifelong love of the stars to face life’s inevitable challenges and embrace...

Uncover the brilliant science of light – how it affects our wellbeing, shapes our lives, and illuminates the universe. From the initial formation of photons deep inside the sun to the illumination with which you are reading these words, there is no part of our universe that has not been...

In The Smallest Lights in the Universe, MIT astrophysicist Sara Seager interweaves the story of her search for meaning and solace after losing her first husband to cancer, her unflagging search for an Earth-like exoplanet and her unexpected discovery of new love. Sara Seager has made it her...

Master the mind-bending physics of time dilation and spacetime without solving a single math equation. Perfect for an intellectually stimulating commute, this accessible popular science journey translates complex cosmology into vivid, everyday scenarios. You will trade confusing formulas for...

Shrink down into a playful STEM adventure that turns complex quantum physics into a wonder-filled journey for kids. Perfect for inquisitive minds during family road trips or screen-free bedtime listening, this story-led exploration makes the invisible microscopic universe feel friendly and...