With
this book you begin exploring the mysterious world of Quantum Mechanics
— two words that have for over 100 years struck terror in the hearts of
both physics students and the general public.
As we shall see, the
behavior of nature is remarkably surprising in the micro-world of
molecules, atoms, and everything smaller yet. But this should be a
surprise of wonder instead of terror. For most of us, nature is also
surprising on the savannahs of Serengeti, but who wouldn't delight in
seeing lions, elephants, cheetahs, and gazelles in their native
habitat? As your tour guide, I will show you the wonders of Quantum
Mechanics, while making sure you aren't devoured.
Quantum Mechanics is the theory of physics that describes nature in the
micro-world. There is much to discuss, too much for just one book. We
will start by taking small steps that lead to some great surprises. We
focus here on particles, waves, and quantization. See below for topics
covered In later ebooks.
Example
In the micro-world
staircases dominate;
in the macro-world we see ramps.
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