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Summary: Quantum Theory in Plain Language
Review: A book devoted to the development of quantum theory, Jim Baggott gives readers a much-desired rest from the mathematical rigidity of the subject. This book is fun, pleasant, and easy to read. It introduces the fundamental and key ideas of quantum theory through clever, to-the-point analogies and diagrams. Many physical chemistry students, or just science audience, will welcome this plain approach of the subject. Landmark concepts such as operators, postulates, Pauli principle, Bohr-Einstein debate and Bell's theorem are covered with a lucid and thoughtful account.
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Summary: Excellent introduction to Quantum Theory
Review: FINALLY!! Of all the Quantum books I have seen, this book is the most helpful and clear book I have ever read on this subject. I have a difficult time understanding Quantum from the math that most books use to describe it; this book gives historical background and philosophy of the theory which makes it not only understandable, but EASY.
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Summary: Accessible Overview of Quantum Theory
Review: For those interested in modern physics, you could do far worse than read The Meaning of Quantum Theory. This is by far the most intelligable and complete look at Quatum Theory that I have come across. Bagott has written this book for the technically litterate, but has avoided using mathematics for anything other than illustration of some of the finer points of the theory. Whether you have a degree in the physical sciences or not, you will probably find that this book make Quantum Theory as clear as it can be. Having read it at the same time I was taking an undergraduate quantum mechanics course, I found this book helped me make sense of the mathematics. Students who have been, are being, or expect to be exposed to the theory should buy this book and read it; everything will make much more sense.
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Summary: Insight into Quantum Theory - Great for Physics Students
Review: I have a fascination for books on the meaning of quantum theory. Many target the layman and dispense with mathematics. Others assume the reader is adept at applying both wave mechanics and matrix mechanics to quantum problems. Published by Oxford University Press, "The Meaning of Quantum Theory", strikes a good balance that is ideal for undergraduate students of physics and chemistry, and is especially useful as a companion for a formal text on quantum theory. The author, Jim Baggott, combines his experience as a freelance science writer with his skill as a respected lecturer in physical chemistry. In 1989 he was awarded the Marlow Medal from the Faraday Division of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his research contributions in chemical kinetics and spectroscopy. Baggott is an exceptional writer and I enjoy reading sections at random. I have twice read his book and probably will do so again. About quantum theory Baggott says, "For the first time, students are taught about a theory which they have to accept and which they have to learn how to apply, but which they cannot be expected to be told its meaning." Baggott argues that beneath the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics, there exists an interpretation, and a philosophy, that warrants investigation. The first chapter (40 pages) offers a historical overview of the early development of quantum theory that is probably familiar to many readers. Chapter 2 (35 pages), titled "Putting it into Practice", differentiates Baggott's work from many others. We learn about operator algebra, and then we encounter experimental evidence that we must either use non-commuting matrices, or non-commuting operators, to describe position-momentum relationships in quantum physics. Baggott then carefully introduces the underlying postulates of quantum physics (and the mathematical formulation) as described by John von Neumann. We learn about complementary observables, the Dirac bracket notation, state vectors and eigenfunctions, and the usefulness of projection amplitudes. A substantial section is devoted to the Pauli exclusion principal, the polarization properties of photons, measurement operators, and the collapse of the wave function, all topics that are discussed later in the context of experimental results. After 75 pages of preparation, Baggott asks "What Does it Mean"?, the title of chapter 3. Chapter 4 is "Putting it to the Test", and Chapter 5 is "What are the Alternatives?". A reader that skimmed the mathematical discourse in chapter 2 would still find the last three chapters intriguing, although some sections might be heavy going. "The Ghost in the Atom: A Discussion of the Mysteries of Quantum Physics" by Davies and Brown is non-mathematical, but offers, nevertheless, an insightful look at alternative interpretations of quantum theory - standard interpretation (Copenhagen interpretation), conscious observer, parallel universes, hidden variables, and a statistical view - that dovetails rather well with Baggott's more detailed and more in-depth analysis. As a precursor to Baggott's book, I also highly recommend Richard Feynman's brilliant lectures published under the title "QED".
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Summary: Very readable and enlightening
Review: This book concentrates more on the philosophical aspects of quantum theory rather than formalism and problem solving, though some simple and easy to follow derivations are presented that give real insights into the guts of the theory, which will help a reader who goes on to pursue quantum theory in greater detail. The historical debate between the positivists and realists during the theories development is presented in a very readable and entertaining way. A very well written and researched book that you will be glad you read.
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Summary: An easy reading on Quantum Physics
Review: This is one of the best books I came across to read. It goes direct into the hearth of the subject without too much Mathematics or formalism. Concepts are described clearly. There are no frills. Written by a person who claims himself not a Physicist or Mathematician and therefore easy on reader. Author starts with background history of foundations, than introduce some operators, I wish they were more clearly defined, "Bracket"'s were not clearly defined. Than comes the interpretation issues, Bohr, Einstain debates, hidden variables. Here I believe littel more elaboration of the debates or rather "thougth experiments" could be expanded more for clarity. A chapter is dedicated to Bell theorem and Aspect experiment, brief but you get the idea. Book is finalized with various aspects of the theory including a short paragraph on arrow of time. Overall it is a good book once started I could not drop the book before finishing it.
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Summary: Puts the Reality Factor into Quantum Theory
Review: This is really great material on Quantum Theory for the general reader(excluding the math).Also, any student of physical sciences or R&D engineering will find Baggott's treatment of the subject to be lively and fully comprehensive.
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