Void
The Strange Physics of Nothing
Published on 7. February 2017
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-0-300-20998-3 (ISBN)
Description
The rising star author of The Physics of Wall Street explores why "nothing" may hold the key to the next era of theoretical physics
James Owen Weatherall's previous book, The Physics of Wall Street, was a New York Times best-seller and named one of Physics Today's five most intriguing books of 2013. In his newest volume, he takes on a fundamental concept of modern physics: nothing. The physics of stuff-protons, neutrons, electrons, and even quarks and gluons-is at least somewhat familiar to most of us. But what about the physics of nothing? Isaac Newton thought of empty space as nothingness extended in all directions, a kind of theater in which physics could unfold. But both quantum theory and relativity tell us that Newton's picture can't be right. Nothing, it turns out, is an awful lot like something, with a structure and properties every bit as complex and mysterious as matter. In his signature lively prose, Weatherall explores the very nature of empty space-and solidifies his reputation as a science writer to watch.
James Owen Weatherall's previous book, The Physics of Wall Street, was a New York Times best-seller and named one of Physics Today's five most intriguing books of 2013. In his newest volume, he takes on a fundamental concept of modern physics: nothing. The physics of stuff-protons, neutrons, electrons, and even quarks and gluons-is at least somewhat familiar to most of us. But what about the physics of nothing? Isaac Newton thought of empty space as nothingness extended in all directions, a kind of theater in which physics could unfold. But both quantum theory and relativity tell us that Newton's picture can't be right. Nothing, it turns out, is an awful lot like something, with a structure and properties every bit as complex and mysterious as matter. In his signature lively prose, Weatherall explores the very nature of empty space-and solidifies his reputation as a science writer to watch.
Reviews / Votes
"A pleasure to read for the curious reader and an invaluable source for scientists and philosophers."-Carlo Rovelli, author of Seven Brief Lessons in Physics -- Carlo Rovelli "Physicists have done it again. They've taken a totally straightforward idea-nothingness-and blown it completely apart. Empty space is full. Absence has structure. Jim Weatherall elegantly describes how our human categories just can't capture the richness of the natural world."-George Musser, author of Spooky Action at a Distance and The Complete Idiot's Guide to String Theory -- George Musser "Readers get a dose of biography while following such figures as Einstein, Dirac, and Newton to see how top theories about the void have been discovered, developed, and debunked. Weatherall's clear language and skillful organization adroitly combines history and physics to show readers just how much 'nothing really matters.'"-Publishers Weekly Publishers Weekly "The scholarship is excellent ... useful, educational, and entertaining."-Matthew Stanley, New York University -- Matthew Stanley "An engaging and interesting account"-The Economist The Economist "An ode to the plenty of nothing."-Nature Nature "Against the plethora of popular writers who cast science as a series of incomprehensible wonders, Mr. Weatherall stands out by combining philosophical sophistication with an admirable ability to explain difficult concepts in plain, direct terms without oversimplifying. He presents cogent arguments, not just surprising results. Above all, he is aware of the importance of deep questions, which remain urgent and consequential even in the aftermath of powerful theories or explanations... Mr. Weatherall offers his readers real food for thought, including excellent notes for those who want to go further into these questions."-Peter Pesic, The Wall Street Journal -- Peter Pesic The Wall Street Journal "This book is literally much ado about nothing ... the author's colorful prose brings the characters in the story to life. A very rewarding read."-Paul Sutherland, BBC Sky at Night -- Paul Sutherland BBC Sky at Night "[A] stylishly written and admirably concise book, at the end of which you will be inclined to agree, along with the author and Freddie Mercury both, that 'Nothing really matters'."-Steven Poole, Spectator -- Steven Poole The SpectatorMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 140 mm
Weight
399 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-300-20998-3 (9780300209983)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
08/2020
1st Edition
Yale University Press
from
€32.39
Available for download
Person
James Owen Weatherall is professor of logic and philosophy of science at the University of California, Irvine. He lives in Irvine, CA.