Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics

Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics

Author: Gregory J. Gbur

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2019-10-22

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 0300231296

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How do cats land on their feet? Discover how this question stumped brilliant minds and how its answer helped solve other seemingly impossible puzzles The question of how falling cats land on their feet has long intrigued humans. In this playful and eye-opening history, physicist and cat parent Gregory Gbur explores how attempts to understand the cat-righting reflex have provided crucial insights into puzzles in mathematics, geophysics, neuroscience, and human space exploration. The result is an engaging tumble through physics, physiology, photography, and robotics to uncover, through scientific debate, the secret of the acrobatic performance known as cat-turning, the cat flip, and the cat twist. Readers learn the solution but also discover that the finer details still inspire heated arguments. As with other cat behavior, the more we investigate, the more surprises we discover.


Book Synopsis Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics by : Gregory J. Gbur

Download or read book Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics written by Gregory J. Gbur and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2019-10-22 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How do cats land on their feet? Discover how this question stumped brilliant minds and how its answer helped solve other seemingly impossible puzzles The question of how falling cats land on their feet has long intrigued humans. In this playful and eye-opening history, physicist and cat parent Gregory Gbur explores how attempts to understand the cat-righting reflex have provided crucial insights into puzzles in mathematics, geophysics, neuroscience, and human space exploration. The result is an engaging tumble through physics, physiology, photography, and robotics to uncover, through scientific debate, the secret of the acrobatic performance known as cat-turning, the cat flip, and the cat twist. Readers learn the solution but also discover that the finer details still inspire heated arguments. As with other cat behavior, the more we investigate, the more surprises we discover.

Black Bodies and Quantum Cats

Black Bodies and Quantum Cats

Author: Jennifer Ouellette

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2005-12-01

Total Pages: 340

ISBN-13: 9780143036036

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Physics, once known as "natural philosophy," is the most basic science, explaining the world we live in, from the largest scale down to the very, very, very smallest, and our understanding of it has changed over many centuries. In Black Bodies and Quantum Cats, science writer Jennifer Ouellette traces key developments in the field, setting descriptions of the fundamentals of physics in their historical context as well as against a broad cultural backdrop. Newton’s laws are illustrated via the film Addams Family Values, while Back to the Future demonstrates the finer points of special relativity. Poe’s "The Purloined Letter" serves to illuminate the mysterious nature of neutrinos, and Jeanette Winterson’s novel Gut Symmetries provides an elegant metaphorical framework for string theory. An enchanting and edifying read, Black Bodies and Quantum Cats shows that physics is not an arcane field of study but a profoundly human endeavor—and a fundamental part of our everyday world.


Book Synopsis Black Bodies and Quantum Cats by : Jennifer Ouellette

Download or read book Black Bodies and Quantum Cats written by Jennifer Ouellette and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2005-12-01 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Physics, once known as "natural philosophy," is the most basic science, explaining the world we live in, from the largest scale down to the very, very, very smallest, and our understanding of it has changed over many centuries. In Black Bodies and Quantum Cats, science writer Jennifer Ouellette traces key developments in the field, setting descriptions of the fundamentals of physics in their historical context as well as against a broad cultural backdrop. Newton’s laws are illustrated via the film Addams Family Values, while Back to the Future demonstrates the finer points of special relativity. Poe’s "The Purloined Letter" serves to illuminate the mysterious nature of neutrinos, and Jeanette Winterson’s novel Gut Symmetries provides an elegant metaphorical framework for string theory. An enchanting and edifying read, Black Bodies and Quantum Cats shows that physics is not an arcane field of study but a profoundly human endeavor—and a fundamental part of our everyday world.

Einstein's Dice and Schrödinger's Cat

Einstein's Dice and Schrödinger's Cat

Author: Paul Halpern

Publisher: Basic Books

Published: 2015-04-14

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 0465040659

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"A fascinating and thought-provoking story, one that sheds light on the origins of . . . the current challenging situation in physics." -- Wall Street Journal When the fuzzy indeterminacy of quantum mechanics overthrew the orderly world of Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and Erwin Schröger were at the forefront of the revolution. Neither man was ever satisfied with the standard interpretation of quantum mechanics, however, and both rebelled against what they considered the most preposterous aspect of quantum mechanics: its randomness. Einstein famously quipped that God does not play dice with the universe, and Schröger constructed his famous fable of a cat that was neither alive nor dead not to explain quantum mechanics but to highlight the apparent absurdity of a theory gone wrong. But these two giants did more than just criticize: they fought back, seeking a Theory of Everything that would make the universe seem sensible again. In Einstein's Dice and Schröger's Cat, physicist Paul Halpern tells the little-known story of how Einstein and Schröger searched, first as collaborators and then as competitors, for a theory that transcended quantum weirdness. This story of their quest-which ultimately failed-provides readers with new insights into the history of physics and the lives and work of two scientists whose obsessions drove its progress. Today, much of modern physics remains focused on the search for a Theory of Everything. As Halpern explains, the recent discovery of the Higgs Boson makes the Standard Model-the closest thing we have to a unified theory- nearly complete. And while Einstein and Schröger failed in their attempt to explain everything in the cosmos through pure geometry, the development of string theory has, in its own quantum way, brought this idea back into vogue. As in so many things, even when they were wrong, Einstein and Schröger couldn't help but get a great deal right.


Book Synopsis Einstein's Dice and Schrödinger's Cat by : Paul Halpern

Download or read book Einstein's Dice and Schrödinger's Cat written by Paul Halpern and published by Basic Books. This book was released on 2015-04-14 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A fascinating and thought-provoking story, one that sheds light on the origins of . . . the current challenging situation in physics." -- Wall Street Journal When the fuzzy indeterminacy of quantum mechanics overthrew the orderly world of Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and Erwin Schröger were at the forefront of the revolution. Neither man was ever satisfied with the standard interpretation of quantum mechanics, however, and both rebelled against what they considered the most preposterous aspect of quantum mechanics: its randomness. Einstein famously quipped that God does not play dice with the universe, and Schröger constructed his famous fable of a cat that was neither alive nor dead not to explain quantum mechanics but to highlight the apparent absurdity of a theory gone wrong. But these two giants did more than just criticize: they fought back, seeking a Theory of Everything that would make the universe seem sensible again. In Einstein's Dice and Schröger's Cat, physicist Paul Halpern tells the little-known story of how Einstein and Schröger searched, first as collaborators and then as competitors, for a theory that transcended quantum weirdness. This story of their quest-which ultimately failed-provides readers with new insights into the history of physics and the lives and work of two scientists whose obsessions drove its progress. Today, much of modern physics remains focused on the search for a Theory of Everything. As Halpern explains, the recent discovery of the Higgs Boson makes the Standard Model-the closest thing we have to a unified theory- nearly complete. And while Einstein and Schröger failed in their attempt to explain everything in the cosmos through pure geometry, the development of string theory has, in its own quantum way, brought this idea back into vogue. As in so many things, even when they were wrong, Einstein and Schröger couldn't help but get a great deal right.

Quantum Physics

Quantum Physics

Author: Sten Odenwald

Publisher: Arcturus Publishing

Published: 2022-02-01

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13: 1398819549

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An accessible guide to the intriguing and revolutionary science of quantum physics, written by one of NASA's leading astronomers and educators Sten Odenwald. Quantum Physics looks at the world of the very small and the weird and wonderful forces that govern the universe. It breaks down this uncertain, complex world of quantum mechanics into easily accessible language. Featuring everything from wave functions to black-body radiation and the Large Hadron Collider to the pioneering thinkers who reshaped our understanding of science including Niels Bohr and Erwin Schrödinger, this is the perfect introduction for everyone looking to expand their knowledge of modern physics. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Arcturus Fundamentals series explains fascinating and far-reaching topics in simple terms. Designed with rustic, tactile covers and filled with dynamic illustrations and fact boxes, these books will help you quickly get to grips with complex topics from the sciences and humanities.


Book Synopsis Quantum Physics by : Sten Odenwald

Download or read book Quantum Physics written by Sten Odenwald and published by Arcturus Publishing. This book was released on 2022-02-01 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An accessible guide to the intriguing and revolutionary science of quantum physics, written by one of NASA's leading astronomers and educators Sten Odenwald. Quantum Physics looks at the world of the very small and the weird and wonderful forces that govern the universe. It breaks down this uncertain, complex world of quantum mechanics into easily accessible language. Featuring everything from wave functions to black-body radiation and the Large Hadron Collider to the pioneering thinkers who reshaped our understanding of science including Niels Bohr and Erwin Schrödinger, this is the perfect introduction for everyone looking to expand their knowledge of modern physics. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Arcturus Fundamentals series explains fascinating and far-reaching topics in simple terms. Designed with rustic, tactile covers and filled with dynamic illustrations and fact boxes, these books will help you quickly get to grips with complex topics from the sciences and humanities.

Cat Physics

Cat Physics

Author: G. A. Mendenhall

Publisher: Harper Perennial

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 68

ISBN-13: 9780060950002

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A hilarious, not-so-scholarly tome of principles, theorems, and diagrams that explain the bevy of physical laws and motions unique to housecats. Anyone who has ever questioned odd cat behavior will find answers--and laughs--in Mendenhall's volume. 60 halftones.


Book Synopsis Cat Physics by : G. A. Mendenhall

Download or read book Cat Physics written by G. A. Mendenhall and published by Harper Perennial. This book was released on 1993 with total page 68 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A hilarious, not-so-scholarly tome of principles, theorems, and diagrams that explain the bevy of physical laws and motions unique to housecats. Anyone who has ever questioned odd cat behavior will find answers--and laughs--in Mendenhall's volume. 60 halftones.

Why Cats Land on Their Feet

Why Cats Land on Their Feet

Author: Mark Levi

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2012-05-27

Total Pages: 205

ISBN-13: 1400841720

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How to use physical reasoning to solve surprising paradoxes Ever wonder why cats land on their feet? Or what holds a spinning top upright? Or whether it is possible to feel the Earth's rotation in an airplane? Why Cats Land on Their Feet is a compendium of paradoxes and puzzles that readers can solve using their own physical intuition. And the surprising answers to virtually all of these astonishing paradoxes can be arrived at with no formal knowledge of physics. Mark Levi introduces each physical problem, sometimes gives a hint or two, and then fully explains the solution. Here readers can test their critical-thinking skills against a whole assortment of puzzles and paradoxes involving floating and diving, sailing and gliding, gymnastics, bike riding, outer space, throwing a ball from a moving car, centrifugal force, gyroscopic motion, and, of course, falling cats. Want to figure out how to open a wine bottle with a book? Or how to compute the square root of a number using a tennis shoe and a watch? Why Cats Land on Their Feet shows you how, and all that's required is a familiarity with basic high-school mathematics. This lively collection also features an appendix that explains all physical concepts used in the book, from Newton's laws to the fundamental theorem of calculus.


Book Synopsis Why Cats Land on Their Feet by : Mark Levi

Download or read book Why Cats Land on Their Feet written by Mark Levi and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2012-05-27 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How to use physical reasoning to solve surprising paradoxes Ever wonder why cats land on their feet? Or what holds a spinning top upright? Or whether it is possible to feel the Earth's rotation in an airplane? Why Cats Land on Their Feet is a compendium of paradoxes and puzzles that readers can solve using their own physical intuition. And the surprising answers to virtually all of these astonishing paradoxes can be arrived at with no formal knowledge of physics. Mark Levi introduces each physical problem, sometimes gives a hint or two, and then fully explains the solution. Here readers can test their critical-thinking skills against a whole assortment of puzzles and paradoxes involving floating and diving, sailing and gliding, gymnastics, bike riding, outer space, throwing a ball from a moving car, centrifugal force, gyroscopic motion, and, of course, falling cats. Want to figure out how to open a wine bottle with a book? Or how to compute the square root of a number using a tennis shoe and a watch? Why Cats Land on Their Feet shows you how, and all that's required is a familiarity with basic high-school mathematics. This lively collection also features an appendix that explains all physical concepts used in the book, from Newton's laws to the fundamental theorem of calculus.

Laws of Cat Physics

Laws of Cat Physics

Author: G. A. Mendenhall

Publisher:

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13: 9780140232486

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Book Synopsis Laws of Cat Physics by : G. A. Mendenhall

Download or read book Laws of Cat Physics written by G. A. Mendenhall and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Schrödinger's Cat

Schrödinger's Cat

Author: Adam Hart-Davis

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 9781435161320

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"How can a cat be alive and dead at the same time? Why did Archimedes cry out 'Eureka!' after stepping into his bath? How was Higgs's 'God particle' finally identified? Featuring science's greatest experiments, Schrödinger's Cat introduces you to the groundbreaking experiments that have defined the scientific age. It is an essential guide to science in action and the work of the great scientists whose ideas have shaped the modern world." --


Book Synopsis Schrödinger's Cat by : Adam Hart-Davis

Download or read book Schrödinger's Cat written by Adam Hart-Davis and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "How can a cat be alive and dead at the same time? Why did Archimedes cry out 'Eureka!' after stepping into his bath? How was Higgs's 'God particle' finally identified? Featuring science's greatest experiments, Schrödinger's Cat introduces you to the groundbreaking experiments that have defined the scientific age. It is an essential guide to science in action and the work of the great scientists whose ideas have shaped the modern world." --

Schrödinger's Cat

Schrödinger's Cat

Author: Adam Hart-Davies

Publisher: Modern Books

Published: 2018-06-14

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781911130338

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From Galileo's stargazing to quantum teleportation, from Newton's experiments with optics to the splitting of the atom, Schrödinger's Cat tells the story of natural science through fifty of its greatest experiments. Featuring engaging writing and clear explanations, Schrödinger's Cat introduces the reader to the scientific experiments that have changed the world. In each case, the experimental procedure is fully described, and the results and implications are carefully considered, allowing the reader to g ain a strong sense of the process and methodology of scientific investigation.


Book Synopsis Schrödinger's Cat by : Adam Hart-Davies

Download or read book Schrödinger's Cat written by Adam Hart-Davies and published by Modern Books. This book was released on 2018-06-14 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From Galileo's stargazing to quantum teleportation, from Newton's experiments with optics to the splitting of the atom, Schrödinger's Cat tells the story of natural science through fifty of its greatest experiments. Featuring engaging writing and clear explanations, Schrödinger's Cat introduces the reader to the scientific experiments that have changed the world. In each case, the experimental procedure is fully described, and the results and implications are carefully considered, allowing the reader to g ain a strong sense of the process and methodology of scientific investigation.

Schrodinger's Kittens

Schrodinger's Kittens

Author: John Gribbin

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2012-12-31

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 1780225997

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Accessible exploration of one of the most exciting areas of scientific inquiry - the nature of light. Following on from his bestseller, SCHRODINGER'S CAT, John Gribbin presents the recent dramatic improvements in experimental techniques that have enabled physicists to formulate and test new theories about the nature of light. He describes these theories not in terms of hard-to-imagine entities like spinning subnuclear particles, but in terms of the fate of two small cats, separated at a tender age and carried to opposite ends of the universe. In this way Gribbin introduces the reader to such new developments as quantum cryptography, through which unbreakable codes can be made, and goes on to possible future developments such as the idea that the ¿entanglement' of quantum particles could be a way to build a STAR TREK style teleportation machine.


Book Synopsis Schrodinger's Kittens by : John Gribbin

Download or read book Schrodinger's Kittens written by John Gribbin and published by Hachette UK. This book was released on 2012-12-31 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Accessible exploration of one of the most exciting areas of scientific inquiry - the nature of light. Following on from his bestseller, SCHRODINGER'S CAT, John Gribbin presents the recent dramatic improvements in experimental techniques that have enabled physicists to formulate and test new theories about the nature of light. He describes these theories not in terms of hard-to-imagine entities like spinning subnuclear particles, but in terms of the fate of two small cats, separated at a tender age and carried to opposite ends of the universe. In this way Gribbin introduces the reader to such new developments as quantum cryptography, through which unbreakable codes can be made, and goes on to possible future developments such as the idea that the ¿entanglement' of quantum particles could be a way to build a STAR TREK style teleportation machine.