Reviewed by annieb123 on
Simply Quantum Physics is a concise survey course in quantum mechanics and allied concepts in physics collected and curated by the DK editorial group. Due out 23rd Feb 2021 from Penguin Random House on their DK imprint, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The book is arranged in categories with numerous short capsule entries covering diverse related points. The editors have grouped the material around broad categories: the quantum world (motion, particles, force), the genesis of quantum physics as an attempt to explain and codify different phenomena (ideal bodies, energy quantization, energy states, electron orbitals), wave function, quantum phenomena, technology applications, and many more.
The text is clearly written in fairly accessible language which can be understood by the average reader. Despite being very short (most are 1 page long), they provide some surprisingly subtle insights into physics concepts and schools of thought (with a little history). The short subject pages are enhanced with graphics and illustrations to help the information be more easily retained by the reader.
This volume won't obviate the need for a textbook for studying physics, obviously, but it will provide a good intro to some concepts in language which can be understood by most readers. This would be a good choice for students looking for a supplementary text, adult readers who want a condensed and concise broad survey of concepts and terminology used, and readers who are curious about physics for whom a short introduction is sufficient. The book does include a short cross referenced index, but no bibliography or links for further reading.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 29 January, 2021: Finished reading
- 29 January, 2021: Reviewed