Paradox: The Nine Greatest Enigmas in Physics

· Sold by Crown
4.3
15 reviews
Ebook
256
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

A fun and fascinating look at great scientific paradoxes.

Throughout history, scientists have come up with theories and ideas that just don't seem to make sense. These we call paradoxes. The paradoxes Al-Khalili offers are drawn chiefly from physics and astronomy and represent those that have stumped some of the finest minds. For example, how can a cat be both dead and alive at the same time?  Why will Achilles never beat a tortoise in a race, no matter how fast he runs? And how can a person be ten years older than his twin?

With elegant explanations that bring the reader inside the mind of those who've developed them, Al-Khalili helps us to see that, in fact, paradoxes can be solved if seen from the right angle. Just as surely as Al-Khalili narrates the enduring fascination of these classic paradoxes, he reveals their underlying logic. In doing so, he brings to life a select group of the most exciting concepts in human knowledge. Paradox is mind-expanding fun.

Ratings and reviews

4.3
15 reviews
A Google user
November 22, 2012
This book is similar to Zeno's Paradox, but covers a little more on mathematical side rather than historical background of "paradoxes". Very interesting and mind expanding. I gave it 4 stars because at some parts it was getting boring but that's just me.
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Kenvin Marfian
November 22, 2013
Paradoxes are so fun to discuss and this book has helped me to discuss paradox with my friends with minimum problems. Loved the first chapter about light, logical paradoxes and also the more intriguing grandfather paradox. Good job, sir!
1 person found this review helpful
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Heather MacMillan
December 11, 2015
Best mind opening fun read I've had in years
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About the author

Professor Jim Al-Khalili OBE is a quantum physicist at the University of Surrey and a regular radio and television broadcaster for the BBC. He is winner of both the Royal Society Michael Faraday medal and the Institute of Physics Kelvin medal for his science communication work. Paradox is his fifth book.

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