Quantum Physics free of Folklore · Book 2
Aiming at REALITY
Statistical Entropy, Disorder, and the Quantum
From statistical entropy to wavefunction collapse, a challenge to the usual shorthand surrounding quantum theory.
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About the book
Beginning with a dialogue between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, Aiming at REALITY approaches entropy, disorder, measurement, and the quantum through philosophical clarity and physical intuition. It is written for curious readers without requiring a formal scientific education.
Inside the book
The argument, in full.
Don Quixote collides with a real windmill but preserves his imagined world by invoking an enchanter. Felix uses that scene to expose a parallel set of assumptions about observers, measurement, probability, and reality that continue to shape interpretations of quantum physics.
- 01
What is a physical object in the microworld—and why is “behaving like” different from “being”?
- 02
Are probabilities tools for ignorance, or intrinsic properties of nature?
- 03
What role does the observer actually play in quantum mechanics?
- 04
Why do complex numbers enter a theory whose probabilities are real numbers?
- 05
Why is the Second Law of Thermodynamics probabilistic rather than strictly deterministic?
- 06
How can a Galton–Popper bean machine illuminate quantum states, eigenvalues, and wavefunctions?
- 07
What lies behind wavefunction collapse and Einstein’s “spooky action at a distance”?
Edition represented
2017
- Author
- Felix Alba-Juez
- Language
- English
- ISBN-13
- 9781520421759
- Series
- Quantum Physics free of Folklore · Book 2
“A masterpiece which combines a solid knowledge of quantum theory with an honest attempt to make this body of knowledge available to the layperson. The metaphor of Don Quixote is superbly used to give clarity to the scientific point. A treasure trove that sheds pleasurable light into an otherwise arid field for the non-expert.”
“In an engaging narrative style Felix Alba-Juez equips the reader to comprehend classical and statistical thermodynamics, culminating in an appreciation of quantum discoveries and the wave-particle controversy. Technical descriptions are embellished with delightful anecdotes and historical dialogues.”
“An extremely enjoyable experience, a real page-turner, a high-quality thought-provoking book that kept me engaged throughout. Above all, I had real fun reading it. Very highly recommended—this is how good popular science books should be structured.”