The God Effect: Quantum Entanglement, Science's Strangest Phenomenon
Jul 2009 · Macmillan + ORM
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About this ebook
“A marvelously clear and engaging account of . . . the deepest mysteries of the quantum world and [converting] them into a useful technology.” —Gregory Chaitin, author of Meta Math! The Quest for Omega
What is entanglement? It’s a connection between quantum particles, the building blocks of the universe. Once two particles are entangled, a change to one of them is reflected—instantly—in the other, be they in the same lab or light-years apart. So counterintuitive is this phenomenon and its implications that Einstein himself called it “spooky” and thought that it would lead to the downfall of quantum theory. Yet scientists have since discovered that quantum entanglement, the “God Effect,” was one of Einstein’s few mistakes.
What does it mean? The possibilities offered by a fuller understanding of the nature of entanglement read like something out of science fiction: communications devices that could span the stars, codes that cannot be broken, computers that dwarf today’s machines in speed and power, teleportation, and more.
In The God Effect, veteran science writer Brian Clegg has written an exceptionally readable (and equation-free) account of entanglement, its history, and its application. Those interested in the marvelous possibilities coming down the quantum road will find much to marvel, illuminate, and delight.
“Clegg does an excellent job of explaining this complex situation in nontechnical terms . . . implications for future technological advances are huge, and Clegg is at his finest as he embeds potential advances in a broad historical context.” —Publishers Weekly
“Well organized and succinct. . . . will fascinate [students].” —School Library Journal
“Delightful. . . . The author does a superb job of presenting the story of a remarkable concept . . . in a relaxed and entertaining style.” —Professor Artur Ekert, Leigh Trapnell Professor of Quantum Physics, Cambridge University
What is entanglement? It’s a connection between quantum particles, the building blocks of the universe. Once two particles are entangled, a change to one of them is reflected—instantly—in the other, be they in the same lab or light-years apart. So counterintuitive is this phenomenon and its implications that Einstein himself called it “spooky” and thought that it would lead to the downfall of quantum theory. Yet scientists have since discovered that quantum entanglement, the “God Effect,” was one of Einstein’s few mistakes.
What does it mean? The possibilities offered by a fuller understanding of the nature of entanglement read like something out of science fiction: communications devices that could span the stars, codes that cannot be broken, computers that dwarf today’s machines in speed and power, teleportation, and more.
In The God Effect, veteran science writer Brian Clegg has written an exceptionally readable (and equation-free) account of entanglement, its history, and its application. Those interested in the marvelous possibilities coming down the quantum road will find much to marvel, illuminate, and delight.
“Clegg does an excellent job of explaining this complex situation in nontechnical terms . . . implications for future technological advances are huge, and Clegg is at his finest as he embeds potential advances in a broad historical context.” —Publishers Weekly
“Well organized and succinct. . . . will fascinate [students].” —School Library Journal
“Delightful. . . . The author does a superb job of presenting the story of a remarkable concept . . . in a relaxed and entertaining style.” —Professor Artur Ekert, Leigh Trapnell Professor of Quantum Physics, Cambridge University
Ratings and reviews
4.3
3 reviews
Rachel R.
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November 7, 2015
I ended up finishing this book with way too many scientific questions. If wonder of this book was mixed with more scientific explanations and text book stuff, it would have been 10 times better. Now I have to find a book that answers all my new questions!
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Brian Clegg is the author of A Brief History of Infinity, The First Scientist: A Life of Roger Bacon, and Light Years: The Extraordinary Story of Mankind's Fascination with Light. He holds a physics degree from Cambridge and has written regular columns, features, and reviews for numerous magazines. His books have been translated into ten languages. He lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and two children.
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