Read more
The greatest challenge for physics is to combine its two most successful theories: general relativity and quantum mechanics. The resulting quantum theory of gravity would explain the universe across all scales. Much has been said about the approach based on string theory. Here, Jim Baggott describes its powerful rival: Loop Quantum Gravity.
List of contents
- Preface
- Prologue
- Part I: Foundations
- 1: The Laws of Physics are the Same for Everyone
- 2: There's No Such Thing as the Force of Gravity
- 3: Why Nobody Understands Quantum Mechanics
- 4: Mass Ain't What it Used To Be
- 5: How to Fudge the Equations of the Universe
- Part II: Formulation
- 6: To Get There I Wouldn't Start From Here
- 7: A Gift From the Devil's Grandmother
- 8: Our Second or Third Guess Solved the Equations Exactly
- 9: I Used Every Available Key Ring in Verona
- 10: Is There Really No Time Like the Present?
- Part III: Elaborations
- 11: Gravitons, Holographic Physics and Why Things Fall Down
- 12: Fermions, Emergent Particles and the Nature of Stuff
- 13: Relational Quantum Mechanics and Why 'Here' Might Actually be 'Over There'
- 14: Not With a Bang: the 'Big Bounce', Superinflation and Spinfoam Cosmology
- 15: Black Hole Entropy, the Information Paradox and Planck Stars
- 16: Close to the Edge: The Reality of Time and the Principles of the Open Future
- Epilogue: A Few Questions, and Some Answers
- Endnotes
- Glossary
- Bibliography
About the author
Jim Baggott is a freelance science writer. He was a lecturer in chemistry at the University of Reading but left to work with Shell International Petroleum Company, and then as an independent business consultant and trainer. His many books include
Quantum Reality: The Quest for the Real Meaning of Quantum Mechanics - A Game of Theories (OUP, 2020),
Mass: The Quest to Understand Matter from Greek Atoms to Quantum Fields (OUP, 2017),
Origins: The Scientific Story of Creation (OUP, 2015),
Higgs: The Invention and Discovery of the 'God Particle' (OUP, 2012),
The Quantum Story: A History in 40 Moments (OUP, 2011), and
A Beginners Guide to Reality (Penguin, 2005).
Summary
The greatest challenge for physics is to combine its two most successful theories: general relativity and quantum mechanics. The resulting quantum theory of gravity would explain the universe across all scales. Much has been said about the approach based on string theory. Here, Jim Baggott describes its powerful rival: Loop Quantum Gravity.
Additional text
The discovery and development of Loop Quantum Gravity has been a great adventure. Jim's story beautifully captures its insights and excitement.
