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Paradox by Jim Al-Khalili

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Paradox

The Nine Greatest Enigmas in Physics

The Nine Greatest Enigmas in Physics

By Jim Al-Khalili

By Jim Al-Khalili

By Jim Al-Khalili

By Jim Al-Khalili

Best Seller

Category: Science | Games

Category: Science | Games

Paperback $15.00

Oct 23, 2012 | 256 Pages

Ebook $12.99

Oct 23, 2012 | 256 Pages

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    About Paradox

    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.

    About Paradox

    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.

    Also by Jim Al-Khalili

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    See all books by Jim Al-Khalili

    Also by Jim Al-Khalili

    Aliens
    Life on the Edge
    The House of Wisdom
    See all books by Jim Al-Khalili

    About Jim Al-Khalili

    Jim Al-Khalili OBE is an academic, author, and broadcaster. He is a leading theoretical physicist based at the University of Surrey, where he teaches and carries out research in quantum mechanics. He has written a number of popular science books,… More about Jim Al-Khalili

    About Jim Al-Khalili

    Jim Al-Khalili OBE is an academic, author, and broadcaster. He is a leading theoretical physicist based at the University of Surrey, where he teaches and carries out research in quantum mechanics. He has written a number of popular science books,… More about Jim Al-Khalili

    Product Details

    Category: Science | Games

    Paperback | $15.00
    Published by Broadway Books
    Oct 23, 2012 | 256 Pages | 5-3/16 x 8 | ISBN 9780307986795

    Category: Science | Games

    Ebook | $12.99
    Published by Broadway Books
    Oct 23, 2012 | 256 Pages | ISBN 9780307986801

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    Praise

    “Readers who enjoy mental challenges and scientific mysteries will have fun with Al-Khalili’s lighthearted, accessible discussion.” – Publisher’s Weekly

    “A very interesting book with some nifty surprises.” – Booklist Online

    Table Of Contents

    Preface ix
    1 The Game Show Paradox
    2 Achilles and the Tortoise
    3 Olbers’ Paradox
    4 Maxwell’s Demon
    5 The Pole in the Barn Paradox
    6 The Paradox of the Twins
    7 The Grandfather Paradox
    8 The Paradox of Laplace’s Demon
    9 The Paradox of Schrödinger’s Cat
    10 Fermi’s Paradox
    11 Remaining Questions
    Acknowledgments
    Index

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