Nothing: A Very Short Introduction

— —

Frank Close (Professor of Theoretical Physics and Fellow of Exeter College, University of Oxford)

Nothing

A Very Short Introduction

Frank Close (Professor of Theoretical Physics and Fellow of Exeter College, University of Oxford)

$17.95

Paperback

In stock
Ready to ship

QTY:

English

Oxford University Press
25 June 2009

History of ideas; Mathematics & Sciences; History of science; Popular science; Cosmology & the universe; Physics

Series: Very Short Introductions

What is 'nothing'? What remains when you take all the matter away? Can empty space - a void - exist? This Very Short Introduction explores the science and the history of the elusive void: from Aristotle who insisted that the vacuum was impossible, via the theories of Newton and Einstein, to our very latest discoveries and why they can tell us extraordinary things about the cosmos.

Frank Close tells the story of how scientists have explored the elusive void, and the rich discoveries that they have made there. He takes the reader on a lively and accessible history through ancient ideas and cultural superstitions to the frontiers of current research. He describes how scientists discovered that the vacuum is filled with fields; how Newton, Mach, and Einstein grappled with the nature of space and time; and how the mysterious 'aether' that was long ago supposed to permeate the void may now be making a comeback with the latest research into the 'Higgs field'.

We now know that the vacuum is far from being empty - it seethes with virtual particles and antiparticles that erupt spontaneously into being, and it also may contain hidden dimensions that we were previously unaware of. These new discoveries may provide answers to some of cosmology's most fundamental questions: what lies outside the universe, and, if there was once nothing, then how did the universe begin?

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

By: Frank Close (Professor of Theoretical Physics and Fellow of Exeter College University of Oxford)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 174mm, Width: 111mm, Spine: 9mm
Weight: 135g
ISBN: 9780199225866
ISBN 10: 0199225869
Series: Very Short Introductions
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 25 June 2009
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for Nothing: A Very Short Introduction

`Review from previous edition All in all, this book makes for some fascinating reading.' Chemistry World, Dennis Rouvray. `An accessible and entertaining read for layperson and scientist alike.' Physics World `The Void is well worth reading.' Robert Cailliau. CERN Courier. `It covers very complicated concepts in a mostly accessible way.' Lawrence Rudnick, Nature `A fascinating subject covered by a fascinating book.' Marcus Chown, Focus