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  • The World According to Physics

  • By: Jim Al-Khalili
  • Narrated by: Jim Al-Khalili
  • Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (193 ratings)

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The World According to Physics

By: Jim Al-Khalili
Narrated by: Jim Al-Khalili
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Summary

Quantum physicist, New York Times best-selling author, and BBC host Jim Al-Khalili offers a fascinating and illuminating look at what physics reveals about the world.

Shining a light on the most profound insights revealed by modern physics, Jim Al-Khalili invites us all to understand what this crucially important science tells us about the universe and the nature of reality itself.

Al-Khalili begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of space, time, energy, and matter, and then describes the three pillars of modern physics - quantum theory, relativity, and thermodynamics - showing how all three must come together if we are ever to have a full understanding of reality. Using wonderful examples and thought-provoking analogies, Al-Khalili illuminates the physics of the extreme cosmic and quantum scales, the speculative frontiers of the field, and the physics that underpins our everyday experiences and technologies, bringing the listener up to speed with the biggest ideas in physics in just a few sittings. Physics is revealed as an intrepid human quest for ever more foundational principles that accurately explain the natural world we see around us, an undertaking guided by core values such as honesty and doubt. The knowledge discovered by physics both empowers and humbles us, and still, physics continues to delve valiantly into the unknown.

Making even the most enigmatic scientific ideas accessible and captivating, this deeply insightful audiobook illuminates why physics matters to everyone and calls one and all to share in the profound adventure of seeking truth in the world around us.

©2020 Jim Al-Khalili (P)2020 Princeton University Press
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Critic reviews

"A clear, simple, and fascinating account of what physics tells us about our universe, and - crucially - what evidence supports that view, from one of the most talented, inspiring, and informative popularizers of science. A triumph!" (Ian Stewart, author of Do Dice Play God?)

"Clearly written and inviting, even to readers who may not at first consider themselves scientific, The World According to Physics is a book that should be read and appreciated by many." (Jocelyn Bell Burnell, University of Oxford)

"So much science packed into such a tiny package! Jim Al-Khalili manages to give an accessible overview of an enormous amount of modern physics, without it ever feeling rushed. This book will be enjoyed by anyone who wants a glimpse of how modern physicists are thinking about some of the hardest problems in the universe." (Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime)

What listeners say about The World According to Physics

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when physics can be friendly

This brilliant book is a perfect example of how someone without mathematical background can understand and appreciate modern physics ideas. I enjoyed a riveting journey to the strange and astonishing world.

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Beautiful!

This book was brilliant. I was listening whilst driving to work and having my mind blown into a thousand squidgy prices repeatedly on the M1, Some of it was truly beautiful. Its forever changed my view of what we are and I can’t wait to read more about all of it!

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A fascinating and beautiful subject!

I loved this book. Jim Al-Khalili explains the search for the truth about things that are in such a beautiful way. I could listen to him all day! I struggled with some parts particularly the quantum world but I've come away with a (rough!) overall understanding of the search for the nature of our Universe and a fascination for the current work in astronomy, especially the James Webb Telescope's amazing pictures. And as the future is quantum in terms of technological advancements, I shall be taking more interest in these developments. I shall also go back and re-listen to some chapters!
Thank you Jim Al-Khalili and Audible.

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Brilliant as always and better with Jim reading

It’s always great to let your mind drift into Jim’s world and in this book that world comes to life. Looking forward to the next one.

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Intriguing

Absorbing content, Jim Al-Kalili makes you want and need to listen to this compilation!

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If I listen to a broadcast by Jim al Kalili I expect it to be good and it was

Describes some very complex principles in good detail. A consummate professional with a gift for putting his point over well.
Well done.

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Excellent


Very informative and very easy to read and understand .Highly recommended .Brilliant read for everyone

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nice and compact.

A wonderful articulation of the modern concepts of our physical nature. Jim conveys these ideas extremely coherently to the layman. As physics teacher, I found this book a welcome gift to help me with keeping students interested in the subject, a kick up the backside almost.

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Excellent Informative

This book is beautifully read by Jim. He has a great voice for explanation, and the content is balanced.

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Brilliant.

It doesn't matter if you are Einstein or Cleggy, Jim Sl Kalili delivers an easy to understand, as much as quantum physics can be, insight into the machinations of the Universe, and delivers his words himself, something he really should do more of. The interview at the end of the book is just as fascinating.

Good "read" all round.

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