A blast from the (theoretical physics) past!

Have you ever heard people talk about quantum mechanics and photon energies and those crazy things that are so abstract even they don’t know how to explain it to you? Chances are you’re nodding your head (or have a slight smile) right about now. QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter by Dr. Richard Feynman is arguably the best QED intro book I have read to date. QED stands for Quantum Electrodynamics, and this book helps you understand what each of those words mean. Not only that, it also helps you put things in perspective from basic science and physics you may have learned in high school or college. I won’t go so far as saying that you don’t have to know any physics or mathematics, but a general idea of how light works (reflection, refraction, etc.) and how waves work (as oppose to particles) would help you go through the content much smoothly. There are several equations and complex-looking mathematical formulas in the book, but they are either summarized in non-insane English or are provided only for those who wish to delve into that area further. Now that I have bragged enough about the content and the author’s ability to write, let me give a little background about QED and why I think you should read this book.

OK, I’m not going to preach this book, so cancel the part where I said I’ll give you reasons to read the book. So, to continue on, here’s what QED is all about. I’m sure by now, i.e. 21st century, you have either heard of or know up to a certain degree, what Einstein’s relativity and special relativity is about. QED is the idea of relativity applied to quantum field theory (yes, i’ll explain that in a second) of electrodynamics (yes, that too). So, in very abstract sense of things, quantum field theory is a theory that says the interactions between particles (you know, electron, photons, etc.) are mediated by other particles. Electrodynamics is simply the study of moving electrons (and thus electricity) in electromagnetic field. So, to put it all together, QED is the study of relativistic interactions between particles in electromagnetic field where the motion of particles is mediated by other particles. Now that’s an over-simplified-and-not-so-accurate-but-helpful definition.

So, if you want to geek-out on Physics or just want to learn something you probably wouldn’t otherwise learn, pick up this book. It’s about 190 pages. Depending on your interest and knowledge of physics, you may take anywhere from a couple of hours to a nice weekend to finish this book. I highly recommend this book if you have ever been curious about how physics works at levels below most of our imaginations and how light particles (photons) create a lot of “magic” that we see around us. Reserve this one NOW in your local library, or order a copy to show-off when guests are over!