Quantum mechanics make no sense.  It is a set of propositions that prove that something can  be in more than one place at one time.  It is a set of propositions that show that light is both wave and particle.  Yet, with all the contradictions shown in by quantum mechanics, our modern life would not be modern without an understanding of how the tiniest particles of matter behave.  Think of life without computers, lasers, cell phones, CDs and DVDs, MRIs and now e-readers.  Life would be positively primitive!  Fortunate we are that James Kakalios of the University of Minnesota has found a way to communicate physics and quantum mechanics to the general public using science fiction.  He answers the questions about how things work in the tiny world to make them work in our world.  Dr. Kakalios has a new book on the shelves now:  The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics.  A Math-Free Exploration of the Science That Made our World.  

 

Scott Lohman, the president of the Humanists of Minnesota and a voracious reader of all things science fiction and fantasy, has invited Jim Kakalios back for an interview on this new book.  It is a lot of fun to read, (but there is actually a tiny bit of math) and Kakalios is a fun guest to listen to.  Listen for his sly and dry wit if for nothing else!