The Handy Quantum Physics ­Answer Book

Gr 9 Up–The latest in the series introduces readers to the study and history of quantum physics and the ways it is encountered in everyday life. In 10 sections, the topics range from “What is Quantum Physics?” to “Quantum Frontiers.” Students can choose to read the text from beginning to end or they can dip in and read about topics that spark their interests. Each section features a collection of questions (­appearing in bold) about the topic, followed by an ­answer ranging from a few sentences to a few paragraphs. Lines across the page create a visual separation between each question and the next. A banner across the top indicates the current section. The ­writing is clear and ­accessible, although readers with some previous knowledge of physics and chemistry will benefit most. The layout is clear and open. Black-and-white images, ­featured throughout, include photographs of scientists and images to complement the text, such as an ­image ­portraying the ­difference between the atomic models of J.J. Thomson and Ernest Rutherford. Boxed “Did You Know” areas also appear throughout and highlight interesting facts. The text concludes with a list of further reading and a comprehensive index. ­