Nothing Audiobook By Frank Close cover art

Nothing

A Very Short Introduction

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Nothing

By: Frank Close
Narrated by: Ray Chase
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This short, smart book tells you everything you need to know about "nothing". What remains when you take all the matter away? Can empty space - "nothing" - exist? To answer these questions, eminent scientist Frank Close takes us on a lively and accessible journey that ranges from ancient ideas and cultural superstitions to the frontiers of current research, illuminating the story of how scientists have explored the void and the rich discoveries they have made there.

Listeners will find an enlightening history of the vacuum: how the efforts to make a better vacuum led to the discovery of the electron; the ideas of Newton, Mach, and Einstein on the nature of space and time; the mysterious aether and how Einstein did away with it; and the latest ideas that the vacuum is filled with the Higgs field.

The story ranges from the absolute zero of temperature and the seething vacuum of virtual particles and anti-particles that fills space, to the extreme heat and energy of the early universe.

©2009 Frank Close (P)2021 Tantor History & Philosophy Metaphysics Philosophy Physics Science Discovery
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Loved it from the beginning to the end. How lucky are we to live in these extraordinary times when so much has been discovered about our universe and books like these to help us understand the wonder of it all.

Wow

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A brief overview of nothing in terms of void and vacuums. Pretty chill stuff and very focused on the timelines and histories of science. I enjoyed the listen. Thx

Nice lil book about vacuum and void

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Award-winning voiceover artist Ray Chase teaching me about quantum physics? Pinch me, I must be dreaming. This was incredible, definitely would recommend.

fantastic!

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Great conceptual discussions throughout, especially regarding the motivation for cosmic inflation beyond the trivial explanations usually given. It was written ca. 2009, so it's dated; but if you're interested in the educational aspects, without being bored out of your mind while listening, this is a good one.

The narration was great!

Uniquely insightful

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There is a bit of math involved in this, for those who understand that realm, but the analogies and other descriptions are extremely understandable by the lay person. I have zero knowledge of physics, but understood and thoroughly enjoyed this! Awesome reader!

Understood by an average person.

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