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The Evidence for Modern Physics
- How We Know What We Know
- Narrated by: Professor Don Lincoln
- Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins
- Lecture
- Categories: Science & Engineering, Science
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Summary
How do we know the universe is 13.8 billion years old? How do we know the speed of light is 299,792,458 meters per second? How do we know there are subatomic particles that live less than a trillionth of a trillionth of a second? Studying how physicists make discoveries is the best way to understand key developments in modern physics - from quantum mechanics, to the theory of relativity, to cosmology.
In this 24-lesson course aimed at non-scientists, noted particle physicist Dr. Don Lincoln of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory covers more than a century of progress in physics, describing exactly how scientists reach the conclusions they do. He starts with the atom, which was long hypothesized, but wasn’t definitively proven until a paper by Albert Einstein in 1905. That was just the beginning, as researchers probed ever deeper into the atom’s complex structure, leading to the weird findings of quantum mechanics. Meanwhile, Einstein’s more famous work in relativity overturned conceptions of time and space, especially in the realm of the super-fast and ultra-massive.
Relativity and quantum theory are notoriously counterintuitive, but Dr. Lincoln shows why their conclusions must be true. He does the same for cosmology, which has advanced from the view that the Milky Way galaxy is all that exists, to the realization that there are likely a trillion of galaxies in the observable universe. Along the way, he deals with the Big Bang, black holes, dark matter, dark energy, and cosmic inflation, among other ideas. Some are purely speculative, but he points out what it would take to prove them.
The Evidence for Modern Physics is an intellectual roller-coaster ride that will amaze and enlighten. As Dr. Lincoln says, “You must wonder how we can say with such certainty that the world of the super-fast and ultra-small follow such bizarre rules. Well, you’re in luck, because that’s exactly what this course is about.”
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
What listeners say about The Evidence for Modern Physics
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Kindle Customer
- 30-06-21
Comprehensive and Comprehensible
This is the second Audible book I have 'read' authored by professor Lincoln. The other was 'The Misconceptions of Science'. Really pleased to say that he has maintained the high standards he set first time around. The book and the accompanying pdf are a great source of information that deals with the most interesting and testing topics in physics, astronomy from early to the most recent developments in both disciplines. Challenging, interesting and made understandable. Would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in science.
7 people found this helpful
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- Mike
- 02-02-22
Great for the complete novice.
Well, we know a lot about the Cosmos, even though that is a tiny bit, and we know how a lot of principles work, but we don't necessarily know why, and there are a lot of asumptions about what cannot be!
A great listen for the total lay person put across with sometimes dubious humour! or anybody interested in what and how the most eminent theories came about and are tested.
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- Liam A
- 23-05-21
Strongly Recommend for Everyone
Dr. Lincoln mentioned that he considered this to be his best Great Courses entry to date, and I absolutely endorse this opinion. Accessible and funny, Dr. Lincoln outlines (at a high, conceptual level, although resources and references for those wishing to delve into more technical aspects) a brief history of why physicists claim to know what they know. In short, it is all based on repeatable evidence that has been expanding over centuries. Through the lecture series, important historical underpinnings are illustrated, which leads the listener to the current state of accepted science. Quite importantly, it also provides the audience with a window into what scientists actually do, which is ultimately an unfinished quest to figure out how the universe actually works. We, as a species, have much, much left to explore, and I personally love to follow the exciting progress and contemporary controversies in a more informed way, without having to get mired in equations and theory that can, at times, eclipse the larger picture.
14 people found this helpful
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- R. Hughes
- 03-07-21
Brilliant company for a complex subject
Professor Don Lincoln is a perfect companion for an exploration of modern physics. He has a wonderful, warm and inviting voice and he speaks to the listener with authority as well as humility. I am not gifted in mathematics -- but thanks to Professor Lincoln's deft and lucid explanations of some of the most challenging discoveries in physics and cosmology as well as some of the more abstract concepts such as dark matter and dark energy, I have come away knowing a lot more about how we came to be here in the universe. I hope he can create other courses like this -- I would gladly follow him anywhere.
9 people found this helpful
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- Kevin C
- 19-10-21
Entertaining and educational!
One of the best great courses! So entertaining and yet so mind blowing! Makes modern physics fun to learn.
5 people found this helpful
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- JoeV
- 19-07-21
Fantastic and approachable
Professor does a great job of connecting the dots from one discovery to the next to make the more stunning discoveries in physics believable. If you're considering this course you probably wonder how th8ngs like the age of the universe, or more surprisingly, the size of the visible universe, are known. If so, this is the course for you. Dark matter, dark energy, relativity, and more are covered and explained in an approachable and enjoyable manner.
4 people found this helpful
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- Caro
- 01-08-21
you'll have to just trust me ?
This is the strangest rendering of physics and science I ever came across. I can't be sure who is supposed to benefit from this type of presentation. it tries to be humorous at TBE expense of accurate and is summer own to nearly insulting to my middle school child. I' advise the listener to verify most of what was presented here.
2 people found this helpful
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- J. Muscato
- 11-10-21
Good review of what we know about physics
I enjoyed the review of many concepts of modern physics from the Big Bang to problems that quantum physics has given gravity. Prof Lincoln’s voice trails off at the end of sentences which makes it hard to hear all the concepts. I enjoyed it.
1 person found this helpful
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- Chris Schardein
- 11-09-21
Truly inspirational lectures, thankful to learn
Professor Don Lincoln does an exceptional job connecting/relating modern day Quantum Physics theories, discoveries, and DATA back to what Einstein blindly theorized, and Classical Physics in general. Really did an excellent job helping me understand how Quantum Physics can be applied on a relatable, understandable level in my own life and experiences. I am inspired to shift careers the more I learn Physics, and Professor Don Lincoln substantially helped to reinforce that idea.
1 person found this helpful
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- andre_arroyo
- 04-08-22
Great to go one level deeper in your understending
Great book for those who have a base on Physics. You can understand why to believe in cosmic inflation, or in other 20 or so concepts.
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- mrcornet
- 19-06-22
Pleasant voice, will read, very interesting.
I found Don Lincoln originally on YouTube and as soon as I saw this audiobook I just went ahead and got it. With a regular book the most important thing obviously is that it’s well written, but for audiobooks it’s equally important that it be well read also. Don just has a really good pleasant easy to listen to voice and way of speaking that makes it a pleasure to listen to him. In addition to good clear, interesting and well laid out content. Even his attempt at humor are funny and that he really is trying to be funny but it’s all not that funny which is actually kind of enduring that he’s at least trying! Ha ha.!!
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- AMZ
- 14-05-22
Not a good bedtime story --
I was looking for an insomnia treatment so boring it would put me right out. This was the worst choice ever. It kept me up all night enthralled with mind-blowing ideas and the geniuses that proved them. The professor, Don Lincoln, is masterful at bringing the weirdest concepts to life. His sense of humor and his own awe and appreciation of the ability it took for human minds to conceive of and solve (or get close to solving) great physics problems opened an astonishing world to me. Thank you, Don. You enriched this nonscientist greatly.