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Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration Into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel (2008)

by Michio Kaku

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2,507515,903 (3.85)51
A fascinating exploration of the science of the impossible--from death rays and force fields to invisibility cloaks--revealing to what extent such technologies might be achievable decades or millennia into the future. One hundred years ago, scientists would have said that lasers, televisions, and the atomic bomb were beyond the realm of physical possibility. In Physics of the impossible, the renowned physicist Michio Kaku explores to what extent the technologies and devices of science fiction that are deemed equally impossible today might well become commonplace in the future. From teleportation to telekinesis, Kaku uses the world of science fiction to explore the fundamentals--and the limits--of the laws of physics as we know them today. He ranks the impossible technologies by categories--Class I, II, and III, depending on when they might be achieved, within the next century, millennia, or perhaps never. In a compelling and thought-provoking narrative, he explains: How the science of optics and electromagnetism may one day enable us to bend light around an object, like a stream flowing around a boulder, making the object invisible to observers "downstream"; How ramjet rockets, laser sails, antimatter engines, and nanorockets may one day take us to the nearby stars; How telepathy and psychokinesis, once considered pseudoscience, may one day be possible using advances in MRI, computers, superconductivity, and nanotechnology; Why a time machine is apparently consistent with the known laws of quantum physics, although it would take an unbelievably advanced civilization to actually build one. Kaku uses his discussion of each technology as a jumping-off point to explain the science behind it. An extraordinary scientific adventure, Physics of the impossible takes listeners on an unforgettable, mesmerizing journey into the world of science that both enlightens and entertains.… (more)
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Showing 1-5 of 47 (next | show all)
Michio Kaku's “Physics of the Impossible” was published in 2008, making much of the science dated. Even so the theoretical physicist's book will amaze readers, especially those of us with relatively little knowledge of science. We may also be amazed at how much of his book we can actually understand.

Kaku enjoys science fiction novels and movies, and like the rest of us who enjoy these stories he wonders if time travel might really be possible. Could space travelers ever exceed the speed of light? Could someone ever be teleported from one place to another, as on various “Star Trek” episodes? Might the light sabers and Death Star of “Star Wars” ever become reality? Is invisibility scientifically possible?

To such questions, Kaku usually answers yes, or at least maybe. Some of these may be just decades away, while others may be centuries away. He writes, for example, "There is no law of physics preventing the creation of a Death Star or light sabers." Common sense tells us time can never go backwards, but Kaku writes, "the mathematical equations of subatomic particles tell us otherwise."

To accomplish most of these impossibilities, however, will require much more energy than human beings can now produce, the author warns. Finding cheap, abundant energy must come before time travel and invisible men. ( )
  hardlyhardy | Jul 19, 2023 |
What do I think? What do I not think? Why should I think anything if Stephen Hawking can "change his mind" and make a total about-face on there being a theory of everything. My take on this book is that this is, in part, a tongue-in-cheek attempt by a physicist with a profound sense of humor to try to explain "everything" even when he discusses the debates about theories and the arguments amongst physicists themselves as to the "truth" of our universe. The best parts of this book are where the author discusses the forward thinking of science fiction writers, especially by the writers of Star Trek and Star Wars. Discussions about theories took me back to high school physics and it wasn't pleasant. Now, all that I learned has been usurped by later theories. ( )
  Kimberlyhi | Apr 15, 2023 |
A well-written intro to physics that will shape our future and life. ( )
  CODE-NOOBZ | Oct 12, 2022 |
Great read for my physics fueled brain. I love concise, fun books like this with lots of relatable stories. Best taken with some college level physics in your background. ( )
  ds_db | Apr 25, 2022 |
Excellent scientific text, although it is somewhat out of date. I read it in the early 2010s as part of an honors assignment in my university physics class. I was a physics major, but the book doesn't contain the same level of detail as a book written for specialists; this book can be understood by non-physicists. The author provides detailed explanations of the plausibility of various technologies described in science fiction. Very interesting. ( )
  AliciaBooks | Jan 29, 2022 |
Showing 1-5 of 47 (next | show all)
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To my loving wife, Shizue, and to Michelle and Alyson
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One day, would it be possible to walk through walls?  [Preface]
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A fascinating exploration of the science of the impossible--from death rays and force fields to invisibility cloaks--revealing to what extent such technologies might be achievable decades or millennia into the future. One hundred years ago, scientists would have said that lasers, televisions, and the atomic bomb were beyond the realm of physical possibility. In Physics of the impossible, the renowned physicist Michio Kaku explores to what extent the technologies and devices of science fiction that are deemed equally impossible today might well become commonplace in the future. From teleportation to telekinesis, Kaku uses the world of science fiction to explore the fundamentals--and the limits--of the laws of physics as we know them today. He ranks the impossible technologies by categories--Class I, II, and III, depending on when they might be achieved, within the next century, millennia, or perhaps never. In a compelling and thought-provoking narrative, he explains: How the science of optics and electromagnetism may one day enable us to bend light around an object, like a stream flowing around a boulder, making the object invisible to observers "downstream"; How ramjet rockets, laser sails, antimatter engines, and nanorockets may one day take us to the nearby stars; How telepathy and psychokinesis, once considered pseudoscience, may one day be possible using advances in MRI, computers, superconductivity, and nanotechnology; Why a time machine is apparently consistent with the known laws of quantum physics, although it would take an unbelievably advanced civilization to actually build one. Kaku uses his discussion of each technology as a jumping-off point to explain the science behind it. An extraordinary scientific adventure, Physics of the impossible takes listeners on an unforgettable, mesmerizing journey into the world of science that both enlightens and entertains.

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