 For me a test of a good book is, did I learn something new? For me, the answer was yes. To many people with a moderate background in science, the answer will likely be the same. What fascinated me was the practical descriptions about how a particle accelerator is used to test for quantum particles and how the results were uncovered.
Reviewed by Sheri Harper
Symmetry and the Beautiful Universe
by Leon M. Lederman, Christopher T. Hill
Prometheus Books
ISBN: 978-1-59102-575-7
I took my time reading Symmetery and the Beautiful Universe by Leon M. Lederman, a nobel laureate physicist and Christopher T. Hill, who both work for Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and I’m glad I did. At the heart of this work are the mathematical proofs that Emma Noether undertook to show that basic laws of physics are symmetrical, i.e. they do not change due to time or space, and that when applied to a system, afterwards, the system is exactly the same as it was before. These authors pay their respects to Noether by going through each and every one of the proofs, in concept but not mathematically, in such a way to lead them eventually to a discussion of quantum mechanics. They also explain Emma Noether's background, her interaction with Einstein, her fight through the glass-ceiling, her dismissal by the Nazi’s because she was a Jew and move to the US, and her eventual death due to ovarian cancer. Along the way, the author's provide coherent examples about how the laws of physics are applied in everyday life, in astronomy and in the particle accelerator laboratory.
The topics covered in this book include: the conservation of momentum, inertia, energy, and relativity. They explain the tests used to verify the law in the macro-universe and in the micro-universe with particles. And they explain about how the laws of physics were used to deduce the presence of additional particles when the puzzle of missing energy and mass arose and how the answers were eventually uncovered. Throughout, the history of the scientists that contributed along the path of discovery are explained.
It may sound a bit dry, and I can’t help but agree, but the authors also have a sense of humor. They share good financial advice about how to not buy into stocks when the company clearly violates the laws of physics. They also share tidbits about science findings that are fascinating, especially in their tale of the Oklo nuclear reactors and search for particles.
For me a test of a good book is, did I learn something new? For me, the answer was yes. To many people with a moderate background in science, the answer will likely be the same. What fascinated me was the practical descriptions about how a particle accelerator is used to test for quantum particles and how the results were uncovered. Very little math is used in the descriptions so that any reader can follow with ease, the explanations are very conversational in tone and deliver up much food for thought.
About the reviewer: Sheri Fresonke Harper is a poet and writer. She's been published in many small journals and is working on her second science fiction novel. See www.sfharper.com
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