The finishing touches - From Invisible Forces to Nobel Discoveries
A Journey into Modern Physics Part 3 - LIGHT
This is a special edition of Part 3 of the main series 'A Journey into Modern Physics' adapted for Curious Young Minds (typically aged 16 to 18) with less detail and more emphasis on the WOW factor.
Part 3 Adds some finishing pieces of the puzzle. You don't need a degree in physics to enjoy it. Just an open, questioning mind and a willingness to explore what shapes everything from your phone to the LHC.
Here's what's waiting for you:
? Chapter 15: What does symmetry have to do with physics?
Symmetry isn't just about reflections and patterns—it's one of nature's deepest secrets. We'll explore how both physical and mathematical symmetry shape the laws of physics and help explain why the universe behaves the way it does.
? Chapter 16: What is magnetism, really?
Magnets aren't just for fridge doors. We'll dive into the forces behind magnetic fields—including one type that comes from Einstein's relativity and another tied to the mind-bending quantum property of electron spin.
? Chapter 17: How does quantum physics power your phone?
Say hi to semiconductors—diodes and transistors—the tiny heroes behind modern technology. This chapter breaks down how quantum physics gave rise to the digital world you live in today.
? Chapter 18: What's really going on at CERN?
We take a tour through the particle accelerators of CERN—from the early days to the LHC and beyond. You'll peek into the future of particle physics.
? Chapter 19: What can Nobel prizes tell us about physics?
We look at Nobel Prize-winning discoveries from 1901 to 1960, tracking how ideas developed—and where your own journey in science might lead. Plus, explore bonus topics like:
Why the sky is blue?
Brownian motion
The first particle accelerators
Cosmic antimatter
? Chapter 20: What's the latest in modern physics?
From 1961 to 2024, we look at more groundbreaking Nobel Prize moments—including inventions shaping our future, with topics such as :
Holography
Lasers and atomic clocks
Dark matter and dark energy
Quantum microscopes, laser combs and tweezers
And one of the wildest ideas of all: dark fluid
So why read Part 3?
Because it connects the dots. It shows how discoveries from the last century are building the technologies of tomorrow. And it gives you a solid foundation in modern physics—from the smallest particles to the vastness of the universe.
And just like in Parts 1 and 2:
No heavy maths required. If you know some basic maths, you'll be just fine. Even if maths isn't your thing, you'll still take plenty of stuff away with you.
Each topic begins with a title or question that makes you think. All topics are listed in a detailed index—so you can find exactly what interests you.
For chapters 19 and 20, the index even includes Nobel Prize years, physics topics, and winner names—so you can follow the timeline of science as it unfolds.
By the end of this book, you'll have a deep understanding of modern physics and where it's headed next. But more importantly, you'll have a way of looking at the world that's sharper, deeper, and more connected to how the universe truly works.
If you want to learn more about the LIGHT series, or the main series, then go to our web site:
www.modern-physics-journey.com, where you'll find loads of information about the content of the books.
Are you ready to find out what makes the universe tick?
Let's get started.
