Theoretical physicist Matt Strassler takes us on an awe-inspiring journey from relativity to the Higgs field, showing how the universe creates everything from what seems like nothing at all.
Analogies are a favorite technique used to explain complex physics topics to nonscientist audiences; however, they are often imperfect, leading to unwelcome misconceptions. Theoretical physicist Matt Strassler calls such efforts “phibs”—physics fibs. Motivated by a common phib used by many scientists (including myself) to explain how the Universe-filling Higgs field can give mass to subatomic particles, Strassler sets out to offer a more accurate description in his new book, Waves in an Impossible Sea. His approach is very ambitious, requiring that he find ways to clearly present one of the most complex and mathematical theories in all of science: quantum field theory.
People often imagine atoms as miniature solar systems, with electron “planets” orbiting a nuclear “sun.” Even those with some advanced training think of atoms as nuclei surrounded by a probabilistic cloud of electrons. Quantum field theory models the subatomic world quite differently. It begins with the Universe being filled with a series of fields. Where these fields are quiescent, space is relatively empty; however, where these fields experience vibrations, particles can be found. Indeed, these quantized vibrations are particles. Electrons are quantized vibrations of electron fields, and quarks—found inside protons and neutrons—are vibrations of quark fields.
According to modern physics, there exists a Higgs field, which interacts with the other fields and changes their properties. It is only through the interaction of the Higgs field and, for example, the electron field that the familiar electron can exist. If this all seems confusing, that’s because it is. Yet Strassler explains it all. In a deft series of chapters, he introduces key concepts necessary to understand how quantum field theory works and the role the Higgs field plays in our modern world. He begins with the principle of relativity and explains the crucial role this principle plays in our understanding of the laws of nature. He then tums his attention to waves and reminds the reader of the features of waves that are critical to quantum theories.
Next, Strassler blends together the ideas of waves and relativity and begins to build an intuitive understanding of quantum field theory. To my knowledge, no other book presents this modern understanding of the nature of matter and energy at a level accessible to the motivated nonscientist. For years, Strassler has written a blog that demystifies complex physics topics (of which I am a long-time fan), and it shows in this book.
This is not to say that Waves in an Impossible Sea is an easy read. Although the writing style itself is engaging and conversational, the topics Strassler discusses are not—especially if one is encountering them for the first time. As he himself concedes, it is likely that some passages will require several readings. – Don Lincoln
“Writer and theoretical physicist Matt Strassler unveils how fundamental physics and human existence intertwine through an imaginative, piece-by-piece deconstruction of… misconceptions… likening the Higgs field to a ‘soup that fills the universe.’ … Abundant with analogies and anecdotes, this book exemplifies how experts should write about matter, motion and mass for the masses. ”
Physicists often struggle to simplify complex concepts for nonexperts, leading to “physics fibs” or “phibs”—straightforward but inaccurate explanations. Writer and theoretical physicist Matt Strassler unveils how fundamental physics and human existence intertwine through an imaginative, piece-by-piece deconstruction of the greatest hits of phibs, from misconceptions about sound-wave vibrations to descriptions likening the Higgs field to a “soup that fills the universe.” Strassler urges readers who want to understand the cosmos to resist the alluring but misleading guides of observation and intuition. Abundant with analogies and anecdotes, this book exemplifies how experts should write about matter, motion and mass for the masses. —Lucy Tu
“In this illuminating book, theoretical physicist and writer Strassler….delivers a deep understanding of the Higgs boson and the Higgs field… a comprehensive background in a reader-friendly and enjoyable review of mass, energy, waves, fields, and quantum mechanics.”
Although we know that much of the universe is made of matter (dark matter) and energy (dark energy) that humans do not yet fully understand, there is that sticky question of what gives the things that have the kind of mass that we do understand their substance. Another way of asking the question is how can we, and everything else, be here? Inquiries into the nature of mass are challenging even for the greatest of physicists. But in this illuminating book, theoretical physicist and writer Strassler explores the answers and delivers a deep understanding of the Higgs boson and the Higgs field, the field that, as he says, “stiffens all the other known stiff fields.” Without it, the universe as we currently understand it would cease to exist. In order to fully comprehend the Higgs field, Strassler delivers a comprehensive background in a reader-friendly and enjoyable review of mass, energy, waves, fields, and quantum mechanics. Along the way, he poses such mind-boggling questions as what happens if the Higgs field even slightly strengthens or weakens? — George Kendall
“Strassler is an imaginative thinker and capable writer… A fine introduction to the cosmos for attentive readers.”
An overview of the universe from neutrinos to gravity.
Theoretical physicist and blogger Strassler, who often works with the Large Hadron Collider, assures readers that they’ll encounter few equations in his book, and he provides the painful truth that many concepts in physics (mass, photons, quarks) are not as simple as they may seem. Faced with a layperson’s question, a physicist often must choose between giving a simple, memorable, and wrong answer, or a correct but incomprehensible one. The author calls these wrong answers fibs or “phibs,” which “are mostly harmless and…quickly forgotten.” Some, however, cause more harm than good. Most readers understand that such exceedingly difficult concepts as quantum phenomena and the Higgs field lend themselves to phibbing. Provided readers pay attention, Strassler is a competent guide to complex topics, but most impressive is his approach to simpler concepts—mass, energy, light—where observation and common sense have been misleading. For thousands of years, people believed that objects moved when pushed or pulled; otherwise, they didn’t. Everything on Earth seemed to behave this way, but the sun, moon, stars, and planets seemed to move eternally, which led many to believe the heavens must be a different realm, perhaps under divine influence. Strassler provides the correct explanation: Newton’s. Many basic phenomena defy reason: Empty space contains stuff; time can change, depending on where you are and how you move; light always travels away at the speed of light no matter how fast you chase it. Popular physics books begin with familiar phenomena and proceed to areas that physicists themselves find difficult. Strassler is an imaginative thinker and capable writer, but late in the text, readers may find themselves struggling. The author suggests reading some sections more than once, so even science buffs will have to concentrate.
A fine introduction to the cosmos for attentive readers.
“It’s not easy to convey the ideas of modern physics without any equations, but also without compromises, making sure every statement is precisely correct. Matt Strassler does it better than anyone I’ve ever read. If you want to know what’s really going on in the realms of relativity and particle physics, read this book.”
Sean M. Carroll
Author of The Biggest Ideas in the Universe
Professor at Johns Hopkins University
Nima Arkani-Hamed
Institute for Advanced Study
2012 Breakthrough Prize Laureate
There is a particular zing you get from good explanations, and Matt Strassler knows how to deliver them. This book is a rare attempt by a noted particle physicist to convey the core concepts out of which the world is constructed in language that truly anyone can understand. Matt says he was motivated to write the book by the many egregious explanations he had read about how the Higgs field generates the masses of elementary particles—and indeed, his version delivers the zing I’ve long sought.”
Natalie Wolchover
Senior Editor, Quanta Magazine
“Matt Strassler succeeds triumphantly in conveying the fascination of the physical reality that underpins our world of atoms and stars. His distinguished expertise, combined with an entertaining and lucid writing style, enable him to lure readers into a ‘deeper dive’ than most physicists attempt when addressing a general readership — and to do this without distortion. He conveys the essence of the deep structures that underpin our natural world in an engaging and accessible way. This book deserves wide readership.”
Professor Martin Rees
Astronomer Royal
“This extraordinary work, reminiscent of the genius of Feynman, will awaken your sense of wonder and unveil the enchantment that surrounds our physical world. From the moment I delved into this captivating masterpiece, I found myself spellbound. It is a mesmerizing odyssey that will forever change how you perceive the world.”
Stephon Alexander
Author of Fear of a Black Universe
Professor at Brown University
