Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration (Unabridged) Audiobook, by Michio Kaku Play Audiobook Sample

Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration Audiobook (Unabridged)

Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration (Unabridged) Audiobook, by Michio Kaku Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Feodor Chin Publisher: Books on Tape Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 7.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 5.88 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: August 2008 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN:

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Publisher Description

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 (such as phasers, force fields, teleportation, and time travel) 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. 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.

    Download and start listening now!

  • "Okay, I'll admit to being a bit of a geek when it comes to science even though I read this book as part of my research for my own science fiction novel "The Zeitgeist Project." To my surprise I really enjoyed it. Michio Kahu writes about very complicated scientific issues in a way that the rest of us can at least understand the basic concepts. If you are even the least bit science you will enjoy this book and even if not, I think you'll find it facinating."

    — Dave (4 out of 5 stars)

    Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration (Unabridged) Listener Reviews

    Overall Performance: 4.25 out of 54.25 out of 54.25 out of 54.25 out of 54.25 out of 5 (4.25)
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    4 Stars: 12
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    1 Stars: 1
    Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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    Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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    Write a Review
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " Kaku is a clear expositor of the difficult world of string theory and quantum mechanics. I still have my doubts about string theory, as Occam's razor is damned here. Einstein is bad enough to understand, but this is truly the world of the bizarre we all will have to come to terms with - computers are first. Terrific book. "

      — Patrick\, 2/12/2014
    • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

      " It's only a matter of time before we achieve some of these technologies. I personally think Kaku is underestimating the time it will take to acheive these advances; assuming Kurzweil is right about AI and the singularity. "

      — Bo, 1/15/2014
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " Accessibly-written, scientifically-sound overview of the future possibility (maybe tens of thousands of years or generations in the future) of certain sci-fi concepts becoming reality. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the author relegates very few concepts to the realm of the "impossible." So while Star Trek may not be just around the corner, it may not be as fantastic as it sometimes seems. "

      — Ed, 1/14/2014
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " Really goodd books explaining physics to non experts. "

      — Jim, 1/11/2014
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " This book is almost a chronological look into the evolution of thinking; rather than acting to. It seems, what, Dr. Kaku states makes sense but its not achievable with a chaotic world. "

      — Truyen, 12/27/2013
    • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

      " This would have been an enjoyable read if the authors self-importance didn't ooze off of almost every page. "

      — Chip, 10/30/2013
    • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

      " This scientific journey will take you through all of your childhood fantasies, some of which are not all that far-fetched. With different technologies having varying levels of possibility, this book will show you what humans can and cannot achieve in the future. "

      — Devin, 10/29/2013
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " I liked the explanation on physical achievements and the way they were grouped. It is great science well explained. "

      — Saadia, 10/21/2013
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " Good book, but already felt slightly dated with references to the LHR going to become operative etc. Still very much worth reading though. "

      — Johan, 9/26/2013
    • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

      " The man's writing is a little contrived at times, but his extrapolations on future technology and potential for a thriving human type 2 and above civilization is a nice break in the torrent of little would-be apocalypses adorning the book store shelves. "

      — Ron, 9/24/2013
    • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

      " This book mesmerizes by explaining the most complex concepts of physics in a simple way. An exhilarating journey of modern physics or say beyond physics. I love the book. "

      — Narendra, 4/25/2013
    • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

      " I learned a lot from this book, including how much I miss studying science. Michio Kaku is a great writer and can make even quantum physics sound like common sense. "

      — J., 11/10/2012
    • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

      " Amusing if somewhat lacking in rigor (even for a pop sci book). Maybe fun for science fiction fans, but if you've an interest in the science there's probably nothing you haven't read before. "

      — Bill, 10/20/2012
    • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

      " An absolute delight to read!! "

      — Suvojit, 9/18/2012
    • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

      " great book; very thought-provoking as to the possibilities of many science fiction elements "

      — Stephanie, 6/15/2012
    • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

      " Kaku helps the reader understand the feasibility and real possibility of having science fiction technology come to reality. His book is laid out very well and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the real world possibility of science fiction technologies. "

      — Id_ego_superego, 2/5/2012
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " Informative science with a style that's easy to understand. "

      — Kae, 10/16/2011
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " So far, I really like this book. It is thought provoking and interesting. "

      — Meredith, 6/10/2011
    • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

      " Really cool book! The most interesting book I've ever read. "

      — Kooler, 5/13/2011
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " Exciting to read - but also depressing because no of us will be around to witness these amazing inventions. Or, maybe we will, just in different bodies. Hmmm... "

      — Will, 4/21/2011
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " A lovely, light summary of the current thinking in physics, all presented in a humourous and approachable manner. No need to fear equations and deep philosophies... the author makes it easy to understand what's possible among the topics we now consider impossible. Worthwhile reading! "

      — Marc, 3/24/2011
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " A very interesting read, but if you have read one of kaku's non-scientific books or seen some documentary, you've seen them all. fun bedtime-read! "

      — Shivanand, 3/23/2011
    • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

      " A must read for any novice. Complex ideas made accessible. A fascinating read. "

      — Hilary, 3/4/2011
    • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

      " Amazing book. I couldn't stop reading it. Kaku is by far the best futurist around today, in terms of both his breadth of knowledge and his uncanny ability to convey his visions to huge masses of dumb people. "

      — Jarad, 2/28/2011

    About Michio Kaku

    Michio Kaku is a professor of physics at the City University of New York, cofounder of string field theory, and the author of several widely acclaimed science books. He is the science correspondent for CBS’s This Morning and host of the radio programs Science Fantastic and Explorations in Science.

    About Feodor Chin

    Feodor Chin, an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator, is an actor classically trained at the American Conservatory Theater and UCLA. His acting career includes numerous credits in film, television, theater, and voice-over.