Physics of the Impossible

Outline

Physics of the Impossible (2008) takes a scientific look at ideas from science fiction, such as force fields, invisibility, teleportation, time travel, and faster-than-light travel. Michio Kaku sorts them into three classes: those that may be possible within this century, those that may take thousands of years, and those that break the known laws of physics. The result is an entertaining and accessible tour of modern physics.

• Many ideas from science fiction, including force fields, invisibility and teleportation, can be examined through real physics instead of dismissed as fantasy.
• Michio Kaku sorts impossible technologies into three classes based on how far they are from being achievable.
• Class one covers technologies that may become possible within this century.
• Class two covers technologies that may take thousands of years to develop.
• Class three covers ideas that break the known laws of physics as we understand them today.

Michio Kaku is an American theoretical physicist, professor at the City College of New York, and one of the world’s best-known popularisers of science. He is a co-founder of string field theory and a frequent guest on television and radio programmes about science. His bestselling books include Hyperspace, Physics of the Impossible, Physics of the Future, and The Future of the Mind.