Physics ExplainedIn this video I would like to discuss one of the great unsolved problems in fundamental physics, the famous vacuum energy catastrophe (also known as the cosmological constant problem). What makes the problem so fascinating is that it weaves together two of the most successful theories of the 21st century, quantum field theory and general relativity, and demonstrates that something has gone catastrophically wrong in our attempt to understand the origin of our expanding universe.
The reason that we know something has gone horribly wrong is because our most successful theory of physics predicts that the universe should be doubling in size every millionth of a trillionth of a trillionth of a trillionth of a second! But this is clearly not happening. In fact, our best experimental observations suggest that the universe is in fact doubling in size every ten billion years. So what has gone wrong? And why? In order to answer this question we are going to need to take a journey through some of the most exciting ideas in modern physics, from the smallest quantum fluctuations of the vacuum, to the mysterious dark energy which is driving the accelerated expansion of the universe.
References:
Introduction to Cosmology - Ian Morrison A Universe from Nothing - Lawrence Krauss Introduction to Cosmology - M.Pettini Introduction to Cosmology - Matts Roos Introduction to Cosmology - Barbara Ryden Lecture on Vacuum Energy - Leonard Susskind YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=GgKGPyFL-TM) Introduction to Cosmology - University of Ohio Lecture notes (https://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/weinberg.21/A5682/index.html) The picture of our universe: a view from modern cosmology - Reid, Kittell, Arsznov, Thompson (arxiv.org/pdf/astro-ph/0209504.pdf) The Cosmological Constant Problem and (no) solutions to it - Wolfgang Hollick () The Cosmological constant problem (https://scipp.ucsc.edu/~haber/ph171/CosmoConstant15.pdf) Estimating the vacuum energy density - Erik Margan (https://www-f9.ijs.si/~margan/Articles/vacuum_energy_density.pdf)
Dark Energy and the Vacuum CatastrophePhysics Explained2021-03-22 | In this video I would like to discuss one of the great unsolved problems in fundamental physics, the famous vacuum energy catastrophe (also known as the cosmological constant problem). What makes the problem so fascinating is that it weaves together two of the most successful theories of the 21st century, quantum field theory and general relativity, and demonstrates that something has gone catastrophically wrong in our attempt to understand the origin of our expanding universe.
The reason that we know something has gone horribly wrong is because our most successful theory of physics predicts that the universe should be doubling in size every millionth of a trillionth of a trillionth of a trillionth of a second! But this is clearly not happening. In fact, our best experimental observations suggest that the universe is in fact doubling in size every ten billion years. So what has gone wrong? And why? In order to answer this question we are going to need to take a journey through some of the most exciting ideas in modern physics, from the smallest quantum fluctuations of the vacuum, to the mysterious dark energy which is driving the accelerated expansion of the universe.
References:
Introduction to Cosmology - Ian Morrison A Universe from Nothing - Lawrence Krauss Introduction to Cosmology - M.Pettini Introduction to Cosmology - Matts Roos Introduction to Cosmology - Barbara Ryden Lecture on Vacuum Energy - Leonard Susskind YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=GgKGPyFL-TM) Introduction to Cosmology - University of Ohio Lecture notes (https://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/weinberg.21/A5682/index.html) The picture of our universe: a view from modern cosmology - Reid, Kittell, Arsznov, Thompson (arxiv.org/pdf/astro-ph/0209504.pdf) The Cosmological Constant Problem and (no) solutions to it - Wolfgang Hollick () The Cosmological constant problem (https://scipp.ucsc.edu/~haber/ph171/CosmoConstant15.pdf) Estimating the vacuum energy density - Erik Margan (https://www-f9.ijs.si/~margan/Articles/vacuum_energy_density.pdf)
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1What is the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle? A wave packet approachPhysics Explained2023-01-11 | In this video I would like to answer a simple question: according to quantum mechanics, how do you describe a freely moving particle? It sounds simple, but what we will discover is that by attempting to answer this question, we will actually uncover one of the most profound ideas in physics, Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, which tells us that it is impossible to simultaneously know where a particle is located, and how fast it is moving, implying that there is a fundamental limit to our knowledge of the physical universe. It is a principle that lies at the heart of quantum mechanics, and it has revolutionised our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics. So, buckle up, and get ready for the ride.
References for this video:
Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and particles - Eisberg and Resnick A student's guide to the Schrodinger equation - Daniel A. Fleisch Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Griffiths and Schroeter Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Phillips Vibrations and Waves - King Gabor Representations - Caltech (https://www.its.caltech.edu/~matilde/GaborLocalization.pdf) Wave Packets and Dispersion - Matthew Schwartz (https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/schwartz/files/lecture11-wavepackets.pdf) The Quantum Story - Jim Baggot Quantum Physics for Dummies - Steven Holzner Thirty Years that Shook Physics - Gamow Inward Bound - Abraham Pais
iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6552/acfe54What is Quantum Tunnelling?Physics Explained2022-04-25 | This video explores one of the most fascinating and esoteric properties of quantum mechanics: quantum tunnelling. The video begins by explaining an apparent paradox involving alpha decay, and then goes on to show how the theory of quantum tunnelling can provide a solution. The Schrodinger equation is solved for a rectangular barrier, and the tunnelling probability is calculated. A simplified model of quantum tunnelling is then used to calculate the half-life of Polonium-212, and the theoretically determined value is compared with the experimentally determined value.
Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and particles - Eisberg and Resnick Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Griffiths and Schroeter Introductory Nuclear Physics - Krane Vibrations and Waves - King HyperPhysics Tunnelling example - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Nuclear/alptun2.html#c1 The Quantum Story - Jim Baggot Quantum Physics for Dummies - Steven Holzner Thirty Years that Shook Physics - Gamow Inward Bound - Abraham Pais
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1What is the Schrödinger Equation? A basic introduction to Quantum MechanicsPhysics Explained2022-04-14 | This video provides a basic introduction to the Schrödinger equation by exploring how it can be used to perform simple quantum mechanical calculations. After explaining the basic structure of the equation, the infinite square well potential is used as a case study. The separation of variables approach is used to solve the Schrödinger equation and Born's probabilistic interpretation of the wave-function is used to calculate the expectation value of the position of a particle in a box. Stationary states are discussed, and it is shown that a linear superposition of energy eigenstates leads to non-stationary states with uncertain energy. The oscillation frequency of a simple superposition of states is calculated and comparisons with radiation emission from atoms is discussed.
References: Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and particles - Eisberg and Resnick (Motivating the structure of the Schrodinger equation) Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Griffiths and Schroeter (Examples of expectation values and superposition of states). Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Phillips Vibrations and Waves - King The Quantum Story - Jim Baggot Quantum Physics for Dummies - Steven Holzner Thirty Years that Shook Physics - Gamow Inward Bound - Abraham Pais
iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6552/acdbb0/meta iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6552/acfe54What is the Chandrasekhar limit for White Dwarf Stars?Physics Explained2021-08-26 | This video provides a simplified step by step derivation of the Chandrasekhar limit for White Dwarf stars. After briefly discussing the history of white dwarf stars, an overview of electron degeneracy pressure is provided. Using a combination of quantum mechanics and Einstein's theory of special relativity, the Chandrasekhar mass is derived. The video ends with a discussion of the conflict between Chandrasekhar and Eddington.
References:
Gravity from the ground up - Schutz The Quantum Universe - Cox and Forshaw Black Holes and Time Warps - Kip Thorne Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Griffiths and Schroeter Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Phillips Astrophysics in a Nutshell - Maoz The Planck Mass and the Chandrasekhar limit - Garfinkle Chandrasekhar vs Eddington - an unanticipated confrontation (pubs.aip.org/physicstoday/article/35/10/33/433732/Chandrasekhar-vs-Eddington-an-unanticipated) Chandrasekhar limit: an elementary approach based on classical physics and quantum theory - Pinochet and Van Sint Jan (iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0031-9120/51/3/035007) The Physics of electron degenerate matter in white dwarf stars - Ganapathy (https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5320&context=masters_theses) https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/schwartz/files/15-stars.pdf https://www.astro.princeton.edu/~burrows/classes/403/white.dwarfs.pdf https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5320&context=masters_theses The Chandrasekhar Limit - A simplified approach (iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6552/acdbb0/meta)
iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6552/acdbb0/metaQuantum Mechanics and the Principle of Least TimePhysics Explained2021-04-10 | In this short video I would like to tell you about the pioneering work of Pierre de Fermat, who discovered that light is the laziest object in the universe, always preferring to take the path that minimises the amount of time spent travelling between two points. But perhaps what is even more exciting is that Fermat’s principle lies at the heart of one of the most successful scientific theories ever created, quantum electrodynamics. In this video I would like to show you why light is so lazy, and how Fermat’s principle connects with our modern formulation of quantum electrodynamics. So, if you are ready for the ride, let's get started.
References: Feynman Lectures on Physics - Feynman QED: The strange theory of light and matter - Feynman Fermat’s Principle and Hamilton’s Principle: Does a least action take a least time for happening? - Anderson and Hadi (iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1467/1/012038/meta)
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1Deriving Hawkings most famous equation: What is the temperature of a black hole?Physics Explained2021-04-06 | Black holes are perhaps the most enigmatic objects in the universe. Popularised in movies and science fiction, they evoke the magic and mystery of our universe and provide inspiration for those looking to make their mark in the world of academic physics. But what exactly is a black hole? And how can we study them?
According to Einstein’ theory of general relativity, a black hole is a region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light can escape. The boundary of this region is known as the event horizon of the black hole, and according to classical relativity, once an object has passed the event horizon, it will never be able to escape the clutches of the black hole. However, when you throw quantum mechanics into the mix, as is often the case, the situation becomes a bit more subtle. In fact, in 1974 Stephen Hawking demonstrated that by combining certain elements of quantum field theory with General relativity, it was possible to show that Black holes do in fact radiate, causing them to slowly evaporate, and eventually disappear.
Now I don’t know about you, but when I first read about black holes as a child I was instantly hooked and desperately wanted to find out more. The only problem is that the physics of black holes, and in particular Hawking’s work, is notoriously difficult and requires an advanced knowledge of Einstein’s theory of general relativity as well as quantum field theory. But is it possible to determine the most exciting and mysterious properties of black holes using only advanced high school mathematics? Well, it turns out the answer is yes, and in this short video I would like to show you how.
iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6552/acfe54What is the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation? And what does it mean?Physics Explained2021-02-21 | This video provides an overview of the accidental discovery and explanation of the cosmic microwave background radiation, the afterglow of the big bang, and follows the narrative of Steven Weinber'gs fantastic book: The First Three minutes. After reviewing the initial experimental work of Penzias and Wilson, a detailed account of the theoretical interpretation is presented, including a discussion of the thermodynamic legacy of the big bang, the Planck radiation law, recombination, and galaxy formation.
References:
The First Three Minutes - Steven Weinberg Cosmology - Steven Weinberg The Inflationary Universe - Alan Guth Introduction to Cosmology - Matts Roos An Introduction to Cosmology - P. OLESEN An Introduction to Modern Cosmology - Andrew Liddle Introduction to Cosmology - Barbara Ryden
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1Deriving Einsteins most famous equation: Why does energy = mass x speed of light squared?Physics Explained2021-01-18 | E=mc^2 is perhaps the most famous equation in all physics, but very few people actually know what the equation means, or where it comes from. In this video I would like to show one method for deriving this equation, as well as provide some insight into what the equation actually means. Along the way we will also touch upon some of the most fascinating features of Einstein’s theory of special relativity, including time dilation, the reason why nothing can travel faster than the speed of light, and the relationship between energy and momentum for massless particles.
References: Relativity - Albert Einstein The Meaning of Relativity - Albert Einstein Why does E=mc^2 - Cox and Forshaw One, Two, Three, Infinity - Gamow How to Teach Relativity to your dog - Orzel
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1What is a rainbow?Physics Explained2021-01-05 | This video explores the physics of rainbows by considering how light is refracted as it passes through water droplets. The formation of both primary and secondary rainbows (double rainbows) is explained, as well as the formation of the dark band known as 'Alexander's band'.
In his poem of 1820 entitled Lamia, John Keats complained that cold science had destroyed the magic of nature, conquering all mysteries by rule and line, and that Newton, through his work on optics, had un-weaved the rainbow. In this video I would like to show that Keats was misguided, and that by understanding the physics of rainbows, using only the basic tools of geometry and imagination, the experience of seeing a rainbow is enhanced, not diminished, and that the pursuit of scientific knowledge only ever adds to the magic and mystery of reality. It never subtracts.
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1The Planck scale: Is there a fundamental limit to space and time?Physics Explained2020-12-30 | This video explores the fundamental lower limits of space and time by considering what would happen if two electrons are squeezed closer and closer together. After discussing the ratio of electric and gravitational forces, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle is combined with Einstein's theory of special relativity to show that at very small distance scales the strength of gravity becomes comparable to the electrostatic force. It is shown that when the two electrons are squeezed to a distance equal to the Planck length, a black hole form, placing a fundamental lower limit on the distances that can be meaningfully probed. It is shown that the Planck length, mass and time can all be derived using dimensional analysis and by combining the fundamental constants of quantum mechanics, relativity and gravity.
References:
[1] Nima Arkani-Hamed. Space-time is doomed. Messenger lectures, Cornell, 2010. url: https://www.cornell.edu/video/nima-arkani-hamed- spacetime-is-doomed. [2] Arkani-Hamed, “The future of fundamental physics”, Daedalus, Vol. 141, No. 3, Science in the 21st Century (Summer 2012), pp. 53-66 (14 pages) [3] Hossenfelder, S. Minimal Length Scale Scenarios for Quantum Gravity. Living Rev. Relativ. 16, 2 (2013). doi.org/10.12942/lrr-2013-2 [4] Mead, C.A., “Possible Connection Between Gravitation and Fundamental Length”, Phys. Rev., 135, B849–B862 (1964). [5] R. J.Adler, “Six easy roads to the Planck scale” Am. J. Phys.78, 925–932 (2010). doi.org/10.1119/1.3439650 [6] Edward Witten. “Reflections on the Fate of Spacetime”. In: Physics Today 49.4 (1996), pp. 24–30. [7] David Gross. “Einstein and the Quest for a Unified Theory”. In: Einstein for the 21st Century: His Legacy in Science, Art, and Modern Culture. Ed. by Galison P. L., Holton G., and Schweber S. S. Princeton University Press, 2008, 287–297. V [8] Frank Wilczek; Scaling Mount Planck I: A View from the Bottom. Physics Today 1 June 2001; 54 (6): 12–13. doi.org/10.1063/1.1387576 [8] L. J. Garay, “Quantum gravity and minimum length,” Int. J. Mod. Phys. A 10 (Mar, 1994) 145–166, arXiv:9403008Wdqqwd. [9] Salecker, H. and Wigner, E.P., “Quantum limitations of the measurement of space-time distances”, Phys. Rev., 109, 571–577 (1958). [10] Ng, Y.J. and van Dam, H., “Limitation to quantum measurements of space-time distances”, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 755, 579–584 (1995). [arXiv:hep-th/9406110]. [11] Low, A.M., “The Chandrasekhar Limit: A simplified approach, Phys. Educ. 58 045008 [12] M Srednicky, Quantum Field Theory, Cambridge University Press, 2007. [13] Hobson, M., Efstathiou, G., & Lasenby, A. (2006). Frontmatter. In General Relativity: An Introduction for Physicists (pp. I-Vi). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [14] R. J. Adler, M. Bazin, and M. Schiffer, “Introduction to General Relativity,” (McGraw Hill, N. Y. 1965, second edition 1975) [15] Gorelik, G.E., “Matvei Bronstein and quantum gravity: 70th anniversary of the unsolved problem”, Phys. Usp., 48, 1039–1053 (2005). [16] Adler, R.J. and Santiago, D.I., “On gravity and the uncertainty principle”, Mod. Phys. Lett. A, 14, 1371 (1999). [DOI], [arXiv:gr-qc/9904026]. [17] Planck,M.,“Ueber irreversible Strahlungsvorgänge”,Ann.Phys.(Berlin),1,69(1900). [18] Scardigli, F., “Generalised uncertainty principle in quantum gravity from micro-black hole gedanken experiment”, Physics Letters B, Volume 452, Issues 1–2, 1999 [19] Oriti.D, “Approaches to Quantum Gravity”, 2009, Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 978-0-521-86045-1.
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1What is the Ultraviolet Catastrophe?Physics Explained2020-08-22 | This video provides a detailed explanation of the ultraviolet catastrophe and Max Planck's solution to the problem following the presentation of Esiberg and Resnick in their textbook 'Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and particles'. The work of Rayleigh and Jeans is discussed in detail, as well as the quantum hypothesis proposed by Planck.
References for this video:
Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and particles - Eisberg and Resnick The Quantum Story - Jim Baggot Quantum Physics for Dummies - Steven Holzner Thirty Years that Shook Physics - Gamow Inward Bound - Abraham Pais
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1What is Wave Particle Duality?Physics Explained2020-08-11 | This video looks at the history of ideas behind the concept of wave particle duality, with a particular focus on the work of Louis de Broglie and the matter-wave hypothesis. After discussing the groundbreaking experimental work of Thomas Young and the concept of wave interference, a brief discussion is given to Einstein's explanation of the photoelectric effect. This provides a launch point for a discussion of de Broglie's matter-wave hypothesis, and includes a detailed analysis of Bohr's model of the atom, as well as the interpretation of the de Broglie wave function using the famous double slit experiment.
References:
Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and particles - Eisberg and Resnick Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Griffiths and Schroeter Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Phillips Vibrations and Waves - King The wave nature of the electron - Louis de Broglie (nobelprize.org/uploads/2016/04/broglie-lecture.pdf) I Don't Understand Quantum Physics - Douglas Ross (southampton.ac.uk/~doug/quantum_physics/quantum_physics.pdf) The Quantum Story - Jim Baggot Quantum Physics for Dummies - Steven Holzner Thirty Years that Shook Physics - Gamow Inward Bound - Abraham Pais
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1What is the Bohr model of the atom?Physics Explained2020-04-17 | This video looks at the pioneering work of Niels Bohr who proposed a novel model of the atom in 1913 which would lay the foundations for a quantum mechanical treatment ten years later. After discussing the limitations of Thomson's Plum Pudding model and Rutherford's Nuclear model, Bohr's quantum model is discussed as a union between classical ideas of electrostatics and angular momentum quantisation. The radii and energies of the allowed electron orbits for the Hydrogen atom are calculated, along with the visible emission spectrum. The video ends with a brief discussion of Bohr's influence on the development of quantum physics.
References:
Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and particles - Eisberg and Resnick Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Griffiths and Schroeter Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Phillips The Quantum Story - Jim Baggot Quantum Physics for Dummies - Steven Holzner Thirty Years that Shook Physics - Gamow Inward Bound - Abraham Pais
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1What is Compton Scattering?Physics Explained2020-04-10 | This video provides a detailed overview of Compton Scattering and its role in the development of quantum physics. The photon model of light is used to explain the Compton shift in wavelength of scattered x-rays by electrons. The principles of energy and momentum conservation are used to calculate the size of the wavelength shift as a function of scattering angle. The video ends with a discussion of the significance of the Compton wavelength and its connection with Quantum Field Theory.
References:
Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and particles - Eisberg and Resnick Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Griffiths and Schroeter Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Phillips The Quantum Story - Jim Baggot Quantum Physics for Dummies - Steven Holzner Thirty Years that Shook Physics - Gamow Inward Bound - Abraham Pais
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1The Principle of Least Action: Derivation of Newtons Second LawPhysics Explained2018-10-27 | This video provides an introduction to the principle of least action and shows how Newton's Second Law emerges as a constraint for particle moving in one dimension. This video is based on Richard Feynman's lecture on the Principle of Least Action, which I highly recommend.
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1Estimating the number of atoms in the observable universePhysics Explained2018-10-24 | This video looks at a simple method for estimating the number of atoms in the observable universe. The first step involves estimating the number of atoms in a typical star. The second step involves estimating the number of stars in a typical galaxy. The third step involves estimating the number of galaxies in the observable universe.
You can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/PhysicsExplain1Greek Physics: Calculating the distance to the Sun and MoonPhysics Explained2018-10-24 | This video looks at the method of Aristarchus for determining the distance to the Sun and Moon. This simplified calculations in this video follow the presentation given in 'To Explain the World' by Steven Weinberg, which provides an excellent commentary on the discovery of modern science.