PBS Space Time Season 2015 Episode 10 How to Weigh a Fart

The PBS Space Time season 2015 episode 10 titled How to Weigh a Fart is an exploration into the fascinating world of particle physics.

The show begins by discussing how particle physics is concerned with understanding the fundamental particles that make up everything in the universe. It then introduces the concept of the Higgs boson particle, the discovery of which was announced in 2012 and confirmed the existence of the Higgs field responsible for giving particles mass.

The episode then takes a humorous turn as the host explains how particle physics can be used to weigh a fart. While it may sound like a joke, the process of weighing a fart actually requires a deep understanding of particle physics.

The host explains that to weigh a fart, one would need to measure the mass of the particles that compose it. This is done using a device called a mass spectrometer, which separates particles based on their mass-to-charge ratio. By measuring the mass of the particles in a fart, one could calculate its overall mass.

The episode then goes on to discuss how particle physics has been used in other unconventional ways, such as in medical imaging and even in analyzing the composition of wine.

Throughout the show, the host uses analogies and visual aids to help viewers understand complex concepts like mass, charge, and the Higgs field. He even enlists the help of a group of children to demonstrate how particles can be separated by mass using a simple experiment with marbles.

Overall, How to Weigh a Fart is an entertaining and informative episode that showcases the many fascinating applications of particle physics. While the topic may be unconventional, it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the fundamental particles that make up our universe.