PBS Space Time Season 2015 Episode 29 Challenge: Which Particle Wins This Race?

PBS Space Time season 2015 episode 29 titled Challenge: Which Particle Wins This Race? Is a fascinating exploration of the fundamental laws of physics. The episode starts off by discussing how the universe is filled with particles that move at high speeds and how physicists have been fascinated with studying these particles and trying to understand their behavior. The show then takes viewers on a journey to explore how particles interact with each other and how their interactions govern physical phenomena.

The episode mainly focuses on the challenge of determining which particle would win a race. The race being referred to here is the hypothetical scenario that involves particles moving at speeds very close to the speed of light. In this race, the particles could either be photons, particles of light, or neutrinos, which are neutral subatomic particles that pass through matter with minimal interaction. The idea is to determine which of these particles would be the first to cross a given distance.

The episode takes an engaging approach to answer this question by first explaining the rules of the race before presenting each particle's case. The show discusses in detail the properties of each particle, including their mass, the energy required to create them, and their average speed. The program then presents several experiments that have been conducted in the past to test the speed of these particles and determine their nature.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this episode is how it talks about the impact that different factors have on the speed of these particles. For instance, the program shows how gravity affects light and how it can slow down as it moves through a gravitational field. The show also discusses the impact that the mass of a particle can have on its speed and explains how larger particles tend to be slower than smaller ones.

Another interesting topic the show covers is how particles interact with other particles in the universe. The program explains how light particles can interact with electrons and how this interaction can lead to the creation of new particles. The show also talks about how neutrinos can interact with other particles in the universe, including protons and neutrons.

Overall, the episode presents an engaging and insightful look at the world of physics and the challenges that physicists face in trying to understand the fundamental laws of the universe. It provides a fascinating journey into the world of subatomic particles and how they interact with each other. The show is a great watch for anyone interested in physics and wants to learn more about the fascinating world of subatomic particles.