PBS Space Time Season 2016 Episode 34 Is There a Fifth Fundamental Force? + Quantum Eraser Answer

PBS Space Time season 2016 episode 34, entitled "Is There a Fifth Fundamental Force? + Quantum Eraser Answer," addresses some of the most intriguing questions about the nature of the universe. The episode explores the possibility that there may be a fifth fundamental force, distinct from the four currently recognized by physicists. It also delves into the realm of quantum mechanics to explore the phenomenon known as the quantum eraser.

The episode begins with an overview of the four fundamental forces of the universe: gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces. These forces are responsible for all interactions in the universe, from the atomic level to the cosmological scale. However, some physicists suspect that there may be a fifth force at work, one that is as yet unobserved and not fully understood.

The episode goes on to examine some of the evidence that supports the existence of a fifth force. One of the key areas of investigation is around dark matter, which is believed to make up around 85% of the mass of the universe. Despite being ubiquitous, dark matter does not interact with the electromagnetic force, meaning that it cannot be observed using traditional telescopes. However, there have been several experiments that suggest that dark matter does interact with other forms of matter in unexpected ways. These observations could potentially be explained by the existence of a fifth force.

The episode also discusses some of the limitations of our current understanding of the universe and the forces that govern it. For instance, the standard model of particle physics, which describes the behavior of the fundamental particles that make up the universe, is incomplete and cannot account for all of the observations made by physicists. This means that there is still much to be discovered about the nature of the physical world.

In the second part of the episode, the focus shifts to quantum mechanics and the phenomenon known as the quantum eraser. This is an experiment that involves shooting individual particles towards a detector that is connected to two different pathways. The particles are then forced to make a choice between the two pathways, with the outcome being recorded on the detector. However, the results of these experiments are often surprising, with the particles displaying behavior that is difficult to explain within the framework of classical physics.

The quantum eraser experiment has been the subject of much debate within the scientific community, with some physicists arguing that it provides evidence of the existence of a fifth force. Others, however, believe that the results can be explained by our current understanding of the laws of physics.

Overall, PBS Space Time season 2016 episode 34 provides a fascinating look at some of the biggest mysteries of the universe, from the existence of dark matter to the strange behavior of particles at the quantum level. The episode is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in physics and the nature of the physical world.