PBS Space Time Season 2016 Episode 36 Quantum Entanglement and the Great Bohr-Einstein Debate

In the season 2016, episode 36 of PBS Space Time, viewers are taken on a deep dive into the fascinating world of quantum entanglement and the historical debate between two of the most prominent physicists of the 20th century, Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein.

The episode begins by highlighting the fundamental principles of quantum physics and how it differs from classical physics. Viewers are introduced to the concept of entanglement, in which two particles become linked in such a way that the state of one particle affects the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. The theory of entanglement was first proposed by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen in 1935 in an attempt to disprove the principles of quantum mechanics, but this ended up backfiring as experimental results proved the existence of entanglement.

The episode then delves into the famous debate between Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein over the validity of quantum mechanics. Bohr believed that quantum mechanics was a complete theory, while Einstein was convinced that there were hidden variables that could explain the behavior of particles. The two went back and forth for years, with Einstein even proposing his famous thought experiment of a hidden variable theory involving "spooky action at a distance."

PBS Space Time then turns its focus to the work of physicist John Bell, who proposed an experiment to test whether or not particles truly behaved as predicted by quantum mechanics. The results of the experiment showed that, indeed, particles were entangled and behaved as predicted by quantum mechanics, thus disproving Einstein's hidden variable theory.

The episode concludes by discussing the technological implications of entanglement, particularly when it comes to quantum computing. Because entangled particles can act in unison, quantum computers can potentially perform certain calculations much faster than classical computers. The show posits that while we may not yet fully understand the science behind quantum entanglement, advancements in technology and experimentation are pushing the boundaries of our understanding further than ever before.

Overall, PBS Space Time's Quantum Entanglement and the Great Bohr-Einstein Debate offers an informative and engaging look into some of the most interesting and complicated concepts in modern physics. The episode serves as a great introduction to the basics of quantum mechanics and entanglement, while also providing historical context and insight into the ongoing debates surrounding this fascinating field of study.