PBS Space Time Season 2017 Episode 22 The First Quantum Field Theory
- June 28, 2017
PBS Space Time takes viewers on a journey through the complexities of space and time. In episode 22 of the 2017 season, entitled “The First Quantum Field Theory,” the show delves into the world of particle physics, exploring the earliest attempts to understand the behavior of subatomic particles.
The episode takes viewers on a historical journey, starting with the early pioneers of quantum mechanics, such as Werner Heisenberg and Erwin Schrödinger. It then moves on to describe the development of the first quantum field theory, which was developed primarily by Paul Dirac and P.A.M. Dirac.
Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to key concepts, including the idea that subatomic particles can exist in a state of superposition, in which they occupy multiple states simultaneously. This idea is at the heart of quantum mechanics, and it has fundamentally changed the way scientists understand the building blocks of matter.
The episode also explores the concept of virtual particles, which are particles that pop in and out of existence, leaving a trail of energy behind them. While these particles cannot be directly observed, their effects can be measured, and they play a crucial role in our understanding of the quantum world.
Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a variety of experiments that helped to shape our understanding of quantum mechanics. One such experiment, the double-slit experiment, demonstrates the wave-particle duality of particles.
Another experiment, known as the Casimir effect, demonstrates the existence of virtual particles. The experiment involves placing two metal plates very close together in a vacuum and measuring the force between them. The force is caused by virtual particles that appear and disappear between the plates, creating a sort of energy vacuum that pulls the plates together.
Viewers will also learn about the development of the theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED), which describes the interaction between light and matter. QED is one of the most successful scientific theories ever devised, with predictions that have been verified to an astonishing 12 decimal places.
As the episode progresses, viewers will learn about the development of quantum field theory, which describes the behavior of particles in terms of fields. This approach allows physicists to make predictions that are both extremely precise and relatively simple.
Throughout the episode, viewers will see how scientists have continued to refine our understanding of quantum mechanics, building on the work of earlier generations of physicists. They will also learn about unsolved problems in the field, including the unification of quantum mechanics with general relativity, which describes the behavior of gravity on a large scale.
Overall, “The First Quantum Field Theory” is a fascinating journey through the history of quantum mechanics. It gives viewers a sense of the excitement and challenges faced by the pioneers of the field, as well as the ongoing work of scientists today. Whether you are a student of physics or simply someone with an interest in science, this episode is sure to captivate and inform.
