PBS Space Time Season 2017 Episode 37 The Nature of Nothing
- October 19, 2017
PBS Space Time season 2017 episode 37, titled "The Nature of Nothing," delves into the concept of nothingness and how it relates to modern physics.
At its core, the universe is made up of particles and waves, but what about the space between them? Is there really such a thing as "nothing"? This episode seeks to answer these questions by exploring the different theories and discoveries that physicists have made about nothingness.
One theory discussed is the concept of a vacuum. While vacuums may seem like empty spaces, they are actually teeming with energy and particles, including virtual particles that momentarily pop into existence and then vanish. Physicists refer to this phenomenon as vacuum fluctuations, and it has led to some fascinating discoveries in the field of quantum mechanics.
In addition to vacuum fluctuations, the episode also looks at the empty space between atoms and particles. This "nothingness" actually plays a crucial role in determining the properties of matter, from its shape and structure to its electrical and magnetic properties.
The episode further explores the concept of "nothing" by examining black holes and the event horizon – the point of no return beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. It also looks at the Higgs field, the mysterious force that gives particles mass, and how disturbances in the field can lead to the creation of particles in seemingly empty space.
Throughout the episode, the complex and often mind-bending concepts are explained in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner. The visuals and demonstrations used to illustrate these ideas are engaging and captivating, making the episode accessible to viewers of all levels of familiarity with the subject.
Overall, "The Nature of Nothing" is a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of some of the most fundamental concepts in modern physics. By examining the seemingly empty spaces between particles and the universe's mysterious "nothingness," the episode sheds new light on our understanding of the universe and its workings.
