Ep 20. Quantum Tunneling

Understanding the Quantum World season 1 episode 20 titled "Quantum Tunneling" explores the concept of quantum tunneling, one of the most bizarre phenomena in the quantum world.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to quantum mechanics and how classical physics fails to explain the behavior of subatomic particles. The host explains that when it comes to the behavior of elementary particles like electrons and photons, quantum mechanics is the only accurate way to predict their behavior.

The discussion then moves to the topic of quantum tunneling, which refers to the ability of particles to pass through barriers that would be classically impossible to penetrate. The host explains that quantum tunneling is based on the fact that particles like electrons do not behave like particles but also can behave like waves.

The host starts by introducing the concept of potential barriers, which are obstacles that particles have to overcome to move from one region to another. When a particle approaches a potential barrier, it has the possibility of doing two things: bouncing back or tunneling through the barrier. Quantum mechanics predicts that there is always a finite probability of a particle tunneling through a barrier, no matter how high the potential barrier may be.

The episode proceeds to explain with simple illustrations of sub-atomic particles passing through impenetrable structures. The host provides real-world examples of the quantum tunneling effect, including how quantum tunneling is involved in many everyday electronics, such as the microprocessors in computers and mobile phones. Quantum tunneling also plays a crucial role in radioactive decay, which is how researchers experimentally confirmed the existence of quantum tunneling.

The episode then highlights some of the challenges scientists face in studying and engineering quantum tunneling. The host explains that the ability of particles to tunnel could pose a threat to the security of information transmission, such as the encryption used to secure data sent over the internet, highlighting the importance of cyber-security. Scientists are, therefore, working to develop technologies that can block quantum tunneling, although the current research in this area is still in its initial stage.

The episode concludes by revisiting some of the bizarre implications of quantum tunneling. The host explains that due to quantum tunneling, particles can be in multiple locations at once and suggests that someday it might be possible to use quantum tunneling to teleport objects through solid walls, a process that is now only possible in science fiction movies.

Overall, "Quantum Tunneling" is a fascinating episode that provides viewers with an easy-to-understand explanation of one of the most extraordinary phenomena in the quantum world. The show does an excellent job in demystifying the complexity of the concept, and at the same time, it conveys the potential implications of quantum tunneling on future technology. Understanding the Quantum World season 1 episode 20 is highly recommended for anyone interested in the peculiarities of quantum mechanics and the fascinating world lying at the heart of sub-atomic particles.