Show for Sunday, Nov 14: Particle Physics Primer, Pt. 2
Our adventures in subatomic wonderland with particle physicist Bruce Schumm continue. We’ll pick up where we left off last week, searching for underlying order—maybe even simplicity—amidst all the quantum complexity. We’ll learn about the Feynman rules, symmetry and gauge theory. We’ll hear about the gaps in the Standard Model of particle physics, the search for missing pieces (like the Higgs field) and the possibility of grand unification (a “theory of everything”).
Click the “play” arrow above to listen to the show, or download the MP3 here.
While sailing into some deep waters, we’ll be sure to pass out life jackets. Even physicists need flotation devices, like Feynman diagrams (discussed on today’s show):
This is a simple electromagnetic interaction: two electrons meet, exchange a photon and go their separate ways. Below are some more diagrams, including examples of two other forces—the weak nuclear force and strong nuclear force:
Want to draw your own Feynman diagrams? Here are the rules.
Notes
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