Each day, we will tackle a different aspect of Fundamental
Physics. We will look at and play with a variety of demonstrations and pieces
of equipment, then discuss their consequences, both for the development of theoretical
physics and for the practical world as we know it.
Day One -
Conservation laws and breaking them
Conservation laws are intimately connected to symmetry. Examples to be
discussed will include energy, linear momentum and angular momentum. Newton's
cradle is a simple but elegant starting point. To what extent can classical
conservation laws be broken by quantum mechanics?
Day Two - Theoretical limits
and (nearly) breaking them
The laws of thermodynamics limit the efficiency of heat engines. The
Stirling engine is as efficient a design as can be achieved. The theory of
relativity imposes a universal speed limit, recently threatened by neutrinos.
Do any serious physicists think that tachyons exist?
Day Three - Wave-particle duality
and uncertainty
Wave behaviour and particle behaviour were once considered to be independent
areas of study by many. The hard border was blurred by the discovery of the photoelectric
effect. Terminal blurring resulted from the discovery of electron diffraction,
which will be demonstrated. How does Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle fit in?
Day Four - Particle physics
and the very small
The Standard Model of particle physics has been remarkably successful,
but is incomplete, as it is does not include gravity satisfactorily. Particle
accelerators such as the LHC continue to increase the particle energies and consequently the resolution. The
principles of particle accelerators will be demonstrated. Quantum computing is
currently a major field of research. Is there a limit to the scale at which
particles can be detected and manipulated?
Day Five - Astrophysics and
the very large
Almost everything that we know about heavenly bodies comes from
analysing the radiation that reaches us. The principles of spectroscopy will be
demonstrated. Astrophysical theories have evolved dramatically in recent times,
with the discovery of gravitational waves and the ongoing debates about dark
matter and dark energy. Is there a limit to the scale beyond which we can never
venture, even in theory?
Equipment to bring with you
You will not need any specialist equipment, just
something to write on, something to write with, a ruler and a calculator.
