Quantum Tunneling - The Glitch That Makes Our Universe (And Our Generation) Work
What if a particle could just... walk through a solid wall? It turns out they can, and it's not science fiction! This bizarre phenomenon is called Quantum Tunneling, and it’s less of a "glitch" and more of a fundamental feature that makes our universe work. Join Subatomic Tanvi as we answer the big questions (and laugh a lot): How can a particle be somewhere it doesn't have the energy to go? Do waves "poke holes" to get through? And why would the sun stop shining—and your flash drives stop working—without this weird quantum trick? From its 1928 discovery to its role in modern tech, this episode makes the impossible easy to understand.
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A Trillionth of a Trillionth of a Second - How Scientists at CERN Discovered the Higgs Boson
How do you find a particle that exists for only a trillionth of a trillionth of a second before vanishing? In this episode, we take you on a rollercoaster ride through the incredible 48-year-long hunt for the elusive Higgs Boson. Join us as we explore how scientists at CERN's Large Hadron Collider chased the instantaneous traces of this fundamental particle, collecting vast amounts of data to turn a tantalizing "3 Sigma hint" into a definitive "5 Sigma discovery." Learn about the high-stakes process and the monumental effort it took to finally confirm the existence of the particle responsible for giving everything in the universe its mass.
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Inside DUNE: The Massive Experiment Following a Neutrino on its 800-Mile Journey Through the Earth
Ever heard of a ghostly particle that can pass through the entire planet without a trace? In this episode, we journey a mile underground to explore DUNE, the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, a colossal detector built to catch these elusive particles. Join us as we unravel the mind-bending mystery of how neutrinos "oscillate" — changing their type, or "flavor," mid-flight. We break down this complex quantum phenomenon with a surprisingly simple analogy (hint: it involves ice cream!) and follow the 800-mile journey these particles take from Illinois to South Dakota. Tune in to discover how scientists are using this epic experiment to unlock the deepest secrets of our universe.
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Quantization as an Eigenvalue Problem: How Schrödinger's Math Revealed Discrete Energy Levels
Join Subatomic Tanvi as we delve into Erwin Schrödinger's groundbreaking paper, "Quantization as an Eigenvalue Problem." This episode breaks down the seemingly complex concept of eigenvalue problems and reveals how Schrödinger used this mathematical framework to fundamentally change our understanding of the quantum world. Discover how his work illuminated the principle of quantization, demonstrating that atomic properties, particularly energy levels of electrons, exist in discrete, specific values. Through exploring wave-particle duality and the power of the Schrödinger Equation, this episode highlights the profound impact of his research on the development of modern quantum physics and its ability to predict the behavior of atoms and molecules.
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Quantum's Wildest Interpretations Explained - A Journey Through Multiple Realities
Dive into the bewildering world of quantum physics with Subatomic Tanvi as we unravel the most mind-bending interpretations of quantum theory. From the classic Copenhagen Interpretation, where particles exist in a fuzzy superposition until observed, to the multiverse-expanding Many Worlds Interpretation, suggesting every quantum possibility spawns a new universe, and finally, the deterministic deBroglie-Bohm pilot-wave theory, we explore the core concepts and the scientific debates surrounding each. Join us for a journey through multiple realities and the very fabric of existence, as we tackle the measurement problem, hidden variables, and the search for empirical evidence in this fascinating exploration of quantum's wildest ideas.
Tanvi Gopalan is a 11 year old member of American Mensa who loves Quantum Physics. She teaches all about quantum physics in a fun and simple way. Quantum physics is the study of the smallest things in the universe, and it's one of the most fascinating and important branches of science. But it can also be very confusing, especially for kids. In this podcast, Tanvi explains complex concepts like entanglement, superposition, uncertainty principle and a lot more, in a way that anyone can understand. So whether you're a kid, a parent, or just someone curious about quantum physics, subscribe NOW!