What is quantum tunneling? (4m:09s)
This piece explores the phenomenon of quantum mechanical tunneling whose explanation requires us to accept the reality of quantum mechanics. It's not a trick; it's reality.
People always ask me for the math behind this video. So here it is. The Sun's core temp is ~13.6 MK. For hydrogen nuclei the Coulomb barrier is roughly 0.1 MeV. This corresponds to a temperature in excess of 1 GK! Luckily, tunneling and the distribution of speeds among nuclei lower the actual temperature required. So without tunneling even the Sun's core isn't hot enough for fusion. To see most of this worked through, check out this great link on overcoming the coulomb barrier, and for a less mathematical explanation, try this Wikipedia article on fusion.
If you're really interested in learning more about quantum mechanics, I suggest a physics sequence at the local university, and if you're already a student of physics, I suggest Richard Feynman's mind-blowing book QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter. You might also fancy the video entry below "QED Lectures by Richard Feynman".
LINKS GOOD ON 2011-08-28
Photons - Corpuscles of Light (1h:17m:57s)
Fits of Reflection and Transmission (1h:38m:51s)
Electrons and their Interactions (1h:40m:21s)
New Queries (1h:33m:22s)
QED Lectures by Richard Feynman (All lectures -- 6h:17m:52s)
Richard Feynman was a curious character, and many young physicists consider him one of the subject's greatest teachers. I personally own two copies of The Feynman Lectures on Physics, one lives at home and the other at the office. Unfortunately, his insight and talent for elegant explanation doesn't always translate for the novice. His famous lectures on physics, for example, are sometimes cited as being better appreciated by his colleagues than by his first-year physics students. That being said, after one has begun a study of physics, Feynman's unique perspective provides for a refreshing jolt of "Aha!" moments.
This lecture series, given in 1979 at the University of Auckland (New Zealand), is almost the audio-visual version of Feynman's mind-blowing book QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter. However, these lectures predate the book's publication, and it is interesting to note the evolution of his presentation.
My suggestion is that you read the book first, and take your time.
LINKS GOOD ON 2011-08-28
Double Slit Experiment (5m:12s)
Does a pretty good job of walking through the experiment. However, it flirts with a little spookiness at the end, suggesting some "deep" connection between the observer and the content of reality. Be very suspicious of those trying to connect quantum mechanics with deep philosophical ideas or those trying to justify ancient mysticisms. As is often said, "If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don't," and NO that is not a Zen Koan. The only clear "understanding" of quantum mechanics can be found in the mathematical formalism. This shouldn't be disheartening though. Remember, math is just another language, and it's darn less ambiguous than English. The problem is that to speak quantum you need a little more math than you got in high school. So If you're really interested, consider a physics sequence at the local university.
This clip is from the movie What the Bleep do we Know!? Down the Rabbit Hole - Quantum Edition. I have not seen the movie in its entirety. So I will refrain from comment except to remind you of my above statement.
LINKS GOOD ON 2011-08-28
In addition to collecting other people's videos, I produce my own intermittent video series. It presents answers to science questions, demos, experiments and the like.