Natural Sciences 191CNS85 - FYS-Newton's Apple-Schrodinger

The universe seems to be in paradox. Two great theories, each very apt to explain things in their domain, seem to refute each other. The behavior of tiny particles, like electrons and protons, is explained by quantum mechanics. But if you put those particles together into massive forms like stars, their behavior is explained by Newton?s law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity. In the 1970s, physicists came up with a new idea to reconcile these two theories and string theory arose as a plausible candidate for the `unified theory of everything.' In this seminar, we will follow the footsteps of the physicists of the past and try to stand in their shoes: what thought processes might they have been through, where did things get stuck and how did they find their way out? We will try to start as proto-scientists from the antique ages and our journey will eventually take us to the string theory. Along the way, we will collect some data and test some theories ourselves.

Open to Natural Sciences Freshman with a declared major or on the Natural Sciences Exploratory Track. Freshmen Only