68 episodes

Quirkcast is a biweekly (subject to change) online podcast that breaks down complex science topics to a wide audience. Hosted by Tim Lou, Saahil Shenoy, and Michael Park, we aim to advance scientific awareness and broaden public interest in science. As former academic researchers turned science advocates, we hope you enjoy our podcast as much as we do!

Quirkcast Quirkcast

    • Science

Quirkcast is a biweekly (subject to change) online podcast that breaks down complex science topics to a wide audience. Hosted by Tim Lou, Saahil Shenoy, and Michael Park, we aim to advance scientific awareness and broaden public interest in science. As former academic researchers turned science advocates, we hope you enjoy our podcast as much as we do!

    Bosons vs Fermions: The Yin and Yang of Particles

    Bosons vs Fermions: The Yin and Yang of Particles

    Welcome to another episode of Quirkcast, where we take a look at the dichotomy of two types of fundamental particles: bosons vs fermions.

    Today, we'll explore how these particles types play a crucial role in shaping the stability of matter, influencing the dynamics of chemistry, and the complexities of nuclear physics. It's not just theoretical—these categories have tangible effects on the world around us.

    As we delve into the subject, we'll uncover interesting quirks of bosons vs fermions, such as their ability to switch roles and create intriguing materials like superfluids and superconductors. It's a journey into the unexpected side of physics, where small changes in particle behavior lead to some surprising outcomes.

    Additionally, we'll touch on some cutting-edge theories proposing that bosons and fermions could be different expressions of the same underlying concept. These are fascinating concepts that might reshape our understanding of the quantum universe. So join us on Quirkcast as we explore the practical and thought-provoking aspects of bosons and fermions in the world of particle physics.



    Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/GEvBX4N2

    • 35 min
    Is the Photon Truly Massless?

    Is the Photon Truly Massless?

    In this episode of our podcast, we delve into a question that has puzzled scientists and enthusiasts alike: Does a photon, the particle of light, have mass? Join us as we illuminate the intriguing physics behind light, journeying from the basics of electromagnetic waves to the cutting-edge of quantum theory. We'll explore the historical debates, the experiments that shaped our understanding, and the implications of a massless versus a massive photon. Along the way, we'll also discuss how this seemingly simple question impacts everything from the theory of relativity to the way we perceive the universe. Whether you're a physics buff or just someone who's curious about the nature of light, this episode promises to shine a light on one of the most fascinating questions in modern physics.

    Visit http://www.quirkcast.org/

    Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/7c6myZ8Z

    • 31 min
    Harmony in Equations: The Elegant Symmetries of Physics

    Harmony in Equations: The Elegant Symmetries of Physics

    Join us on Quirkcast for a casual exploration of the intriguing world of symmetries in physics. We'll chat about how these fundamental principles play a role in everything, from the tiniest particles to the vast structures of the universe. Discover the beauty of symmetrical patterns in nature and their impact on scientific theories, as we unravel mysteries from the quantum scale to cosmic dimensions. We'll also touch on the significance of the different types of symmetries in the laws of physics and how it leads to groundbreaking discoveries, like the Higgs boson. With discussions and insights from experts, this episode is a casual journey into the simplicity and order that symmetries bring to our understanding of the universe.



    Visit http://www.quirkcast.org/

    Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/7c6myZ8Z

    • 35 min
    Parallel Reflections: Exploring the Physics of Mirror Universes

    Parallel Reflections: Exploring the Physics of Mirror Universes

    Welcome to our episode on mirror universes. We'll be discussing how our universe might have a mirror image, flipping things around in a kind of cosmic reflection. We'll explore the idea of particles having mirror versions (parity), transforming into opposites (charge conjugation), and even going backward in time (time reversal). It's like a puzzle of the cosmos that physicists are trying to solve.

    Join us for a laid-back conversation about these concepts and the potential existence of mirror particles. Whether you're into science or just curious about the mysteries of the universe, this episode aims to make these complex ideas a bit more understandable. Tune in to Quirkcast for an exploration of the world of mirror universes.

    Visit http://www.quirkcast.org/

    Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/7c6myZ8Z

    • 35 min
    Quantum Shadows: Unveiling the Enigma of Virtual Particles

    Quantum Shadows: Unveiling the Enigma of Virtual Particles

    In this captivating episode of Quirkcast, we delve into the elusive world of virtual particles, the ghostly entities that flicker in and out of existence in the quantum realm. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of these theoretical particles, fundamental to understanding the forces and interactions at the heart of our universe. We'll explore the perplexing nature of these particles, governed by the uncertainty principle, and how they play a pivotal role in quantum field theory, influencing everything from the forces within an atom to the vast expanse of the cosmos. Our journey will also illuminate the significance of Feynman diagrams in visualizing the complex interactions involving virtual particles. Whether you're a seasoned physicist or just curious about the wonders of the quantum world, this episode is your gateway to comprehending one of the most intriguing aspects of modern science. Tune in to "Quantum Shadows: Unveiling the Enigma of Virtual Particles" for an intellectual adventure into the heart of quantum physics.



    Visit http://www.quirkcast.org/

    Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/7c6myZ8Z

    • 32 min
    What is particle spin?

    What is particle spin?

    Newton's law says that objects keep moving unless something stops them. This also applies to objects spinning around. Usually, things need to have a shape to spin, like a ball or a top.

    But in the world of tiny particles in quantum physics, even things without a shape, like fundamental particles, can spin. It's a bit weird because they don't spin around anything—they just have this property called "spin." This spin thing is important in quantum physics because it has some strange features, like not having a specific direction to spin and having unique properties useful for things like quantum computers.

    So in this episode, we'll dive into how these spins work in the quantum world.



    Visit http://www.quirkcast.org/

    Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/7c6myZ8Z

    • 32 min

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