From Newton’s mechanical calculations to Einstein’s theories of general and special relativity to the puzzling uncertainties of quantum mechanics, the field of physics is becoming increasingly arcane and complex, and less and less governed by orderly laws. This poses a problem for laypeople who struggle to understand how Newtonian physics works. Predictable observations of physical forcesrelated to later discoveries of parallax and paradox. “If you don’t already know physics, it can be difficult to understand how these different subjects relate to each other,” physicist Dominic Walliman says in the video above. So Walliman provided a helpful visual aid: an animated video map showing the relationship between classical physics, quantum physics, and the theory of relativity.
Newton’s laws of motion and gravity and his invention of calculus best represent the first area. Here you can learn about the inseparable relationship between physics and mathematics, or the “foundation that builds the world of physics.” When we consider one of Newton’s lesser-known works, optics, we see how his interest in light waves anticipated James Clerk Maxwell’s work on electromagnetic fields. After this initial connection, subdisciplines such as fluid mechanics, chaos theory, and thermodynamics intensified in popularity. The guiding force behind all of them is the study of different states of energy. While the heuristics of classical physics were prevalent and perfectly functioning until about 1900, the clockwork world of Newtonian mechanics exploded with new problems at both very large and very small levels of description.
This is where physics diverges into the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, which Wollman briefly explains. Although we are likely familiar with the very basics of Einstein’s theory of relativity, quantum physics tends not to be covered much in typical general education courses due to its complexity and the fact that quantum explanations probably fail at the edges. While quantum field theory is “the best explanation of the universe as we know it,” Wolliman said, once you reach quantum gravity, you reach “a huge chasm of ignorance” that speculative and controversial ideas like string theory and loop quantum gravity try to bridge.
In the Groove of Ignorance our journey through the realm of physics ends and we return to the fluffy realm where it all began: philosophy. Those with a typical general education in science may find that they have a much better understanding of the intellectual geography of the field. As a handy reminder, you can also: Buy a copy of Walliman’s Map of Physics posterwhich can be seen in miniature above. (That too You can download it digitally here.) Just below, an engaging and relaxed physicist gives a TEDx talk demonstrating effective science communication and explaining “Quantum Physics for 7-Year-Olds” – Quantum Physics for 37-, 57-, or 77-year-olds.
Note: An earlier version of this post appeared on our site in 2016.
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josh jones I’m a writer and musician based in Durham, North Carolina.
Source: Open Culture – www.openculture.com
