Tumble Science Podcast for Kids
Was There Ever Nothing?
Apr 11, 2025
Jessica Esquivel, a particle physicist at Fermilab, dives into the extraordinary idea of 'nothing' and what existed before our universe. She reveals how quantum particles may have burst forth from this void, likening it to an electrifying dance party sparking the Big Bang. Esquivel also discusses particle detectors and their vital role in unveiling the universe's subatomic secrets. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink existence and embrace the failures inherent in scientific discovery.
23:39
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Quick takeaways
- The concept of 'nothing' varies based on definitions, as quantum fluctuations suggest that even in empty space, activity occurs.
- Scientists study subatomic particles using large detectors to mimic Big Bang conditions, aiming to uncover the universe's hidden origins.
Deep dives
The Concept of Nothingness
The episode examines the intriguing question of whether there was ever 'nothing' in the universe, particularly before the Big Bang. Dr. Jessica Sible provides insights on this profound topic, explaining that the notion of nothing largely depends on how one defines it. From her perspective, if nothing is viewed as a total vacuum void of matter and energy, then before the Big Bang, there was indeed nothing. However, this perspective shifts when considering the quantum realm, where even in what we perceive as 'nothing,' quantum fluctuations occur, suggesting that nothing can indeed contain something.
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