Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the search for the Graviton particle and the quest for a unifying theory of gravitational force. They delve into the challenges of merging quantum mechanics with general relativity, the intricacies of gravity, and the potential connection between supersymmetric particles and the existence of gravitons.
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Quick takeaways
The search for the graviton aims to unify gravity with quantum mechanics, crucial for understanding the fundamental forces in the universe.
Bosons and the theoretical graviton play vital roles in mediating long-range forces like gravity, offering insights into the interactions of fundamental particles.
Deep dives
Unifying Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity
To explain certain natural phenomena, there is a need to combine the principles of quantum mechanics and general relativity. While quantum mechanics deals with the subatomic world, general relativity explains the cosmos on a larger scale. In certain situations, like the beginning of the universe or when both gravity and small dimensions are significant, a unified theory incorporating both quantum mechanics and general relativity is essential.
Boson Particles and Forces
Bosons play a crucial role in mediating interactions such as electromagnetic, weak, and strong forces. These particles, with a spin of one, facilitate long-range forces like gravity, which requires a spin two particle. The complexity arises in unifying gravity with other forces due to the unique characteristics of the graviton, a theoretical spin two particle. Understanding Bosons and their interactions aids in comprehending the fundamental forces acting in the universe.
Search for a Unified Theory: Superstring Theory
Scientists are actively seeking a theory that unifies all fundamental forces, known as a theory of quantum gravity. Superstring theory emerges as a promising candidate with its mathematical framework integrating the different forces. However, the concept of multiple dimensions in this theory poses challenges in conceptualization. The pursuit of a unified theory involves exploring superstring theory and supersymmetry to unravel the mysteries of quantum gravity and ultimately understand the fundamental nature of the universe.
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the search for the Graviton particle. Albert Einstein said "I know why there are so many people who love chopping wood. In this activity one immediately sees the results". Einstein spent the last thirty years of his life trying to find a theory that would unify electromagnetism with gravity, but success eluded him. The search is still on for a unifying theory of gravitational force and hopes are pinned on the location of the graviton - a hypothetical elementary particle that transmits the force of gravity. But the graviton is proving hard to find. Indeed, the Large Hadron Collider at CERN still won't allow us to detect gravitons per se, but might be able to prove their existence in other ways. The idea of the graviton particle first emerged in the middle of the 20th century, when the notion that particles as mediators of force was taken seriously. Physicists believed that it could be applicable to gravity and by the late 20th century the hunt was truly on for the ultimate theory, a theory of quantum gravity. So why is the search for the graviton the major goal of theoretical physics? How will the measurement of gravitation waves help prove its existence? And how might the graviton unite the seemingly incompatible theories of general relativity and quantum mechanics? With Roger Cashmore, Former Research Director at CERN and Principal of Brasenose College, Oxford; Jim Al-Khalili, Professor of Physics at the University of Surrey; Sheila Rowan, Reader in Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Glasgow.
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