

Physics Frontiers
Jim Rantschler
Jim Rantschler and Randy Morrison discuss physics from elementary particles to cosmological effects at the limits of our theoretical knowledge or have recently emerged.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 10, 2020 • 38min
Gravitational Wave Astronomy
Jim and Randy talk about gravitational waves.

May 3, 2020 • 38min
X17
Jim and Randy discuss a possible "fifth force," the hypothetical X17 particle that has been seen in several experiments. Erratum: The g-2 of the muon was shown to be off by 1 part in 500,000 in 2001 at Brookhaven. It may not be in there, I'm not sure how much of that I cut out.Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/50

Apr 4, 2020 • 40min
The Unruh Effect
Jim and Randy discuss the apparent creation of quanta seen by comparing the viewpoints of relatively accelerating observers -- the Unruh Effect. (There is a little noise that shows up on Randy's track half way through - I did my best)Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/49(links to papers, podcasts, and more!)

Jan 19, 2020 • 40min
The Gertsenshtein Effect
Randy introduces Jim to the Gertsenshtein effect, the conversion of gravitational waves to electromagnetic waves through resonances.Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/48

Nov 24, 2019 • 47min
Bimetric Gravity
Randy introduces Jim to Sabine Hossenfelder's bimetric theory of gravity. In this gravitational theory, there are two types of matter whose only interaction is through gravitation. However, each one reacts to space-time differently, resulting in different metric tensors for each. In low-curvature situations, this creates a kind of anti-gravitation.Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/47

Sep 22, 2019 • 45min
Wigner's Friend
Randy and Jim discuss experiments that purport to show that there is no such thing as objective reality.Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/46

Aug 16, 2019 • 44min
Loop Quantum Gravity
Jim and Randy discuss loop quantum gravity, and integration of quantum mechanics and gravity that quantizes space-time itself through the use of uncertain quanta of volumes and the random connections between them.

Jul 16, 2019 • 48min
Spooky Action at a Distance
Jim and Randy discuss experiments that put a minimum superluminal speed of communication between parts of a wavefunction.Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/44

Jun 6, 2019 • 34min
The Positive Energy Theorem
Randy introduces Jim to a refutation of the positive energy theorem in a universe with a cosmological constant.Show Notes: http://frontiers.physicsfm.com/43

May 4, 2019 • 36min
Entropic Gravity
Delve into the idea that gravity might not be a fundamental force but an emergent phenomenon tied to entropy. Discover how hot gases around galaxies challenge notions of dark matter. Learn about innovative materials that could leverage entropy to create gravitational fields. Explore the mind-bending connections between gravity, quantum mechanics, and dark energy. Unravel complex theories that seek to unify fundamental forces through the lens of entropy gradients, prompting a reexamination of our understanding of the universe.