insight4me Physics: Quantum Physics with Professor Stephen Ashworth from University of East Anglia & Dr Lisa Morrison from University of Surrey

Register here

Our speakers and their respective talks are:

• University of Surrey: Dr Lisa Morrison, Lecturer in Physics and Physics Admissions Tutor in the School of Mathematics and Physics, presents Entanglement at the Horizon: Quantum Physics and Black Holes. Black holes are among the most extreme and exotic objects in the universe. Traditionally described using Einstein’s theory of general relativity, they are often pictured as ‘cosmic prisons’, trapping matter, light, and information inside them forever. However, when quantum physics is brought into the picture, a far stranger story emerges. At the edge of a black hole, even ’empty’ space is alive with quantum activity, where particles can appear from nothing, some of which fall into the black hole itself and become trapped forever. More intriguingly still, quantum entanglement suggests that what falls into a black hole may forever remain mysteriously connected to what escapes. This talk explores how quantum physics reshapes our understanding of black holes, revealing how empty space, radiation, and entanglement play a surprising and fundamental role.

• University of East Anglia: Stephen Ashworth, Professor of Chemical Physics and Science Communication in the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics, will present Quantum Physics in Measurement. Modern life is dependent on precise and accurate measurements. In turn, our system of units depends on the realisation of quantities such as the second and the metre. Recently, the kilogram definition was changed, and is now realised using a Kibble balance, for which a detailed knowledge of the local gravitational field is necessary. The realisation of the second is dependent on the measurement of an atomic transition in caesium. This talk explores how quantum physics can be utilised to help make the measurements required to realise these fundamental quantities.

In this insight4me Physics online event for schools and colleges, University of Surrey and University of East Anglia will each have roughly 30 minutes to deliver a punchy, interactive topic based ‘micro’ talk. Within an overall session theme of Quantum Physics, the universities have the freedom to choose their own focus and use the time to convey the key points of the case studies for the students.

insight4me is a series of subject specific webinars for 16+ pre-university students. The sessions directly support students’ current studies by giving an insight into particular curriculum areas whilst affording an understanding of how these subjects continue beyond A-levels, T-levels, IB, BTEC and equivalent qualifications, and how they vary between universities.

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. There is no charge to take part.

As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.

Suitable for: 16+ pre-university students studying, or with a possible interest in studying, Physics and related disciplines. Student groups, and individual students and teachers are very welcome to join us.

Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the 2 topics and discuss some of the key elements in advance. Students can also think about questions they have about studying at university level.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Zoom and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via typed comments and questions or via a microphone if preferred. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.

Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below:

Register here