Physics: Understanding Particle Wave Duality with Dr Seb Haines from University of East Anglia
May 11 @ 12:45 - 13:30
In this Physics session, Dr Seb Haines, Lecturer in Physics and Engineering Materials in the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics at University of East Anglia, will run an interactive talk for students on Understanding Particle Wave Duality.
Thinking of light as an electromagnetic wave has allowed us to make enormous scientific and technological progress. Quantum mechanics, however, tells us that this is not the whole story and that in the world of single atoms and subatomic particles we must think of light as coming in discreet chunks. We call these chunks ‘photons’ and they behave like particles.
On the other hand, quantum mechanics also demands that we think of particles as having wave-like properties and being described by the wavefunction.
Can we be happy to view matter waves as a mathematical trick or must we seek a deeper understanding?
Lecturer Profile: Dr Seb Haines
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 as well as students and teachers joining individually are very welcome.
Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the topic in advance and questions they have. Students can also think about questions 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 speaker via typed comments and questions and/or via a microphone. 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: