PhysicsFM

Episodes

1. 5

   Episode 5: Counting Unvierses

   Jim goes on a diatribe about infinities and the multiverse.

   Oct 25, 2021

   32m
2. 14

   Entropy v. Entropy

   In this episode, I discuss a paper talking about the relationship between physical entropy and information-theoretic entropy in the context of quantum communication.

   Jun 19, 2020

   21m
3. 13

   The Machine in the Ghost

   This week, I talk about the fate of the universe in Bohmian Cosmology. Specifically, how Torres, Fabris, and Piattella use the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics to modify the Wheeler-De Witt equation in the an accelerating universe. Show Notes: http://papers.physicsfm.com/3

   May 14, 2020

   24m
4. 12

   Itty Bitty Physics

   I talk about a paper by John Archibald Wheeler, "Information, Physics, Quantum: The Search for Links." Show Notes: http://papers.physicsfm.com/2

   Apr 30, 2020

   32m
5. 11

   The Quantum Bookie

   I talk about Quantum Bayesianism, the extension of the Bayesian interpretation of probability to quantum mechanics, through the work of Christopher Fuchs. Show Notes: http://papers.physicsfm.com/1

   Apr 19, 2020

   29m
6. 10

   PhysicsFM - Intermission - Quantum Metaphysics

   Jim and Randy discuss the ways in which we interpret the wavefunction, quantum indeterminancy, and other strange things that happen in quantum mechanics -- going through nine classes of interpretation and what they mean about the underlying reasons for quantum mechanical behavior.

   Mar 4, 2017

   1h 28m
7. 9

   PhysicsFM - Quantum Paradoxes 9 - Quantum Cats

   Randy and Jim discuss the implications of Schroedinger's Cat. In light of the measurement problem, in light of the collapse of the wave function, how can you understand what is happening to a quantum mechanical system?

   Aug 5, 2015

   1h 05m
8. 8

   PhysicsFM - Quantum Paradoxes 8 - Measurement and Compensation

   Jim and Randy discuss how "compensation forces" allow measurements of non-canonical variables without the difficulties discovered in the previous episode. They also discuss why some very important concepts of classical physics -- velocity and the electric field -- are not canonical.

   Jul 2, 2015

   42m
9. 7

   PhysicsFM - Quantum Paradoxes 7 - Quantum Measurements - Jim Rantschler and Randy Morrison

   Randy and Jim talk about measurements of quantum systems, specifically in terms of a paradox involving the measurement of the velocity. This includes a long discussion of the von Neumann model of quantum mechanics.

   Apr 22, 2015

   36m
10. 6

    PhysicsFM - Quantum Paradoxes 6 - Nonlocality and Causality - Randy Morrison and Jim Rantschler

    Jim and Randy discuss Aharonov and Rohrlich's suggestion that quantum mechanics should be formulated in terms of axioms based upon its physical peculiarities -- Nonlocality and Causality.

    Mar 25, 2015

    52m
11. 5

    PhysicsFM - Quantum Paradoxes 5 - Modular Variables - Randy Morrison and Jim Rantschler

    Randy and Jim discuss modular variables and how looking at an infinite number of slits in a diffraction grating can better elucidate the process of quantum interference than the two-slit experiment.

    Feb 20, 2015

    49m
12. 4

    PhysicsFM - Quantum Paradoxes 4 - Phases and Gauges - Randy Morrison and Jim Rantschler

    Jim and Randy talk about two paradoxes that help describe the Aharonov-Bohm effect. This requires an excursion into the gauge invariance of the vector potential of electrodynamics -- and how that gauge has real effects in quantum theory, even though it did not in classical physics.

    Jan 24, 2015

    52m
13. 3

    PhysicsFM - Quantum Paradoxes 3 - Is Quantum Theory Complete? - Randy Morrison and Jim Rantschler

    Randy and Jim discuss the completeness of quantum theory via the EPR Paradox, Bell's Theorem, and the Aspect Experiment and they discuss the Block Universe and David Bohm's interpretation of quantum mechanics.

    Dec 20, 2014

    31m
14. 2

    PhysicsFM - Quantum Paradoxes 2 - How to Weigh a Quantum - Randy Morrison and Jim Rantschler

    Jim and Randy discuss the meaning of consistency, black body radiation, the Compton effect, uncertainty relationships, single-slit diffraction, and the clock in a box paradox.

    Nov 21, 2014

    38m
15. 1

    PhysicsFM - Quantum Paradoxes 1 - The Uses of Paradox - Randy Morrison and Jim Rantschler

    Randy and Jim discuss paradoxes in general, some quantum effects, what paradoxes mean to physics, and the twin paradox.

    Oct 21, 2014

    41m