Physics experiments that changed the world (video)

In summary, physics experiments have greatly influenced our understanding of the world and have led to numerous technological advancements. Some of the most significant experiments in history include the Michelson-Morley experiment and the double-slit experiment. Scientists use the scientific method to design and conduct experiments, and these experiments have had a major impact on our daily lives by improving our understanding of the natural world and allowing for the development of technologies that make our lives easier.
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DennisN
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If you enjoy both physics/science and history like me, you may enjoy this video from the Royal Institution. It's about groundbreaking experiments (no theoretical physics); X-rays, particles etc.

I'm only 45 minutes in so I haven't seen the entire video yet, but I wanted to share it.

"Twentieth-century physics has changed the world - and some of the most important discoveries happened right here at the Royal Institution."

Physics experiments that changed the world – with Suzie Sheehy (Royal Institution)


And a Q&A is here:
 
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Very nice!
 
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1. What is the most famous physics experiment that changed the world?

The most famous physics experiment that changed the world is the double-slit experiment, which demonstrated the wave-particle duality of light and had a major impact on the development of quantum mechanics.

2. How did the Michelson-Morley experiment revolutionize our understanding of the universe?

The Michelson-Morley experiment, which attempted to measure the Earth's motion through the hypothetical "ether," ultimately showed that the speed of light is constant and independent of the observer's frame of reference. This led to the development of Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space and time.

3. What was the significance of Galileo's experiments with falling objects?

Galileo's experiments with falling objects helped to disprove the widely accepted Aristotelian notion that heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects. This paved the way for Isaac Newton's theory of gravity and the development of classical mechanics.

4. How did the discovery of radioactivity change our understanding of the atom?

The discovery of radioactivity by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie revealed that atoms are not indivisible, as previously thought, but can break apart and release energy. This led to the development of nuclear physics and the understanding of atomic structure.

5. What impact did the Large Hadron Collider have on the field of physics?

The Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator, allowed scientists to test and confirm the existence of the Higgs boson, a crucial component of the Standard Model of particle physics. This breakthrough helped to further our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

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