Looking for a Feynman reference (re: P, C, and CP)

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    Feynman Reference
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around locating a specific reference by Richard Feynman regarding parity (P), charge conjugation (C), and CP symmetry, particularly in the context of a hypothetical scenario involving communication with an alien civilization. Participants explore various sources where this discussion might be found, including Feynman's lectures and books.

Discussion Character

  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls a discussion by Feynman involving radio communication with aliens related to parity and charge conjugation but cannot remember the specific book.
  • Another participant suggests that the reference might be in "The Pleasure of Finding Things Out," although they express uncertainty.
  • A third participant echoes the previous suggestion about "The Pleasure of Finding Things Out" but notes they did not find the reference in the index.
  • One participant proposes that Feynman likely used the analogy in multiple contexts, specifically mentioning it might be included in the Feynman lectures, particularly in volume one regarding symmetries.
  • Another participant asserts that the reference is indeed in Volume 1 of the Feynman Lectures.
  • A later reply confirms the specific location of the discussion in Chapter 52 of Volume 1.
  • A participant thanks others for their help and notes that they found the discussion in the Feynman Lectures, specifying the section and page number.
  • The same participant also mentions checking "The Pleasure of Finding Things Out" and concludes that the specific story about P, C, and CP is not referenced there.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the reference is likely found in the Feynman Lectures, particularly Volume 1, but there is uncertainty regarding its presence in "The Pleasure of Finding Things Out." No consensus is reached on the exact source.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the completeness of their searches in the suggested texts, and there are varying interpretations of where Feynman may have discussed the analogy.

Eye_in_the_Sky
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I remember reading a discussion by Feynman somewhere. He talks about parity and charge conjugation in terms of a hypothetical scenario involving "radio communication" with an alien civilization living far off in outer space.

I don't remember the name of book I read this in. Does anyone know what book it's in?
 
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I've seen it before too. I think it's in "The Pleasure of Finding Things Out", but I'm not entirely sure.
 
jtolliver said:
I've seen it before too. I think it's in "The Pleasure of Finding Things Out", but I'm not entirely sure.

Although I haven't read the book completely yet, I didn't find any reference to it in the index. A page from The LBL's site mention Feynman's idea...

http://www.lbl.gov/abc/wallchart/chapters/05/2.html
 
He probably used the analogy more than once. It is included for sure in one of the Feynman lectures. Probably in volume one, when he speaks about symmetries.

He is basically saying that, due to the violation of P in weak interactions, it would be possible to communicate what is "left" and "right" to an alien via radio. When finally meeting with the alien after having agreed to a right-hand-shake as a salutation, if he extends his left arm "watch out!", since he is made of antimatter.
 
I'm pretty sure it's Volume 1, I think it also appears in either six easy pieces or six not-so-easy pieces.
 
Yep. Chapter 52 in Vol I.
 
Thank you, all! :smile:

... Yes, I see it there in the "Feynman Lectures". The discussion begins in section 52-6 on page 52-8.

[I also briefly looked into "The Pleasure of Finding Things Out" (an edited transcript, published in 1999, of an interview with Feynman filmed in 1981). Using the search tools available at Amazon.com, it appears to me that in that interview no reference was made to this "story" of P, C, and CP.]
 

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