What is Schrödinger's Cat? | Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains...
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Published 2022-05-31
Learn about famous physicist Erwin Schrödinger and his work with quantum mechanics. What is the Observer Effect? We debunk some misconceptions about the Observer Effect and break down what starts to go wrong when doing experiments with the really really small. Discover quantum cats in boxes and quantum computing. What is superposition? Can something be two things at once? What is a Qbit? Explore the mystery of the quantum realm with us…
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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
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0:00 - Introduction
0:50 - Origins of Schrödinger's Cat
1:25 - The Observer Effect
3:00 - The Albedo Effect
4:53 - Why Subatomic Particles ‘Change’ When Observed
6:53 - Schrödinger's Cat
8:33 - Cats on the Internet
9:37 - Chuck’s Se7en Analogy
10:54 - Quantum Computing
12:07 - The Quantum Head
14:23 - Quantum Probabilities
14:36 - Quantum Tunneling
15:08 - Quantum Entanglement
15:24 - The Watershed Decade In Physics
16:18 - Texas Instrument Calculators
17:29 - Closing Notes
All Comments (21)
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Should we do another episode on Quantum weirdness?
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What I've discovered is that I exist in a state where I both understand, and do not understand the concept of Schrödinger's Cat, simultaneously.
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Tyson is a rare teacher. You can laugh in tears and learn about complex physics at the same time.
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Chuck Nice has got to be one of the sharpest dudes on the planet. He just moves things along so seamlessly and with so much humor and insight. He's just wonderful!!!
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If I had teachers like that growing up I would have definitely paid way more attention, keep it up guys!
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My brain was not built to handle learning quantum physics, but Neil makes me wish it was, and Chuck could keep me laughing all the while. Great episode.
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Not enough has been said here about how good the chemistry is between Chuck and Neil - these two are so good together.
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As a white person who wasn’t expecting comedy, I enjoyed this.
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Chuck, that scene literally always made me think of the cat. You're not alone.
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The ability to convey information while simultaneously entertaining in order to keep the students' attention is the mark of a real teacher. It's unfortunate that it is so rare.
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Nice to have a straight to the point explanation. The particles are so small that the light we use to observe them changes their existence.
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Other comments have added information and context NDT left out of the description of the experiment. Most people forget, however, that the thought experiment was actually Schrödinger's critique of quantum theory and not an explanation of it.
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This is why Cats are obsessed with boxes. They've been trying to figure this super position stuff out since they first heard about it.
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The man breaks down complicated subjects into pure simplicity. Wow wow.
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Everyone always asks what is Schrödinger's Cat, but no one ever asks HOW is Schrödinger's Cat.
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I love listening to you and learning. You strike me as a very intelligent and not conceited man. I grew up with my stepfather always responding to me "you writing a book" after I asked a question and most of the time never answering the question. Thank you for whom you are.
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Schrödinger's cat is not a quantum system itself but a normal cat that is affected by a quantum system. The original thought experiment places a toxin in the box that is released by the radioactive decay of a particle which is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. In this setting you cannot know if the particle has decayed enough to release the toxin until you measure the particle (opening the box). This entangles the cat with the particle.
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Man...i am so thankful for StarTalk. Whenever I'm feeling down, I know that I always can rely on Chuck to lift my spirits right back up. Dr. Tyson is always fascinating and illuminating. But both Chuck's jokes, and his genuine delight at learning things, never fails to bring a smile to my face. Thank you both for everything you do!!
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The “white people all in one place” had me crying 🤣
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another episode on anything would be great. its just the perfect mix of you two with all the intellect and humor. absolutely great.
