Episode
#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
1:38:47
Published: Wed Apr 29 2020
Description
Harry Cliff is a particle physicist at the University of Cambridge working on the Large Hadron Collider beauty experiment that specializes in searching for hints of new particles and forces by studying a type of particle called the "beauty quark", or "b quark". In this way, he is part of the group of physicists who are searching answers to some of the biggest questions in modern physics. He is also an exceptional communicator of science with some of the clearest and most captivating explanations of basic concepts in particle physics I've ever heard. Support this podcast by signing up with these sponsors: – ExpressVPN at https://www.expressvpn.com/lexpod – Cash App – use code “LexPodcast” and download: – Cash App (App Store): https://apple.co/2sPrUHe – Cash App (Google Play): https://bit.ly/2MlvP5w EPISODE LINKS: Harry's Website: https://www.harrycliff.co.uk/ Harry's Twitter: https://twitter.com/harryvcliff Beyond the Higgs Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edvdzh9Pggg Harry's stand-up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnediKM_Sts This conversation is part of the Artificial Intelligence podcast. If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/ai or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, or support it on Patreon. Here's the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. OUTLINE: 00:00 - Introduction 03:51 - LHC and particle physics 13:55 - History of particle physics 38:59 - Higgs particle 57:55 - Unknowns yet to be discovered 59:48 - Beauty quarks 1:07:38 - Matter and antimatter 1:10:22 - Human side of the Large Hadron Collider 1:17:27 - Future of large particle colliders 1:24:09 - Data science with particle physics 1:27:17 - Science communication 1:33:36 - Most beautiful idea in physics
Chapters
This podcast features a conversation with a particle physicist working on investigating the differences between matter and antimatter, but first, Lex Friedman praises Cash App for providing an easy-to-use interface that simplifies trading and diversification, making the stock market more accessible for new investors.
00:00 - 04:15 (04:15)
Summary
This podcast features a conversation with a particle physicist working on investigating the differences between matter and antimatter, but first, Lex Friedman praises Cash App for providing an easy-to-use interface that simplifies trading and diversification, making the stock market more accessible for new investors.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host explains the concept of subatomic particles and how they behave when collided in the Large Hadron Collider, sometimes behaving as little marbles or bullets.
04:16 - 08:44 (04:27)
Summary
The host explains the concept of subatomic particles and how they behave when collided in the Large Hadron Collider, sometimes behaving as little marbles or bullets.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Higgs field is believed to be the reason why electrons and quarks have mass, and particles such as electrons and up quarks are ripples moving in their respective fields.
08:44 - 16:42 (07:57)
Summary
The Higgs field is believed to be the reason why electrons and quarks have mass, and particles such as electrons and up quarks are ripples moving in their respective fields. Timing is crucial in using an electric field to accelerate particles.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Learn about the challenges of controlling and monitoring the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest particle accelerator, from a remote control room at CERN.
16:42 - 25:27 (08:44)
Summary
Learn about the challenges of controlling and monitoring the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest particle accelerator, from a remote control room at CERN. The control room is responsible for ensuring the safe and successful operation of the LHC, which requires precise and complex control mechanisms.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode discusses the development of quantum field theory in the 1940s and 1950s, with the contributions of Richard Feynman, Julian Schwinger and Tom Inaga, as well as the strong force field and the proposal that particles are made up of smaller things called quarks.
25:27 - 34:16 (08:48)
Summary
This episode discusses the development of quantum field theory in the 1940s and 1950s, with the contributions of Richard Feynman, Julian Schwinger and Tom Inaga, as well as the strong force field and the proposal that particles are made up of smaller things called quarks.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Higgs field is responsible for the mass of particles like electrons, and the energy stored in the field around the electron is what we see as its mass.
34:16 - 46:17 (12:01)
Summary
The Higgs field is responsible for the mass of particles like electrons, and the energy stored in the field around the electron is what we see as its mass. Without the Higgs field, particles would have no mass and couldn't form atoms.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The theory of partial compositeness suggests that the Higgs boson is made up of strongly interacting particles, and that other exotic particles are mixtures of these particles.
46:17 - 54:07 (07:49)
Summary
The theory of partial compositeness suggests that the Higgs boson is made up of strongly interacting particles, and that other exotic particles are mixtures of these particles. The theory also reveals a pattern among matter particles in the universe, hinting at a deeper understanding of the universe's building blocks.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the book 'Dreams of a Final Theory' by Steven Weinberg, which explores the concept of a final unifying theory that brings together all aspects of physics using theoretical objects called 'strings'.
54:07 - 1:00:33 (06:26)
Summary
This podcast discusses the book 'Dreams of a Final Theory' by Steven Weinberg, which explores the concept of a final unifying theory that brings together all aspects of physics using theoretical objects called 'strings'. The podcast also raises questions about the possibility of further innovations in particle collider technology to increase energy output.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Researchers at CERN are searching for the footprints or impressions left by quantum fields that reveal the effects these fields have on the already known standard model fields used by high energy physics.
1:00:33 - 1:08:14 (07:40)
Summary
Researchers at CERN are searching for the footprints or impressions left by quantum fields that reveal the effects these fields have on the already known standard model fields used by high energy physics.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Scientists discuss the Great Annihilation, where particles and antiparticles collided and turned into light, and the problem of why the universe has more matter than antimatter, despite equal amounts being made during the Big Bang.
1:08:14 - 1:14:22 (06:08)
Summary
Scientists discuss the Great Annihilation, where particles and antiparticles collided and turned into light, and the problem of why the universe has more matter than antimatter, despite equal amounts being made during the Big Bang. They also explain how the universe underwent a phase transition which caused particles to acquire mass.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In experimental physics, collaboration and hard work are crucial skills for success, while some individuals in machine learning lack a willingness to work with data.
1:14:22 - 1:24:12 (09:49)
Summary
In experimental physics, collaboration and hard work are crucial skills for success, while some individuals in machine learning lack a willingness to work with data. The goal of bringing European science together after experiencing a brain drain highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving breakthroughs.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of clever machine learning techniques can significantly increase the amount of useful data recorded and help eliminate background noise at an earlier stage of the process.
1:24:12 - 1:29:29 (05:17)
Summary
The use of clever machine learning techniques can significantly increase the amount of useful data recorded and help eliminate background noise at an earlier stage of the process. However, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with the large volume of data generated, and only a small fraction of it gets recorded.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The process of communicating complex ideas can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
1:29:29 - 1:34:23 (04:53)
Summary
The process of communicating complex ideas can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It requires scrutinizing the ideas and simplifying them for the audience, leading to a reverse effect of inspiring oneself.
Episode#92 – Harry Cliff: Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The forces of nature arise in our theories as a consequence of symmetries, which are found when particles interact at a close range.
1:34:24 - 1:38:42 (04:18)
Summary
The forces of nature arise in our theories as a consequence of symmetries, which are found when particles interact at a close range. These basic ingredients create an unbelievably complicated universe that includes stars, planets, matter, and us.