Events › How the Universe Works: Quantum Mechanics - the Music of the Universe

Curious about how the universe actually works?

Join the experts from UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from quantum physics to radio astronomy in this new, accessible science series. All are welcome!

May: Quantum Mechanics - the Music of the Universe

Presenter: Mark Van Raamsdonk

Quantum mechanics is the sometimes bizarre set of physics rules that gives our best understanding of how nature works at a fundamental level.

In this talk, Dr. Van Raamsdonk will introduce some of the key ideas of quantum mechanics -- including quantum superpositions, wavefunctions, and indeterminacy -- by describing how these are related to much more familiar ideas from the science of music and musical instruments.

Presenter Biography:

Mark Van Raamsdonk is a professor of theoretical physics at the University of British Columbia. His research areas include quantum mechanics, general relativity, string theory, and cosmology. He is also an amateur musician, specializing in jazz saxophone.