TED: How we explore unanswered questions in physics | James Beacham

The video explores the longstanding question of how quantum particles relate to gravity, highlighting the challenges faced by scientists in reconciling these two realms. It discusses the role of CERN's Large Hadron Collider in searching for new particles and the excitement surrounding a potential discovery in 2015. Theoretical implications of extra dimensions and the possibility of a hyperdimensional graviton are considered. Despite setbacks, the video emphasizes the importance of continued exploration and the potential for future breakthroughs in particle physics.

What unresolved question has intrigued scientists for nearly a century?

• How to unify quantum mechanics and gravity

• The origin of the universe

• The nature of dark matter

• The speed of light

What is the primary purpose of the Large Hadron Collider?

• To study the effects of gravity

• To accelerate particles to high speeds for collision

• To observe distant galaxies

• To create new elements

What significant discovery was made at the LHC in 2012?

• Dark matter

• The Higgs boson

• A new galaxy

• Gravitational waves

What was the reaction of the scientific community to the 2015 data bump?

• Complete understanding

• Indifference

• Immediate dismissal

• Excitement and speculation

What is a potential explanation for the weakness of gravity?

• It is stronger in the past

• It is absorbed by dark matter

• It leaks into extra dimensions

• It is not a fundamental force

What is a hyperdimensional graviton?

• A theoretical particle that could exist in extra dimensions

• A particle that is part of the Standard Model

• A particle that exists in three dimensions

• A particle that explains electromagnetism

What is the speaker's perspective on the future of particle physics?

• It is a field with no future

• It requires new approaches and continued exploration

• It should focus only on existing theories

• It is a solved field

What is the speaker's view on the role of future generations in physics?

• They will only repeat past mistakes

• They should focus on other sciences

• They may provide new insights and solutions

• They will have no impact

What is the speaker's attitude towards unanswered questions in physics?

• They are fascinating and drive exploration

• They are frustrating and should be ignored

• They are irrelevant to scientific progress

• They are already answered

What is the speaker's ultimate hope for the field of physics?

• To end the study of physics

• To prove existing theories wrong

• To inspire new ways of thinking and questioning

• To find all answers within their lifetime