How the Universe Works: Qunatum Mechanics - the Music of the Universe

Event Date:
2025-05-15T18:00:00
2025-05-15T19:30:00
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre - level 8)
Speaker:
Mark Van Raamsdonk, UBC PHAS faculty
URL:
VPL events page
Related Upcoming Events:
Public Events
Intended Audience:
Everyone
Local Contact:

Kirsty Dickson (communications@phas.ubc.ca)

All are welcome to this event!

*Note: If registration is full, there may still be seats available due to no-shows; please come by in case there are free seats!

 

Event Information:

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 the Milky Way to radio waves in this new, accessible science series: How the Universe Works!. All are welcome!

Abstract:

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.

Bio:

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.

Learn More:

Add to Calendar 2025-05-15T18:00:00 2025-05-15T19:30:00 How the Universe Works: Qunatum Mechanics - the Music of the Universe Event Information: 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 the Milky Way to radio waves in this new, accessible science series: How the Universe Works!. All are welcome! Abstract: 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. Bio: 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. Learn More: About Mark: https://phas.ubc.ca/~mav/vanraamsdonk.html About quantum mechanics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics About science and music: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/connections/connections/science--music/  Event Location: Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre - level 8)