How Small Is It - Chapter 2 - The Microscopic (4K)

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In this first segment of our “How small is it” video book, we cover the microscopic world.
We start with optical microscopes and take a look at some of the things that you can see with light. We also cover light diffraction and show how it sets a limit on the size of objects we can see.
To understand how we can go further than light can take us by using electrons, we cover wave-particle duality. For that we cover particle momentum and wave interference. For a closer examination of waves, we show the famous Young Double Slit experiment that illustrates the wave nature of light. We also cover Airy Disks as a wave effect to further illustrate the limits of light microscopes. Then we go deeper into the nature of electromagnetic radiation. Here we show how it is the very nature of empty space with its permittivity and permeability that determines the speed of light in a vacuum.
For the particle nature of light, we cover Blackbody Radiation, the radiation catastrophe and how Planck solved the problem by showing that light is created in integer multiples of a constant now called Planck’s constant. We then cover Einstein’s photoelectric effect that showed that light was absorbed in the same multiples of light quanta. We now call these light quanta photons.
To reconcile these two views of light, we return to Young’s double slit experiment and fire photons one at a time. The interference pattern appears over time. We cover how Louis de Broglie extended this wave-particle duality to include electrons and other particles, and calculated the Broglie wavelength. The conclusion is that objects interact at points like a particle, but travel through space as a wave.
We then dig a little deeper into the nature of an electron starting with J.J. Thompson’s discovery using a mass spectrometer. We then cover how Robert Milliken found the charge of a electron. With the electron’s mass and charge known, we calculate its wavelength and find it much smaller than an optical photon’s wavelength. This makes it ideal for breaking through the diffusion limit to see much smaller objects.
We end by covering how a scanning electron microscope works and using it to view very small things - down to a carbon atom!}
Music
@02:38: Tchaikovsky – “Swan Lake”: New Symphony Orchestra from the album “Tchaikovsky’s Greatest Ballets”, 2009
@25:57 Dvorak – “Symphony No 9 The New World”: Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra; Mariss Jansons; from the album “Essential Adagios”, 2010
@30:09 Chopin – “Piano Concerto No II Romance” : Martha Argerich; Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal; Charles Dutoit; from the album “Essential Adagios”, 2010

[Paunguliaq]

Dear David Butler,

I need to thank you and the people who assisted you with this magnificent series of Physics lectures. I am a scientist, but I have learned so much (probably again) from these programs. The simple way the work builds on itself, from far, to large to small, all from your backyard starting point is wonderful. I am so in love with learning on YouTube and your Physics programs.
Thank you, Sir.

[LittleRockSix]

FINALLY! A new episode from the great Mr. Butler.

Many thanks Sir.

[Okla_Soft]

I was so stoked that you posted a new video today, I’ve been watching the entire “how far away is it” playlist every night for months now!

[WeeWeeJumbo]

This is some of the best content on YouTube. Thanks for everything, David Butler

[nickbeck]

Only David can pull off wearing burkenstocks with socks on! Wearin' them like a boss!

[YyJester]

David, your videos never disappoint. They are excellent!

[david_reynolds]

You are seriously an amazing teacher! If I would have had you when I was young, no telling where I would be today. But I am expanding my mind now

[SamSpadeLives]

Thanks for your lessons, simple and easy to understand

[IAmNoSeer]

i wish i could have had you as a school teacher. the music is an ingenious touch!

[HE-punt]

These lectures are wonderful! I love the classical music.
I've a good background in math, though for family problem's I was never able to go to university.
With my small understanding of algebra and your explanation, these difficult to understand processes are brought to light.
You remind me of Richard Feynman, I knew his wife, we where born in the same village. I met him several times, no matter how complex the subject, he could explain it.
Thank you!

[mathymathhandle]

Every episode is a goldmine of wisdom! Thank you sir.

[sup]

Absolutely outstanding work. Time, care and attention put into every detail of the series. Thank you sir

[망히-zz]

You are as wonderful as the universe. How can you explain so fluently without looking at the notes. The force made the whole universe also made everything on earth. And your intelligence is a mere reflection of the greater intelligence above.

[AbdulMateen-nter]

All my appointments for the evening are canceled. I will be busy watching this over and over again. Thank you Mr David

[gozar]

I love your videos David. I watch them to help me revise for my upcoming physics assessments. I want to study physics and astronomy, I just can't get enough of your videos. Well done.

[seankaelin]

This is exactly what I was looking for thank you for all the work you put into these series!! Instant fan!

[woodywoodlstein]

One of the best tutorials on YouTube and the entire internet period.

[jluiji]

Thank you David Butler, you fulfill my fascination of the stars by making these great videos.

[jompsteri]

Cant wait for the next segment. Wish you well, Mr Butler 🙂

[sbwhddv]

Just a BRILLIANT BEAUTIFUL and lucid presentation Sir! THANK YOU. Although I've been interested in these subjects for DECADES, read countless books and seen numerous good videos, this is at the TOP of the list for concise clarity.
Your work is GREATLY appreciated!