What Are Particles? Do They ACTUALLY Exist?!

Somewhere between 1926 and 1950, we gave up the concept of particles in favor of quantum fields. In this video, I explain the motivations for that to a non-physicist: my wife.

Nick Lucid - Host, Writer, Editor, Animator
Eric Aspling - Consulting Expert, Fact Checker
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VIDEO ANNOTATIONS/CARDS

Quantum Superposition:

Older video on Quantum Fields:
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RELATED YOUTUBE VIDEOS

ZAP Physics on Feynman Diagrams:

PBS Space Time on Feynman Diagrams:

ScienceClic on Feynman Diagrams:

Domain of Science on Feynman Diagrams:
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SOURCES

General Scientific Papers:

Feynman's Papers:

Overview of Feynman Rules:

Fundamental Constants:
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LINKS TO COMMENTS

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IMAGE/VIDEO CREDITS

Richard Feynman Portrait:

Louis de Broglie:

Erwin Schrodinger:

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TIME CODES

00:00 Cold Open
00:12 Getting a baseline
00:55 Matter and Light: What's it made of?
02:38 What is a Field?
04:09 What is a Wave?
05:33 What is a Quantum Field?
07:50 Quantum Fields Visualized
10:26 Feynman Diagrams Explained
12:20 Virtual Particles Explained
13:50 How to use Feynman Diagrams
15:05 Quantum Electrodynamics
18:15 What is its purposes?
18:40 Do particles exist?
19:14 Featured Comment

[ashroskell]

This is such a great system of teaching, whereby the Explainer has to explain to a smart person who is not an expert. Thereby testing the Explainer’s capacity to teach and causing growth in both the audience and the teacher. Plus, it’s just a really entertaining format. We are all in the position of your wife, who is asking questions that we would ask, making her a great analogue for your audience. It’s a wonderful service you are doing for science, which deserves plaudits and recognition. Thank you for that. 👍

[zbop]

Ive watched lots of documentaries, read articles and books, scientist interviews and youtubers. You have done the most to supply critically missing puzzle pieces that clarify the picture, make things make sense, and make me say "OOH!"
Its the little details.

[thomziq]

I'm still in shock because of how underappreciated this channel is compared to the quality of content it has! Keep up the good work! :D

[SaniFakhouri]

The "Waaoooommm" sound effect that plays everytime a 'disturbance' happens in a quantum field is fantastic.

[serronpdub]

The episodes when you explain quantum mechanics to your wife, are by far my favorite uploads. I would love to have her add in her comments/thoughts in a bubble or something into your normal uploads. Does not have to be many. Maybe 2-4 per episode.

[JohnSalchichon]

I am a student of physics, whenever I think something is impossible to explain to a physics illiterate you come and show me that it is I who is illiterate in teaching hahahahaha

[kwaherikwasasa]

Feynman was once asked if he could explain Quantum Electro Dynamics so that a lay person could understand it, and he replied, "No." As a certified lay person, I can say you have made some progress in that direction. Also, I have read most of Feynman's books, and they are extremely readable for those of us who are fascinated by the topic but have had nothing more than high school calculus. He was a fascinating person.

[abdullahkor]

Well, I think I really needed a video like this. Things get very weird at quantum level and thus you can't be sure what's going on. You made my day sir, thanks!

[furqanshariff]

The competitive advantage he has above other youtubers is that, he is clear of what he is saying even during an explanation, which makes us think it is easy to understand

[tkgsingsct]

Your wife asks my questions!!
Super helpful for folks not great with math, thanks for this channel. I think this is the first time I've been confident I have a basic grasp of what quantum field theory actually is (and I'm rather dense, that's a big deal!). 😊

[wefinishthisnow]

I just wanted to say that I love that despite having over half a million subscribers, Nick actually reads and responds to so many of the comments.

Another great video Nick!

[joshuascholar]

Best video on Feynman diagrams, and I've seen them all.

Having your wife there to explain things to seems to have inspired you to explain things much better.

[mitch_the_-itch]

Youre my favorite nerd. All of the different versions of you. Its cute you buy them each their own book "Lectures on Physics" instead of reading it three time's. Your wife seems cool too.

[anonymizationoverload]

The Feynman diagram animations seem so nice for some reason, I just love the bright-but-not-eyestrainy yellow and pink on top of the really nicely textured gray background x)

Nice video! I learned something new today :D

[samarthpatil]

First view❤ I've been following your videos from a long time and I've been benefitted a lot... I've gain more knowledge through your channel... I really like ur humor a lot... Thanks brother❤😊

[baptistebauer]

I LOVE these episodes where you explain things to your wife. It reminds me of Physics Girl's "explaining to my editor" series (wishing her a fast and complete recovery), but you have a much calmer approach. These are incredible.

[philochristos]

Nick, you are an exceptional communicator, and your wife is such a good sport.

[oliveralmonte]

Wow! I truly enjoyed this episode. It was so amazing. Thanks a million for enlightening us.

[bdrobe]

Nick, somehow you always break physics down to where I can actually understand it. You truly have a gift for teaching. I am as impressed by your communication skills as I am with the actual physics. Way to go man! Thank you for all your hard work!

[irok]

6:15 wow, you're really good at asking questions, making this all-the-more great