Quantum Fields: The Real Building Blocks of the Universe - with David Tong

According to our best theories of physics, the fundamental building blocks of matter are not particles, but continuous fluid-like substances known as 'quantum fields'. David Tong explains what we know about these fields, and how they fit into our understanding of the Universe.
Watch the Q&A here: • Q&A - Quantum Fields: ...
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David Tong is a professor of theoretical physics at Cambridge University, specialising in quantum field theory.
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[@TheRoyalInstitution]

Thanks to our community, we now have Galician subtitles for this video!

[@daymeincook9246]

get someone on that explains thing better and simpler. and talks slower!

[@rvieito]

This video deserves translation to as many languages as possible. It has been a pleasure translating it to the language of Rosalía de Castro, Castelao, Ángeles Alvariño, Parga Pondal and roughly 3 million people.

[@aleksandarignjatovic3130]

About this all-encompassing equation. I would like to know the physical meaning of the fact that it is exponential.

[@Rekuzan]

'Building an empire means building a metaphor' ~ Sir Winston S. Churchill ~~~ Keep at it guys, we'll find a way to translate quantum field theory into P.F.E. (Plain English)

[@daithiocinnsealach3173]

Great talk. Maybe the best one yet that I've heard from the RI. He spoke at just the right pace and level for an interested layman to stay with him.

[@d.c.gottardo6771]

Ri please, give this man another chance to talk more about others subjects. This lecture was amazing.

[@fjames208]

In fact it is

[@dannybinda2418]

D.C. Gottardo what machine he speaks about what cost 20 billions?

[@davidcroly7654]

@Dursunali Kaplan bird up.

[@thenbwkmtkspktrminc.4613]

Anyone that don't see through the rhetoric are trained and or in denial. BiGG universities will also withhold real historical actual data as weLL. 🕋

[@AeonAxisProductions]

As long as he stops smacking his lips every time he stops and starts

[@MathAdam]

13:01 "It doesn't matter how old you are, or how many degrees in physics you have, there's something magical about this." Great science requires a childlike curiosity.

[@Warriorlove49deu]

MathTerminds - Making Math Like Finger Painting I concur

[@sirfer6969]

A bit magical indeed. I still play with magnets at nearly 50 years of age. Wonderful presentation.

[@motopeter2409]

legendary note indeed :)) it also shows, regardless you play with the force of the universe you can keep the inner child

[@tomrhodes1629]

Absolute Truth is much more simple than such convoluted understandings, to wit: EVERYTHING IS THOUGHT WITHIN A GREAT MIND. Some call that Mind "Nature" and some call it "God." And no amount of "particle" splitting or hair splitting will ever allow intellect to conquer this ultimate and absolute Truth. Want to know more? From the simple cure for cancer to the very Meaning of Life? "Seek and ye shall find"....

[@fjames208]

Always..and always be

[@ishantishant8630]

This man speaks with such an enthusiasm that he doesn't seem to be a theoretical physicist......he seems like the student whose mind is still wandering with questions and doubts on the concepts of physics ......the way he speaks is really amazing and the thing he did with the magnets in the middle of the lecture was something we all did in our childhood and he still has that energy and curiosity about something is really deeply hidden.

[@ytad87]

He is explaining spin incorrectly

[@annelbeab8124]

@@ytad87 ok, then correct it.

[@edwardnorton3449]

I can't stand this guy, but these days this is the only Quark Field video youtube serves up. Can't find advanced physics video anymore, just this pop science pablum.

[@proffoctopus66yearsago22]

@@edwardnorton3449 you can find more advanced videos on youtube but the videos will have relatively shorter views because its hard to understand them. Scrolling waaaaaaaaaay down might help or just find a course online

[@rolodexter]

I agree with you. David Tong is a very engaging speaker, and he has a real passion for physics. He is able to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way, and he always seems to be excited about the subject matter. I think the thing that I admire most about David Tong is his enthusiasm. He truly loves physics, and it shows in his lectures. He is always asking questions, and he is always looking for new ways to understand the world around him. I think that David Tong is a great role model for students of physics. He shows that it is possible to be both passionate and rigorous in your studies. He also shows that it is important to be curious and to never stop asking questions. I am glad that you mentioned the magnets. I thought that was a great demonstration, and it really helped to illustrate the concept of quantum fields. It was also a reminder that physics is not just about abstract concepts, but it is also about the physical world around us. I think that David Tong is a great example of what it means to be a physicist. He is passionate, rigorous, curious, and he has a real love for the subject matter. I am grateful that he is sharing his knowledge with the world, and I am excited to see what he does next.

[@rosemars8]

I planned to only watch the first 10 min or so but got hooked throughout the end of the talk. What a nice a clear introduction of the topic by telling and combining all small, meaningful stories together. Just one of the best lectures I can think of......!!!!!!!

[@paulsmith5720]

Absolutely. I usually fall asleep to this stuff. Respectfully of course. I ended up listening twice. Great stuff and great comment.

[@kopickiphotography6702]

Me too

[@sirprize.7472]

The Greeks invented nothing , they were educated in Egypt Africa. What kind of rubbish do they teach there. Your maths comes from India not Europe, you lot are liars.

[@iumiforgot]

This has got to be the MOST concise explanation I have ever heard of such a convoluted subject

[@2011littleguy]

Obviously, you never heard the MOST consise explanation of a convoluted subject, namely, "god did it".

[@Alusky]

@@2011littleguy that's not an explanation, that's ignorance

[@fivish]

He admits nobody has a clue about any of it and its just maths.

[@tomrhodes1629]

Here is a much more concise - and correct - explanation: EVERYTHING IS THOUGHT WITHIN A GREAT MIND. Some call that Mind "Nature" and some call it "God." And no amount of "particle" splitting or hair splitting will ever allow intellect to conquer this ultimate and absolute Truth. Want to know more? From the simple cure for cancer to the very Meaning of Life? "Seek and ye shall find"....

[@excuseyou7198]

@@2011littleguy that’s not a very good explanation considering people literally made up the concept of God

[@Ambienfinity]

I watch a lot of physics and cosmology lectures, and this is one of the best I've ever seen. David's enthusiasm and knowledge are brilliant.

[@dreyn7780]

I have enthusiasm. I have knowledge and brilliance too. You're not allowed to introduce yourself. Men have been so full of lies and absurdity that reasonable men have had to take up arms to deal with your absurdity and disrespect.

[@Gaaach]

And his humor!

[@user-sx6vb6xw9n]

I totally agree with you. Hello from Russia. 😊

[@manutara2007]

This lecture is absolutely incredible.

[@sirprize.7472]

The Greeks invented nothing , they were educated in Egypt Africa. What kind of rubbish do they teach there. Your maths comes from India not Europe, you lot are liars.

[@vickylee7996]

I wish I got a physics teacher like Prof. Tong when I was young, he motivated me to study Physics in this one-hour lecture ! Thx Professor !

[@lepidoptera9337]

See you in five to eight years, then. ;-)

[@Jiminio21]

The best 1 hour i had on KZbin. I studied mathematics and finance but my big love is physics. That session has broaden my horizons toward my big love. It made my whole understanding of the subject solid and explained a lot of issues that I had on my mind toward it. Physics is the past the present and the future. Thank you sir

[@paulsmith5720]

Well said and great comment.

[@kinnaribhalerao8112]

Watching this talk, 2nd time after I watched it the first time a long time ago. One of the best talks!! Totally agreed with your last line in the comment.

[@sirprize.7472]

The Greeks invented nothing , they were educated in Egypt Africa. What kind of rubbish do they teach there. Your maths comes from India not Europe, you lot are liars.

[@vancouverterry9142]

Ahhhhh, what a great teacher! Men like Professor Tong can lift up an age! And to have Royal Institution lectures by such brilliant individuals available free online is really the height of civilization.

[@syzygy808]

Hear hear!

[@garyskinner2422]

Perfectly articulated, round of applause from me👏

[@kkrenken895]

Indeed!

[@halmessec5876]

I heartily agree. He is inspiring as well as inspired!!

[@sirprize.7472]

Europe invented nothing and discovered nothing, all stolen knowledge repackaged, stolen from Africa , Egypt, Kush , Ethiopia, you people are so ignorant, no European discovered any continent or country on the world, the natives were always there first. Europe was and is the third world . Africa and Asia is and was the first world, of knowledge and civilisation,

[@hosseynshanbehzaadeh9342]

How I, a student of Persian literature living in Iran, was fascinated by this guy's lecture. I'm truly astonished that I actually understood most parts of this, and really, really enjoyed it. Lots of love from Iran. Thank you sir. You truly deserve Faraday's throne. ❤️

[@franciskai4155]

Ayatollah does not believe in Quantum Fields.

[@ypey1]

Iran is not a real place, its fake news

[@MarkS-yb1bl]

Hosseyn, I applaud your quest for knowledge. Stick with it! ❤️ Fascinating stuff.

[@hazzah5572]

Is "Faradays throne" a nickname for the electric chair?

[@ElectronFieldPulse]

@@franciskai4155 - Ya, he also doesn't believe in evolution.

[@ImranSahir1]

This is one of those lectures that you think you'll see for first two minutes and then the two minutes stretch up to an hour with some weird space-time magic. Fabulous!

[@uzulim9234]

Love David's lecture notes immensely. He packs in a great amount of intuition, insight and precision.

[@sirprize.7472]

Europe invented nothing and discovered nothing, all stolen knowledge repackaged, stolen from Africa , Egypt, Kush , Ethiopia, you people are so ignorant, no European discovered any continent or country on the world, the natives were always there first. Europe was and is the third world . Africa and Asia is and was the first world, of knowledge and civilisation, Is there any thing else you want to claim you did or invented, I am a real world historian , try me.

[@w0mblemania]

There is something magnificent, magical, haunting about seeing someone deliver a lecture at the same desk as Faraday. Between Faraday and now, there have been tens of millions of deaths in war, the Holocaust, untold suffering. But there is also an unbroken chain of scientific discovery.

[@aubreydebliquy8051]

Unbroken chain of scientific discovery? Nay stalled by a century of mythamatical denialism and misinterpretation. Most modern cosmology is unmitigated BS. NASA continues to prove an electric universe with every probe.

[@IncyzionEdits]

@@aubreydebliquy8051 you're schizophrenic

[@daithiocinnsealach3173]

The earth is a giant organism.

[@kingsman428]

@@aubreydebliquy8051 On every thread there's nearly always a conspiracy theorist, a quack or just a deluded fool and very often, all of these.

[@aubreydebliquy8051]

@@kingsman428 Why do you use CIA talking points and posturing in a debate if your argument is so solid? Are you aware that every word you uttered in that comment falls squarely in the category of ad-hominem and logical fallacy? Or in simple language smear. For clarity, what you are saying is that nobody need listen to someone you have categorized as conspiracy theorist, a quack or just a deluded fool. If that was so true then you should have no difficulty exposing and deposing their erroneous argument. You don't do this, you attack the person and not their argument. It is less of a logical fallacy to point out that your position is consistent with somebody who has no argument and is incapable of correcting error and therefore resorts to cheap insults, comfortable in the position as one in the company of an ubiquitous and potentially erroneous consensus.--- The same error as was the case 100 years ago when everyone in the scientific community agreed that heavier than air flight was impossible. I am pointing out the absurd parallell between that frame of mind and the prevalent one today that is ignorant of the fact that gravity is to be assumed as electrical in nature in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, nor any science to justify the alternate albeit prevalent non-science belief. This entire area of so called science is religious belief, NOT SCIENCE at all. Refute it if you can.

[@let4be]

Absolutely brilliant lecture - exactly what I was looking for! The shine in the lector's eyes and his enthusiasm clearly shows that he adores his job and physics! Thanks for this generous contribution to the spreading of knowledge :) I can only imagine how many young minds will get excited watching this, most certainly it will influence path of some people :)

[@blacksheep8111]

@Roger Loquitur , the teaching and understanding of a subject. Kind of like Tong is doing here.

[@blacksheep8111]

@Roger Loquitur, it doesn't look like I'm the one "struggling with language" so much.

[@simonloh1855]

Can someone please recommend him for Knighthood? :)

[@sureshrao8027]

Brilliant Lecture👍

[@aeinapco]

I LOVE how passionate he is!!!! You can feel his passion radiate through him... love love love this. Powerful. Incredible.

[@marie-christinavirago3909]

Such remarkable verve and excitement for something that was almost destroyed for me by musty teachers. The swaying dance is magic indeed. THANK YOU!

[@Kyle_Warweave]

He has a smacking tongue indeed...

[@hosoiarchives4858]

Almost everything he said was wrong

[@Kyle_Warweave]

@@hosoiarchives4858 Thank you for agreeing on this !

[@ergbudster3333]

This proves what I've always believed strongly since university: that a really smart person can explain things. A smart person who really understands things can explain things. And even the things that can't be explained can be made tantalizing and invite us to learn more. Wonderful lecture. Well, as so many are on the RI channel.

[@mdngls]

I couldn't agree more

[@tomneedham1937]

I have a "working knowledge" of theoretical physics from my undergraduate years of long, long ago. This lecture is the VERY BEST lecture I have ever listened to explaining, in simplistic terms, what the current, cutting edge frontier pf physics is all about. Thank you Prof. Tong. Great job!!

[@msid2805]

I agree!

[@stevecooksey]

Indeed! I've watched several and this was the best by far.

[@scottmerrow7617]

LOL "great job" Now demonstrate using Natural science.

[@scottmerrow7617]

NEW Cutting edge BS? Can't wait, I can feel the dopamine flowing already.

[@hazeluzzell]

I don’t think ‘simplistic ‘ means what you think it means!

[@metameta1427]

This is one of my favorite presentations on this channel. I come back often and rewatch and never of tire of the presenter's infectious spirit and detailed explanations. Thanks to RI for being one of the best channels on this platform.

[@dwcscca]

Me too! I just linked this on my Twitter feed from a random comment somebody made to a post I put up years ago. I am now rewatching this lecture for probably the 10th time.

[@ola5025]

I love all the energy and the enthusiasm that this professor engages in explaining in such a charming way some of the most difficult concepts of physics. Brilliant! I wish that there were more professionals like him, with all his pasion for knowledge and his desire to share his knowledge with other people! A big, big THANK YOU for this excellent lesson! Best of luck!

[@IngVasiu]

Personally, I'm going to consider this video as the best lecture I've ever seen.

[@stephenh.litman2684]

This is the first lecture to really turn my head around on physics. There have been many more since, but this is the one that started it all for me. So, of course, I completely recommend it. Thank you to David Tong, and to those at the Royal Institution and KZbin who make lectures like this available.

[@lauragolub4228]

Did it help your understanding the universe? I mean, the basics of it?

[@stephenh.litman2684]

@@lauragolub4228 Yes, the idea of a "new" periodic table, represented by the standard model, changed the way I think about the universe in many surprising and interesting ways. Dr. Tong summarizes this at around the 33:00 mark.

[@NathanielHarari]

It was absolutely extraordinary watching this lecture just now, realizing that David Tennant had reprised his role in educating people as The Doctor. 😃👍 But seriously, he does look a bit like David Tennant and his lectures are fascinating. I absolutely adored it. Thank you again, RI, for putting all of these up online.

[@lent_ils]

I also thought they looked alike! Also they sound very much alike but only when Tennant plays the Doctor (DT has a strong Scottish accent)

[@ijustwanttolikecomments4677]

ive watched many science videos as a hobby, about cosmology, physics, etc...and all the quantum talk in those videos i will now understand better because of this lecture. thank you! i wish i could like this video many many times!

[@owen7185]

Probably the best lecture I've ever seen on these topics and I want to see a whole lot more from this man.

[@SolidSiren]

Hmmm...how many have you seen?

[@brandonhargis4104]

This is actually the best and most comprehensible for the laymen, explanation of physics, that I have ever seen, in 3 decades of trying to explain this to students and myself.

[@samilucille1]

Yes, fantastic!!!!

[@mattgraves3709]

This is one of the most incredible talks I've ever watched...and I am a software engineer...not even a low level engineer or in the domain of physics...I just find it interesting as hell.

[@paulsmith5720]

This guy's enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject shines through. I wish the lecturers were like this in my younger days. Outstanding stuff. Thanks for posting.

[@pixxelwizzard]

Probably one of the best presentations I've ever seen on such a complicated subject. David Tong is an excellent presenter, enjoyed every minute of this discourse.

[@infidelcastro5129]

That desk has a 3 pin socket fitted to it. Had Faraday noticed it, he'd have saved himself a whole lot of time.

[@spiritualatheist1]

Being in England rather than the U.S., he could have given himself twice the jolt.

[@MilesB1975]

Unless he 'discovered' why you shouldn't insert your fingers into one!

[@alithejumbo]

LOOL

[@goerizal1]

@@@MilesB1975 : he probably would have been curious enough - just very shortly before he died. lucky for us.

[@michaelsommers2356]

How do you know Faraday didn't install it?

[@young1939]

When I took physics as a senior in college in 1963 I became quite fascinated about quantum physics. I knew I didn't have the math skills to handle it. I blamed my 5th grade teacher in a one room school who had me try to solve a math problem in front of everyone, then ridiculed me when I failed. I stayed with the biological sciences instead. Although this lecture was outstanding, it made me realize I probably should thank that teacher. Quantum physics is still way beyond what I could hope to understand, but this lecture comes as close as I have ever been. 👍👍👍

[@rezzer7918]

The most honest clear and complete summary on the current state of theoretical physics I have seen. Bravo 👍

[@tomclark6854]

This is about as clear an explanation of the subject matter as one could hope for a non-scientist like myself. Thank you David Tong.

[@porp]

That's good news. Please paraphrase the lecture then for the rest of us.

[@cameront4729]

Honoured to have David Tong as my lecturer this term, such a great teacher.

[@iofhorus4126]

Taking susy, huh? How was the first sheet?

[@username-zs6dv]

I am doing Vector Calculus with him, his lectures are really good

[@thepowerman8952]

Yeah, yeah.

[@cameront4729]

@@username-zs6dv Same

[@cameront4729]

@@iofhorus4126 Nah im first year

[@benswanson2301]

One of the best lectures that I have ever come across. I typically listen to lectures while I am working or exercising, which is how I first experienced this lecture. Something compelled me to watch it. The computer imaging of "empty" space is mind-blowing. Fantastic!

[@mamawright156]

I have just listened to this with my 8yo and our simple minds are blown. I love quantum theory but haven't had much of an opportunity to explore it to any effect. This talk was wonderful to listen. The lecturers passion was felt and easy to get caught up in. Admittedly my 8yo had to retire half way through to process but he is eager to hear the rest in the morning. I shall be looking for more talks on this by this man 😁

[@sirprize.7472]

Europe invented nothing and discovered nothing, all stolen knowledge repackaged, stolen from Africa , Egypt, Kush , Ethiopia, you people are so ignorant, no European discovered any continent or country on the world, the natives were always there first. Europe was and is the third world . Africa and Asia is and was the first world, of knowledge and civilisation,

[@mikeschatz9153]

I have a new favorite theoretical physicist!!!!!!! Thanks David Tong you are so fun to listen to and your enthusiasm is contagious. Please make a few more videos.

[@tggt00]

This lecture of his is also amazing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4fYfKyQadV1sMk

[@mikeschatz9153]

tggt00 just revisited this lecture and saw your post thanks I loved the video you recommended.

[@stefanhensel8611]

One of the best physics lectures I have ever heard.

[@stefanhensel8611]

@Roger Loquitur A theory in physics is a model that describes and explains certain aspects of the real world, or in this case, the whole world, without contradictions or unnecessary assumptions. The model described here is elegant, striking and convincing with a tremendous scope. Admitting that has nothing to do with faith. Only logic and, sure, a bit of education doesn't harm.

[@whirledpeas3477]

@Roger Loquitur your talking gibberish

[@johndoepker7126]

Is that seriously for real the exact same "desk" ... why yes it is .... I think that's one of many reasons why I love these lectures...seeing all these men and women of science speaking about the world and the universe ....all whilst being humbled by their historical surroundings. Great minds, Great people!!! Learning a few things is pretty awesome too...🤟

[@NanaNi-du5fg]

I like how this man just lights up! Hes so alive! It seems like he's found his purpose of life! The part where he excitedly mentioned we're not particles but fluid like waves and exclaimed with an "ALL RIGHT" was so cute; he was in a realm of "WOW guys" alone and dragged back to reality coz the crowd was silent. I hope he gets to explain other hard stuff. Ive been watching and reading quantum related media but they're either dry or difficult to follow. He seems to make it simple and FUN!

[@makerspace1]

Just imagine if Faraday's soul is somehow present in that room, How happy and delighted he must be feeling after watching that how far his inventions are involved. The way today's lectures are given, the hall is the same, the table is same but everything is equipped with cutting-edge technology, like laptops and projectors. The guy who gave initial lectures in this hall demonstrating his inventions, now we can't imagine today's lecture without using those inventions. The Beauty of Science & Technology

[@christianschuster4184]

the lector's eyes and his enthusiasm are infecting me very much! What a wonderful human being he is. Thanks a lot.

[@psykoj]

John Oliver of Physics

[@expatexpat6531]

Yes, so refreshing to listen to someone speak with such passion about their topic and be able to convey it in easy-to-understand terms. That's the sign of someone who is a real expert.

[@collinfraser1218]

I rained as electronic technologist, turned , retired as business owner, so always fascinated by what I did not know. Curiosity survived, at his lecture makes me feel I am not hopeless. Extremely well done, thank you Sir ! 🇨🇦🙏🇺🇦

[@riverfreddy]

Thank you, Mr. Tong. I am listening to and thinking about this lecture for the third time. Your abilities to transfer your intellectual content is refreshing. I wish these ideas, structured into logical concepts, had heen available when I was out of highschool in the 70s. Freddy Chavré of Maple Valley

[@sirprize.7472]

Europe invented nothing and discovered nothing, all stolen knowledge repackaged, stolen from Africa , Egypt, Kush , Ethiopia, you people are so ignorant, no European discovered any continent or country on the world, the natives were always there first. Europe was and is the third world . Africa and Asia is and was the first world, of knowledge and civilisation,

[@MysticRhythmsLive]

Now *this* is science of the highest order. It's incredible that such a presentation can be available for public consumption on KZbin. David Tong, you are the man.

[@fastidioustomato8265]

lol

[@MysticRhythmsLive]

@@fastidioustomato8265 Let's see you do better.

[@MysticRhythmsLive]

@@guptadagger896 I can only imagine!

[@feliciamoreland2367]

Thats exactly what I was thinking !!! I am so thrilled to be a witness and (at home students😂) to the worlds most smartest ppl on Earth. This is of a devine order of the most high!!!🙏 My soul is so gratefull. I can listen, learn, ask questions, give my opinion and get feedback! My soul is most humble, satisfied and thankful for this devine interaction.🙏. ✌&💚&🌹Blossom.

[@vhawk1951kl]

Ah, it is religion, I see.

[@susanblackmith3747]

It is amazing how entertaining he has made this difficult subject. Thank you to The Royal Institution for sharing, and thank you David Tong just for being you.

[@Kei-pj1vg]

Fantastic lecture! Thank you for making this available. I am non-physicist (non-scientist for that matter) but have recently become very interested in quantum theory because of my love of sci-fi books. I’ve been searching a video that a layperson like myself can relate (and watch more than 10 min) and Prof. Tong had done a phenomenal job!!!

[@sirprize.7472]

Europe invented nothing and discovered nothing, all stolen knowledge repackaged, stolen from Africa , Egypt, Kush , Ethiopia, you people are so ignorant, no European discovered any continent or country on the world, the natives were always there first. Europe was and is the third world . Africa and Asia is and was the first world, of knowledge and civilisation,

[@KnottDanny]

Absolutely brilliant lecture. I’ve never been even close to understanding quantum physics, but now feel I have a mental model that makes some sort of sense. Thank you.

[@adurgh]

I absolutely love the expository skills of professor Tong. I've recently discovered his physics lecture notes, and I'm blown away by how advanced, yet how elegantly and clearly put together they are. I hope I would have some time in the near future to translate this lecture into the Arabic language; regrettably I don't at the moment.

[@TheRoyalInstitution]

Glad you enjoyed the lecture!

[@wayneyadams]

Really? I find him to be an average lecturer.

[@crinolynneendymion8755]

@@wayneyadams Care to share your survey and evaluation criteria?

[@wayneyadams]

@@crinolynneendymion8755 33 years teaching physics.

[@dr.mohamedaitnouh4501]

I am a geometric topologist and I have been listening to these terms for almost 20 years and this is the first time, thanks to Prof. Tong, at least, I understand the definition. If I met him before I would be a Mathematical physicist but it is never. too late! Please give him more talks. I subscribed!!

[@schmetterling4477]

So you failed in high school math. There is no shame in that. So did a lot of other people.

[@hosoiarchives4858]

You can look them up online

[@jefflyon2020]

Amazing and spirited lecture on a difficult and daunting subject,and he s so right, as soon as the equations begin-the intimidation starts, whether your a student of physics or just curious and want to understand as much as possible.thanks.

[@ryanmuhm7584]

I tried to imagine nothing my whole childhood. It was maddening. It looked nothing like I was showed today lol. Now I have to reimagine everything again. Great talk.

[@similarsherbert]

This is the first time I understood physics or its reason for existing. It's also the first time I was this excited about science, and wishful that I'd got twenty more years being in this subject and learning it. Thank you so very very very very much, Mr David Tong.

[@walkingmap]

Wonderful lecture and I especially enjoyed David Tong's enthusiasm giving a lecture where Faraday first presented electromagnetism.

[@walkingmap]

Newton would have attributed quantum fields to magic or God and would have wanted to know how an alchemist could use them to turn lead into gold. Don't ya think?

[@walkingmap]

Raphael, I just wrote to the RI to find out ... I think it's specific to the venue, which is a damn grand history itself ... will let you know what they say.

[@walkingmap]

Raphael, here is the reply from RI minus my personal info... "The desk in the theatre now was made in 2008, and is probably the fourth or fifth used in the theatre. It’s the same size and shape as the one originally installed in 1801, though. We do have various desks that were Faraday’s himself, such as the one in the Faraday Lab in our museum." you're welcome and neither of us need worry about Newton's ghost haunting our imaginary RI lectures ... Michael Faraday's ghost, well that would be another matter. :-)

[@JRobbySh]

When we finally see the equation we ought to ask: what is behind all that. No model means anything except we know the math, and what is its origin? It originates with “persons."

[@skierpage]

@@JRobbySh Much of this lecture is about "what is behind the quantum fields equation." The fact that it predicts results like the procession of electron in a magnetic field so accurately must mean something. The equation is an accurate but mysterious description of the behavior of the universe we're in. As he says it doesn't say anything about the origin of our universe, a speculative area where scientists come up with hypotheses such as we're living in a simulation run by a bored teenager on a PlayStation 3159, or in a multi-universe. Only some of those theories involve some conscious person "behind the equation" if that's what you meant.

[@snorkfire]

That’s the very bEST summary of the topics of modern physics that I’ve seen. Thanks for the tremendoust overview AND showing me the relevance of the relevant equation of everything. Nicely done.

[@dontinjectdisinfectant9919]

***In all the channels that I don't understand, this is my favorite one!***

[@tomrhodes1629]

Absolute Truth is very easy for anyone to understand: EVERYTHING IS THOUGHT WITHIN A GREAT MIND. Some call that Mind "Nature" and some call it "God." And no amount of "particle" splitting or hair splitting will ever allow intellect to conquer this ultimate and absolute Truth. Want to know more? From the simple cure for cancer to the very Meaning of Life? "Seek and ye shall find"....

[@DE72CiMogar]

@@tomrhodes1629 42

[@fjames208]

Me too

[@stevenhoog1]

I can explain it to you but I can’t understand it for you.

[@manifold1476]

A native English speaker would say, "Of all the channels . . . " instead of "In all the channels . . . "

[@Xingqiwu387]

Brilliant! What a charismatic physicist with utterly phenomenal teaching and presentation skills.

[@user-uk9er5vw4c]

He’s awesome!

[@Myria83]

Such a beautiful lecture! What about an update, after 5 years?

[@politicalwrong3289]

He is so enjoying his job. So happy to see that.

[@garyskinner2422]

This is one of the best things I've ever seen it's incredible, his enthusiasm, his passion, his style is incredibly infectious so much more information in such a more understandable way.

[@alvinkonda]

Not sue why someone has to dislike this? This is one the best explanations of our universe i have ever listen to.

[@gnawstic1682]

I’m sure some kid accidentally clicked on this and downvoted it for being too boring

[@IluvatarEru]

It got disliked because you don't floss

[@AmazingDroneShow]

Some religious people think humans were put here. I would guess the dislikes come from them.

[@Verlamian]

One reason to dislike it is the fundamental "quantum uncertainty => fluctuation" misconception and all its wrong, "classical picture"-derived consequences (see e.g. Arnold Neumaier's physics FAQ).

[@user-ht9db6bc9t]

I disliked it, because the stated topic is quantum fields, while it was just slightly touched during 10% of time, no explanation, just shallow oversimplified metaphors

[@bentonpix]

This is my go to video to show people who are hung up on "everything is made of little hard balls called atoms" belief that they were told from grade school. This truly shows how "something" can and does arise from "nothing". The profundity of what David Tong is sharing here is staggering.

[@lokeshdandwani158]

Nobody could have partical physics better then Me. David. I was amazed with his knowledge and the way he expresses this. Salute to this man

[@balashish]

This is by far the most simple yet information packed lecture I have seen till date. ESPECIALLY, the similarities between EM and other fields - despite being interested in this for long, the simple analogy made me understand so much more. Thank you. And please keep up the good work!

[@rishbahkohli849]

to royal institution......... please I want you to make a whole series on quantam fields

[@omegasrevenge]

Yes Please, here take my tax dollars!

[@palvindarchhokar9821]

David tong has a lecture series on QFT online, it is of course mathematically rigorous, but it's free! :D

[@YogiBearTruthbetold]

Seeking the truth as it relates to conscious life? Search *_Truth Contest_* and read the top entry called "The Present". This is truth you can and should check for yourself, this is truth the evidence says is true. The difference between knowing and not knowing is checking nothing could be more important or more worthwhile.

[@johnferguson4711]

+palvindar Chhokar TY

[@particlecloud]

Good lecture! I have seen videos on most aspects of this but my attention held for the full hour. Prof. Tong's delivery is great and he makes a coherent big picture from what for me were somewhat disjointed islands of information.

[@TwoUpTourer]

By far the best and clearest talk on physics I've seen. Thankyou Prof. Tong

[@lennat24]

I'm German and I literally understood mostly everything he was talking about. He's a great speaker. I want to see more of this man.

[@susanlafayette7313]

The poinsettia sets a point and is red as in read the points !

[@susanlafayette7313]

Please sing a verse in unity and harmony to the universe because music can make the world turn into unity for the universe !!

[@irock6490]

This is absolutely the best! What a beautiful side of KZbin this is.

[@MelianResurrection]

A must watch while alive. Excellent fine balance of overview and detail. Passionate and well paced delivery that makes the inspiring esoteric content accessible to wide spectrum of curious minds.

[@frontech3271]

Actually, yes.

[@anmolagrawal5358]

Excellent talk this guy. Spoke for an hour with this much clarity

[@padger2577]

Just watching his motions and his eyes, this man is without a doubt the most dedicated theoretical physicist I've ever seen. He's obviously doing what it takes

[@JayDillon-mm6yv]

I could watch this lecture 5 times and understand very little of it even then. However I really like this lecture & lecturer, so maybe I will. Thank you for providing it online !

[@Thundralight]

that because he is a nerd

[@AlbertoApuCRC]

Simplemente fenomenal, el dominio del escenario y el tema, la transferencia de las ideas. Una de las más completas charlas que he visto por aquí, y eso ya es decir mucho.

[@anuragagarwalphi]

This guy's lecture notes are now a big part of why I want to study Theoretical Physics.

[@sirprize.7472]

Europe invented nothing and discovered nothing, all stolen knowledge repackaged, stolen from Africa , Egypt, Kush , Ethiopia, you people are so ignorant, no European discovered any continent or country on the world, the natives were always there first. Europe was and is the third world . Africa and Asia is and was the first world, of knowledge and civilisation,

[@TheRoyalInstitution]

We have some excellent fans with extensive language skills. David Tong's quantum fields can now also be enjoyed in German, Finnish and Spanish. Thank you all!

[@inspirationlbeast]

The Royal Institution

[@inspirationlbeast]

The Royal Institution

[@gybfefe]

Frank Heuvelman Separating oceans is artificial, on quantum level it could be our big bang field and the others ... ;)

[@cornyxxx16]

42:30, when is speaking about all those electromagnetic bright minds and their experiments, why the isn't the god of them Nicola Tesla mentioned ? Any true answer ?

[@AlexTrusk91]

Excentric, Tesla was a great inventor and engineer (and a good friend of a pigeon wich could shoot laserbeams out of its eyes and predicted the future appereantly), but he rather applied stuff and found some things out on the way, what was cool. What exactly did he put into formulas and language and shared with the world in a readable manner to call it science instead of engineering?

[@rickebert7548]

Around 3:40 Tong says of elements of the Periodic Table: ... 10 of which were discovered in this building ... I pause the video - there is something awesome about standing in that place physically or virtually.

[@louisgerald3336]

If he was my physics teacher maybe I’d have been able to pay more attention to the lectures. Bravo.

[@bigB7367]

Your lecture is awesome. Very clear explanations, If only I had you as my physics teacher in school.

[@galehawkins101]

Amazing content and presentation. Now at the age of 71 and having the benefits the pandemic slow down to read books and mine resources like KZbin Quantum Mechanics is becoming somewhat understandable for me. Some of things in ancient writings are starting to make sense that I had written off ever understanding.

[@lamdao1242]

71? LOL! Wonderful! I have to say that I haven’t found too many advantages to aging but there are a few. One of them is being able to learn something new and appreciate that new stuff so much more because we have a much bigger picture to place that nugget of information.

[@mackianwhite1704]

We're exactly on the same page...

[@catherinemyers7419]

🌿🌷🌿 seventy-seven here 🌿🌷🌿 and I've delved into the spiritual and consciousness repercussions of quantum theory and they dove-tail exquisitely ! So much fun !

[@annahappen7036]

All of you in this thread should have a silver senior's quantum science club. Together, who knows? Might just advance the field. Also, people like me would love to be mentored by some rad older lady scientists! I want to be like you when I grow up! 👏

[@AlvaroNeira]

The US is out?

[@simeyabate4849]

By far this is one of the best if not THE best explanation of physics!!! I wish I could give him 5*

[@dwcscca]

This was such a phenomenal lecture and so enjoyable. Usually these concepts are so abstract I can't wrap my head around them to actually enjoy thinking about them but the lecture here was just outstanding.

[@kopickiphotography6702]

David speaks in 3 dimensions. Perfect. Simply perfect for this topic.

[@dnomyarnostaw]

Probably the best and most illuminating lecture I have ever "attended". A fantastic explanation presented in a lucid and interesting way

[@bnv2416]

illuminati*

[@lisaschuster9187]

Sorry to read that. The fundamental rule of quantum mechanics is “If you think you understand it, you don’t get it.” 😺

[@ZeedijkMike]

An hour very well spent. Great lecture.

[@mentalmelt]

I concur.

[@billdinlam2359]

I'm on my 20th.

[@billdinlam2359]

I'm on my 20th.

[@billdinlam2359]

I'm on my 20th.

[@mamue2003]

Such a brillant speech by Professor Long, thx so much for this! Presenting a "we don't know either" in such an enthusiastic, profound and clear cut manner is not what you might expect to be done by a theoretical physicist. Cheers from Germany! If you find some mistakes in my comment, then put the blame on autofill ;)

[@schmetterling4477]

Except that we do know. All you have to do is to go to the science library and grab a couple books about quantum field theory. We both know you won't, but that is your problem, not ours. ;-)

[@phototommy]

David Tong has an amazing ability to describe the deep complexity of reality in such a way as to make his understanding accessible to a wide audience. What hit me at the end of his talk is how much more he must know and understand about what lies beneath all the different concepts he nearly touched on. Oh to have the chance to experience that depth of knowledge first hand!

[@AISFORGODHAPPYONLYI-]

🌐👌🎫

[@AISFORGODHAPPYONLYI-]

💾👌🤷‍♂️🌐🌌👇👌😮🤷‍♂️🎫💾👌🎫🌐👌

[@AISFORGODHAPPYONLYI-]

❤🎉😮

[@AISFORGODHAPPYONLYI-]

❤

[@AISFORGODHAPPYONLYI-]

❤

[@TheRetroEngine]

Wow I was mesmerised, such a great talk, easily digested, and his energy and passion seeped through. He lifted my spirits as well.

[@sirprize.7472]

Europe invented nothing and discovered nothing, all stolen knowledge repackaged, stolen from Africa , Egypt, Kush , Ethiopia, you people are so ignorant, no European discovered any continent or country on the world, the natives were always there first. Europe was and is the third world . Africa and Asia is and was the first world, of knowledge and civilisation,

[@RockyRoad213]

He was one of my two interviewers at my Cambridge maths interview! What a legend

[@fjames208]

Great

[@sonjak8265]

do not go into investment banking

[@RockyRoad213]

@@sonjak8265 why not

[@sonjak8265]

@@RockyRoad213 Serving the top 0.1% at the expense of the working and poor people will destroy your soul. Both banking and finance are useful, but international finance is mostly robbery. You have great skills. Do something good. Study sciences, medicine or engineering. Money will come.

[@RockyRoad213]

@@sonjak8265 i dont intend to go into IB, but surely the best way to do good in the world is to earn as much money as possible, then use that to help the ones in need? For example, there is only so many ppl you can help as a doctor since you can only help one person at a time, but with money you can establish charities and fund help schemes. That way you can influence a huge number of lives

[@ChayDenne]

its truly amazing that we all have access to information like this!

[@PlanetXMysteries-pj9nm]

Science and the universe are something too sublime for me. Thank you for letting ignorant people like me see more of the universe. I really like this channel

[@leelashankpal1172]

I am so fortunate in life I have come across his lecture

[@hikmatullahpakhtoon3694]

Currently i am 7th semester undergraduate student, so far i had just heard of these theories names but after watching this lecture i got a bit of knowledge about them. Thanks to professor Tong and RI.

[@internednet]

I’m just a layman who is trying to understand quantum mechanics. To do so I’ve watched quite a bit of conferences, videos etc This presentation was the best of them all and by far. So a big thanks to you!

[@schmetterling4477]

So you are an SEO bot. OK. ;-)

[@alocin110]

What a wonderful presentation by Professor Dr. David Tong. Thank you for simpligying the the understand of the most complex things; The Quantum Vacuum Fluctuation. I liked it.

[@danabee3775]

TOP CLASS LECTURE on difficult concepts! I fell in love with this channel! David Tong not only is a professional at his field (as in - true scientist), he is also an amazing presenter while keeping the whole lecture in a dynamic pace while joking here and there. WOW! I was worried I would be falling asleep or would be clicking "play pause play pause" in order to grasp the explanaitions ... no need! Please, please, keep bringing more of these with David Tong!

[@TheSmartInbred]

@Jon Esqueda Seemed to me like he knew a lot. Sure we still don't know, but all the experiments, math, discoveries he had to create, solve, and find. Don't ever say the man knows nothing, cause he is way more intelligent than anyone you will ever encounter, including yourself guy.

[@hugh1297]

The lecture seems impressive because it presents science fiction as science. It's dishonest, see around 41:06 (offset corrected)

[@MoRiley9]

Simply the best video of its kind and connects all the dots...finally! Tong is a great speaker and his ability to explain in simple terms and analogies is spot on. I can watch this again and again,

[@iandoyle5017]

And probably will

[@truthaus6840]

You should watch Ken Wheeler, Aka Theoria Apophasis, I like his work kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYCbe6dmeMicsMU

[@hugh1297]

It's science fiction

[@tourdeforce2881]

One of the most enjoyable lectures I have ever seen. Thank you

[@theekshanabandara9293]

A very insightful and an intriguing speech!