The Search for the Nature of Matter

Explore the fascinating journey of particle physics in this comprehensive lecture by Sir Chris Llewellyn-Smith at the Santa Fe Institute. Delve into the historical development of our understanding of matter, from ancient Greek philosophers to modern quantum theories. Discover key milestones such as Mendeleev's periodic table, the discovery of subatomic particles, and the formulation of the Standard Model. Examine the fundamental forces of nature, including electromagnetism and the weak force, and learn about groundbreaking experiments like the Large Electron Positron Collider. Investigate cutting-edge concepts in theoretical physics, including quantum gravity, supersymmetry, and string theory. Gain insights into the mysteries of dark energy and the early universe, and explore the ongoing quest for a unified theory of particle physics in this engaging 91-minute presentation.