Quantum field theory

506972617465

I'm sure there are people here that are way more intellignet than I am, can one of you explain in "simple" (as simple as possible) terms what quantum field theory is about? My understanding is that the quantum field is a field full of vibrations (that's just goes deeper into the string theory territory?) that, assuming a certain vibe, becomes fermions, aka particles as we know it. Am I even close? Can you explain?

dxhound2005

To make it simple it has to be broken down into its three parts.

Quantum: An amount.

Field: A meadow.

Theory: The body of principles underlying an area or field.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Brief_Lessons_on_Physics.

There is a good and almost understandable explanation in the above book.

blackbox

You have oversimplified here. Not all fields are meadows.

A field of turnips would give a completely different result.

Trigger Happy

If you have to ask you probably dont need to know.

Donald Trump

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058337915/quantum-field-theory

How intellignet should the answer be?

Gregor Samsa

In the theory of quantum mechanics

A paradox caused such a panic

Both particle and wave!

How does it behave?

And conform to field mathematics?

506972617465

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121818590#Comment_121818590

Hmm, it would be nice if it was presented in a way that a bar-stool donkey like myself could understand. Not very intelligent.

silliussoddius

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121818590#Comment_121818590

How long is a piece of string?

Wow, that’s string theory.

bnt

I don't think I could beat the first two paragraphs of the Wikipedia page on this. It's a theory that all fundamental particles in the standard model are, under it all, quantum fields, which we can't perceive directly.

I was tempted to think that QFT is in opposition to string theory, but the article implies that QFT encompasses string theory and other theories. "In high-energy physics, string theory is a type of (1+1)-dimensional QFT."

506972617465

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121823610#Comment_121823610

Is it not that the QF is something similar to spacetime fabric (though there isn't necessarily space, nor time in common understanding) where certain probabilities create "bumps" in the field that are in fact what we perceive as particles?

It just intriguies me and I can't get it. Yes, "the world is full of inquisitive idiots" and I'm one of them.

Bob Marley Park

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058337915/quantum-field-theory

It's a mix of different quantum schools of theory.

Star Trek is your only man for picking up little bits.

Bob Marley Park

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121825499#Comment_121825499

Science is based on inquisitive idiocy.

Baasterd

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121818322#Comment_121818322

Yep that's the quantum effect right there...it all depends on what the field is...but you don't know that in advance, a field of heifers be fierce different to a field of cabbage or a meadow for that matter.

Don't even start me on spooky action at a distance, them swingers got short shrift here...

Hotblack Desiato

I don't think I'd done my Inter Cert yet when I saw something like this late one night on BBC2 on the much-missed (by me anyway, my late dad used to love watching it too) Open University:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC6WpitQeSo

Mind blown. I'd already studied quite a bit of electronics myself and constructed some stuff, but right there in front of your eyes is proof of those 'little bullets of electrical charge' acting as waves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyqX4tZ6d8Q&pp=ygUVb3BlbiB1bml2ZXJzaXR5IGludHJv

It was great. Unless you were following a course and knew when your programmes would be on, it was totally random. You could have Chemistry 101 and then 20 minutes later be looking at Renaissance art. Sadly for the casual but inquisitive viewer, the BBC broadcasts ended in 2006.