This well-produced title in the Physics for the 21st Century series explores two major bodies of research aimed at filling in the gaps of the so-called “standard model” for physics as it relates to particles—which are the building blocks of matter. The first half of the program explains work involving neutrinos, while the second half looks at the search for the elusive Higgs boson particle. Although the underlying science is complex, the material is clearly presented here through interviews with research scientists, excellent onscreen graphics, and fantastic location footage shot at Fermilab, the groundbreaking U.S. Department of Energy facility outside of Chicago. A solid understanding of classical physics principles and vocabulary is presupposed, but the concepts presented here that are related to quantum mechanics are clarified—with well-chosen real-world examples offered in many cases—while the sophisticated machinery used in this type of research (such as the MiniBooNE for neutrino events or the massive Tevatron particle accelerator) are also examined and explained. Although this branch of physics deals largely with theory, the scientific method and the need for rigorous testing and data accumulation are still rightfully emphasized. Other titles in the series include Biophysics, Dark Matter, Gravity, The Quantum World and String Theory and Extra Dimensions. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)
The Basic Building Blocks of Matter
(2010) 30 min. DVD: $34.99 ($89.99 w/PPR). Visual Education Centre Limited. Closed captioned. Volume 26, Issue 6
The Basic Building Blocks of Matter
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As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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