Richard Feynman: The Douglas Robb Memorial Lectures

Alternative title

Qed in New Zealand

Synopsis

Quantumelectrodynamics (QED) was the subject of "QED - The Strange Theory of Light and Matter," the popular book by Richard Feynman which was first published by Princeton University Press in 1985. Feynman makes passing references to the fact that the book is based on a series of general lectures on QED which were first delivered in New Zealand. Feynman had doubts about the accessibility of the lectures on QED to a general audience, and chose not to initially deliver these lectures at his native Caltech. Rather he chose New Zealand as his testing ground and in the process, gave the New Zealand physics community the dubious honour of being the guinea-pigs for his QED lectures. At Auckland University, these lectures were delivered in 1979, as the Sir Douglas Robb Lectures. Feynman gives not just a lesson in basic physics but also an insight into the scientific mind of a 20th century genius analysing the approach of the 17th century genius Newton. Although the published version of "QED - The Strange Theory of Light and Matter" is a self-contained description of the subject, watching an unedited Feynman delivering the lectures reveals his style and enthusiasm for his subject in a way which is impossible in a printed medium.

Language

English

Country

New Zealand

Year of release

2003

Year of production

1979

Notes

Also available free on streamed video from the Vega Trust
www.vega.org.uk/series/lectures/feynman

Documentation

Related book "QED - the strange theory of light and matter" by Richard Feynman available separately.

Subjects

Physics

Keywords

Newton, Isaac; quantum physics; quantumelectrodynamics

Distribution Formats

Type

VHS

Format

PAL

Price

$65.00

Availability

Sale

Year

2003

Sections

Title

Photons: corpuscles of light

Synopsis

in this introduction to the subject Feynman begins by discussing photons and their properties.

Duration

78 mins

Title

Fits of reflection and transmission: quantum behaviour

Synopsis

Feynman discusses reflection and transmission.

Duration

100 mins

Title

Electrons and their interactions

Synopsis

Feynman diagrams and the intricacies of particle interaction.

Duration

106 mins

Title

New queries

Synopsis

Asks where the theory is leading.

Duration

93 mins

Production Company

Name

University of Auckland

Distributor

Name

Tuva Trader

Email

sales@scs-intl.com

Web

http://www.scs-intl.com/trader/frameload.htm?/trader/feynman_video.shtm External site opens in new window

Phone

+1 360 477 5445

Address

PO Box 515
Port Angeles
WA 98362
USA

Notes

A collection of video and audio material about the life and work of Nobel Prizewinning physicist Richard Feynman, as well as a number of videos about the Tuva republic in the far south of Siberia. Sale on CD, video and DVD.