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...and who said physics was boring?! Join us for this diamante studded event where we'll be exploring some ingenious research going on in Warwick's Physics department. Want to know how to make a diamond appear in two places at once? How your engagement ring might be put to work elsewhere? How about how they make rollercoasters safe yet spine-tingly satisfying? This is the event for you!
Diamonds are a scientist's best friend
Chris Bloomer
(Department of Physics, University of Warwick )
Phil Diggle
(Department of Physics, University of Warwick)
Diamond: harder than almost any other material, with an extreme melting point, low thermal expansion, and a high refractive index that helps diamond jewellery “sparkle”. However, its amazing properties make it useful for more than just jewellery!
At this event, Phil and Chris will introduce you to the fascinating world of diamond, and why it's more than just a gemstone. Through models, actual samples, and what they like to call "interpretive dramatics", you'll get to learn about the amazing properties of diamonds, and how they're used today by scientists and engineers around the world.
At this event, Phil and Chris will introduce you to the fascinating world of diamond, and why it's more than just a gemstone. Through models, actual samples, and what they like to call "interpretive dramatics", you'll get to learn about the amazing properties of diamonds, and how they're used today by scientists and engineers around the world.
Can a diamond be in two places at once?
Dr Gavin Morley
(Department of Physics, University of Warwick)
Yashna Lekhai
(Department of Physics, University of Warwick)
Schrödinger pointed out in 1935 that you’ve never seen a cat in two places at once, even though quantum physics lets atoms do this trick all the time. Ever since then people have been confused, because cats are made of atoms. Gavin and his team are attempting to solve this confusion by testing out what the heaviest thing is that can be in two places at once. Step one is to levitate tiny diamonds with a laser. Join us to find out how they are getting on, and to see some cute cat photos.
The physics of rollercoasters
Dr Rachel Edwards
(Department of Physics, University of Warwick)
Rollercoasters have hit the news recently, and not always for good reasons. Have you ever wondered how to design a safe but fun rollercoaster, and what's going on to make sure it stays as safe as possible? To start with you need to design a track which is safe for the riders by thinking about the physics. Then, how do you keep it safe? Non-destructive testing is used to ensure the safety of infrastructure such as pipework carrying oil and gas, the UK's rail network, and components in jet engines and aeroplanes. Rachel will look at some recent advances in testing, and how it could be applied.
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