The Quantum Physics of an Ordinary Morning
Chad Orzel
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Union College
We tend to think of quantum mechanics as an abstract and arcane area of physics that only applies in the exotic situations found in physics labs, billion-dollar particle accelerators, or near black holes. In fact, though, the development of quantum physics has its roots in very mundane, everyday phenomena. In this talk, I'll describe how quantum physics manifests in the kind of situations you regularly encounter in the course of getting up and getting ready to face the day.