Quantum Physics for Kids

Dive into the microscopic world with Subatomic Tanvi as she unpacks the fascinating (and slightly confusing) evolution of the atomic model. In this episode, Tanvi explores the leap from JJ Thomson’s "Plum Pudding" theory to the iconic Bohr Model of 1913, clarifying once and for all that "electron shells" have nothing to do with seashells or turtles. While the Bohr Model revolutionized our understanding of energy levels, Tanvi reveals the catch: it’s technically a "successful failure" that violates Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle and only truly works for hydrogen. Whether you're here for the high-level quantum mechanics or just want to know where to buy some subatomic pudding, this episode perfectly balances scientific history with the quirky contradictions of the quantum realm.

In this episode of Subatomic Tanvi, we dive into the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics! Tanvi explains how John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John M. Martinis proved that the "weird" rules of quantum mechanics don't just apply to tiny atoms - they apply to the world we can see and touch. From the "smoking gun" test at absolute zero to the discovery that changed the future of quantum computing, learn how macroscopic quantum tunneling is paving the way for the next generation of technology.

What if a particle could just... walk through a solid wall? It turns out they can, and it's not science fiction! This bizarre phenomenon is called Quantum Tunneling, and it’s less of a "glitch" and more of a fundamental feature that makes our universe work. Join Subatomic Tanvi as we answer the big questions (and laugh a lot): How can a particle be somewhere it doesn't have the energy to go? Do waves "poke holes" to get through? And why would the sun stop shining—and your flash drives stop working—without this weird quantum trick? From its 1928 discovery to its role in modern tech, this episode makes the impossible easy to understand.

How do you find a particle that exists for only a trillionth of a trillionth of a second before vanishing? In this episode, we take you on a rollercoaster ride through the incredible 48-year-long hunt for the elusive Higgs Boson. Join us as we explore how scientists at CERN's Large Hadron Collider chased the instantaneous traces of this fundamental particle, collecting vast amounts of data to turn a tantalizing "3 Sigma hint" into a definitive "5 Sigma discovery." Learn about the high-stakes process and the monumental effort it took to finally confirm the existence of the particle responsible for giving everything in the universe its mass.

Ever heard of a ghostly particle that can pass through the entire planet without a trace? In this episode, we journey a mile underground to explore DUNE, the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, a colossal detector built to catch these elusive particles. Join us as we unravel the mind-bending mystery of how neutrinos "oscillate" — changing their type, or "flavor," mid-flight. We break down this complex quantum phenomenon with a surprisingly simple analogy (hint: it involves ice cream!) and follow the 800-mile journey these particles take from Illinois to South Dakota. Tune in to discover how scientists are using this epic experiment to unlock the deepest secrets of our universe.