Physics & Astronomy
Colloquium
Einstein's famous equation E=mc2 asserts that energy and mass are
different aspects of the same reality. In the mind of the general public, it
is usually associated with the idea the small amounts of mass can be converted
into large amounts of energy, as in nuclear reactors and bombs. For
fundamental physics, however, the more important idea is just the opposite. We
want to explain how mass itself arises, by explaining it in terms of more
basic concepts. An important part of my work has been to show that this goal
can, to a remarkable extent, be achieved. I'll discuss how -- it's quite
beautiful! I'll also discuss some of the consequences -- suggestions for new
physical phenomena, and for an explanation of why gravity is so feeble.
3:30 PM, Friday, November 4, 2005
Room 155, Chem-Phys Building
Dr. Frank Wilczek
Department of Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
``The Origin of Mass and the Feebleness of Gravity''
Refreshments will be served in CP 155 at 3:15 PM