Web extra: Feynman's solution for Quantum Electro Dynamics
Caltech professor of Theoretical Physics - Sean Carroll explains the solution which Richard Feynman came up with for Quantum Electro Dynamics in the 1940s - perhaps the most important theory in the history of science. The problem of the infinities (explained in the 'A brief guide to Quantum Electro Dynamics' clip) required some lateral thinking by physicists - which they call 're-normalisation' and it involved putting aside the stuff that caused the infinities and proving that to disregard it really didn't matter to the overall theory. It was a stroke of genius which required deep insight into 'the nature of nature' - something Feynman excelled at.
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More clips from The Fantastic Mr Feynman
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Web extra: A brief guide to Feynman diagrams
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Web extra: A brief guide to Quantum Electro Dynamics
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