Symmetry and Crystals and the Uses of "Useless Math" [S-15-55]
| Presenter: | Lawrence (Larry) Brehm |
|---|---|
| Location: | SUNY Potsdam: Maxcy 104 |
| Classes: | 1 Session 1.5 hours |
| Dates: | Thu 2:30 PM 03/26 |
| Status: | CLOSED |
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Arguably, one of the most significant achievements in human history is the discovery of the structure of DNA, deduced from the analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns. How was this done? Or, more precisely, for the purposes of this session, what kinds of knowledge enabled this discovery? The presenter will tell of some of the algebra, geometry, and physics underlying the effort, all of which preceded the discovery by many years, and some of which was at first thought to have utterly no practical use whatsoever. One of the relevant mathematical properties will be demonstrated in your construction of a clever little 3-D paper puzzle, and some of the physics with vivid optical demonstrations.
Larry Brehm is an Associate Professor of Physics at SUNY Potsdam. He is particularly interested in “down-to-earth” physics: biophysics, optics, acoustics (versus cosmology and sub-atomic particle physics).
NOTE: Bring a pair of scissors.