Miraculous Patterns

The Intersection of Mathematics and Physics

In this course, Dr Graham Farmelo (University of Cambridge) explores the intersection of mathematics and physics. In the first mini-lecture, we take a look at some of the miraculous patterns in the Universe that are described by mathematics and which define the laws of physics. In the second mini-lecture, we explore theoretical physics and how to understand the world around us using laws based on the patterns of mathematics. In the third mini-lecture, we discuss one of Einstein’s greatest achievements: the theory of general relativity. In the fourth mini-lecture, we explore the contributions physicists Einstein, Planck, Heisenberg, Schrödinger, and Dirac made to quantum mechanics. In the fifth mini-lecture, we look at how mathematics and physics come together when working to make quantum mechanics and relativity consistent with one another.

Miraculous Patterns

In this mini-lecture, we explore miraculous patterns in the Universe that can be described by mathematics and which define the laws of physics. In particular, we think about: (i) patterns in the physical world that link measurable quantities and the relationships between these quantities, such as Einstein’s E = mc²; (ii) the patterns and abstractions of ideas in mathematics; (iii) the differences between physics and mathematics; (iv) Isaac Newton, who developed the first theory of gravity; (v) Newton’s Principia; and (vi) calculus, which enabled the implementation of the Newtonian agenda to make accurate predictions about the world, such as those regarding tides and paths of cosmic objects.