Watch The Nature of Matter: Understanding the Physical World

The Nature of Matter: Understanding the Physical World from The Great Courses is a comprehensive educational series that offers a detailed and engaging exploration of the fascinating world of physics. As one of the most foundational of the natural sciences, physics has captured the imagination of humans for centuries, and this series aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles that underlie modern physics.

Presented by Dr. David W. Ball, a Professor of Chemistry at Cleveland State University, this course is suitable for anyone with an interest in the physical world, from high school students to life-long learners. The series consists of 24 lectures, each of which is approximately half an hour long, covering topics ranging from the very basics of matter and energy to the most complex quantum mechanics.

The course begins with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of physical properties, including mass, volume, and density. From there, it moves on to a discussion of the building blocks of matter, the atom, and the periodic table. Dr. Ball introduces the students progressively to the intricacies of atomic structure, including the electronic configurations, isotopes, and nuclear reactions.

The series then moves on to explore the fascinating world of waves and particles, delving into the properties of light and the electromagnetic spectrum. Students are introduced to a variety of wave phenomena, including diffraction and interference, and the interaction of waves with matter. They also learn about the factors influencing the speed of light and the various applications of this fundamental property.

As the course progresses, Dr. Ball tackles the most challenging topics in physics, including relativity and quantum mechanics. He helps students to understand the principles underlying these counterintuitive theories and how they challenge the classical notions of space and time. He also provides insight into the mathematical concepts underlying these theories, including calculus and differential equations.

The course concludes with an exploration of the practical applications of physics, including nuclear energy, X-rays, and other medical imaging techniques. Students are also introduced to the concept of energy conservation and how it is applied in contemporary technology.

Throughout the course, Dr. Ball employs numerous examples from everyday life to illustrate the concepts he discusses, making the material relatable and easy to understand. He uses models and visual aids whenever possible to clarify complex concepts, making the course accessible even to those with no previous background in physics.

In addition to the lectures, the series includes a comprehensive study guide that provides summaries of each lecture, key terms, and review questions to help students test their knowledge. There are also downloadable audio files available for those who prefer to listen to the lectures on the go.

Overall, The Nature of Matter: Understanding the Physical World from The Great Courses is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to understand the fundamental principles of physics. Dr. Ball's engaging style and clear explanations make the material accessible to students at all levels, while the comprehensive coverage of the subject matter ensures that even those with advanced knowledge of physics will find much to learn from this course. Whether you are a high school student, a college student, or simply someone with an interest in physics, this series is an invaluable resource that will provide you with a thorough understanding of the world around you.

The Nature of Matter: Understanding the Physical World is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between May 1, 2015 and on The Great Courses