From StarTalk.

In this conversation, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Charles Liu, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore the surprising reality that all matter is mostly empty space, drawing on Ernest Rutherford’s classic experiments to explain atomic structure. They discuss why, despite this emptiness, we don’t fall through objects—introducing electromagnetic force fields, quantum tunneling, and how these concepts are often misunderstood or exaggerated in superhero stories like The Flash.

The discussion then expands into the differences between quantum tunneling and quantum teleportation, clarifying how particles can probabilistically pass through barriers and how quantum information can be transmitted securely. They conclude by examining the real-world potential of quantum teleportation for perfectly secure communication, alongside its current technological and physical limitations.

From ‘Superhero Science: StarTalk Live! with Charles Liu’: https://youtu.be/-QtKazCBdSk?si=K0szJI0bDxBDCLfJ

Get the StarTalk book, ‘To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery’ on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn

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