09/03/13 lar
The first Science Café of the year at Fort Hays State University will present "Declawing Schrödinger's Cat: Quantum Physics for the rest of us." Dr. Elise Crull, a research fellow with the Centre for History and Philosophy of Science, Technology and Medicine at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, will discuss Schrödinger, his cat, parallel universes and more.

"The example of a cat trapped in a box with a vial of poison is the premise of Schrödinger's Cat," said Dr. Paul Adams, professor of physics and Anchutz Professor of Education at FHSU. "Without opening the box, it is impossible to know for certain if the cat is either alive or dead. In quantum mechanics, absolute certainty such as 'Yes, the cat is dead.' or 'No, the cat is not dead.' does not exist."

Crull's biography on the History and Philosophy Centre's website says her "true passion" is "explaining the historical and philosophical aspects of physics and of science." Crull is the daughter of Dr. Terry Crull, assistant professor of music and theatre at FHSU.

To learn more about Schrödinger's Cat and quantum physics, stop by at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at Gella's Diner, 117 E. 11th St. The event is free and open to the public. The FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute, www.fhsu.edu/smei, sponsors Science Café.