Physics of Banjos - A Conversation with David Politzer

This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and David Politzer, 2004 Nobel Laureate and the Richard Chace Tolman Professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech. This extensive conversation examines many of the intriguing aspects associated with the physics of banjos, including the ocarina effect, string-stretching, the subtleties of how we hear pitch, transient growth, and the mysterious ringing sound of banjos; while also touching briefly on contemporary issues in black holes and particle physics. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Dancing To His Own Tune, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:The Feynman Experience - Inspirational encountersLove at First Sound - The joy of the banjoThe Holy Grail - The challenge of qualifying soundThe Ocarina Effect - Probing the effect of rim height of the open-back banjoHearing Pitch - Not so simpleRelative Strengths - Break anglesTransient Growth - Coupled, damped oscillatorsThe Working Physicist - Ruminations from the front linesThe Journey Continues - Joys, frustrations, and the banjo brotherhoodAbout Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: This book is part of an expanding series of Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.