Werner Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle would remind us of the futility of being certain of anything at this level of granularity. Are they particles or waves? How do electrons jump from one energy level to another? We end this lab with a discussion about electrons, photons, and the uncertainty surrounding their behavior.

It is fitting to introduce the basic principles of quantum mechanics with this bit of wisdom from Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), as he explains to Neo (Keanu Reeves) what the Matrix is: “The Matrix is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.” As Neo awakens to this horror, Morpheus adds, “Welcome to the real world.”

I begin my class with a short, non-conventional lecture that includes the trailer from The Matrix. One of the laboratory procedures we teach to first-year general chemistry students involves measuring the wavelengths of the visible emission spectra of several elements including hydrogen, helium, neon, and mercury. “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him.” -Colossians 1:16

Who are we in christ