5
The Incredible Quantum Mechanics
5.1 The Strange Tale of the King of Neutrinia
Some physicists are much taken with parallel universes and are
happy to postulate their existence, expound on properties they
might have, and rejoice in the fact that although there is little
or no possibility of verifying the existence of these worlds, at
least there is no inconsistency with physical theories that actually
precludes their being.
In one of these multitudinous parallel worlds, there existed
a tiny kingdom, called “Neutrinia”, with a king, Neutrino the
First, who was very young and inexperienced, with many in his
kingdom claiming that he lacked sufficient gravitas for his regal
role. Now King Neutrino was madly in love with Princess Juliet,
the daughter of the king of Protonia, a neighbouring country.
Juliet also loved Neutrino dearly, and the only requirement for
their lasting happiness was the blessing of Juliet’s father, the
curmudgeonly King Proton the 100th.
King Proton was very proud of his long dynasty and of
his kingdom’s wealth. When King Neutrino asked for Juliet’s
hand, he replied that he would only concede his daughter
to a King able to donate to her as a Wedding present the
famous pink diamond, Darya-ye Noor. Unfortunately, Neutrinia
was small and even if Neutrino commandeered its entire wealth,
it would not suffice to purchase such an illustrious jewel. The
© The Author(s), under exclusive license
to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
R. Barrett and P. P. Delsanto, Don’t Be Afraid of Physics,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63409-4_5
77
The Incredible Quantum Mechanics
5.1 The Strange Tale of the King of Neutrinia
Some physicists are much taken with parallel universes and are
happy to postulate their existence, expound on properties they
might have, and rejoice in the fact that although there is little
or no possibility of verifying the existence of these worlds, at
least there is no inconsistency with physical theories that actually
precludes their being.
In one of these multitudinous parallel worlds, there existed
a tiny kingdom, called “Neutrinia”, with a king, Neutrino the
First, who was very young and inexperienced, with many in his
kingdom claiming that he lacked sufficient gravitas for his regal
role. Now King Neutrino was madly in love with Princess Juliet,
the daughter of the king of Protonia, a neighbouring country.
Juliet also loved Neutrino dearly, and the only requirement for
their lasting happiness was the blessing of Juliet’s father, the
curmudgeonly King Proton the 100th.
King Proton was very proud of his long dynasty and of
his kingdom’s wealth. When King Neutrino asked for Juliet’s
hand, he replied that he would only concede his daughter
to a King able to donate to her as a Wedding present the
famous pink diamond, Darya-ye Noor. Unfortunately, Neutrinia
was small and even if Neutrino commandeered its entire wealth,
it would not suffice to purchase such an illustrious jewel. The
© The Author(s), under exclusive license
to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
R. Barrett and P. P. Delsanto, Don’t Be Afraid of Physics,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63409-4_5
77