Antoine Lefevre

Famous paradoxes in physics and their solutions

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Les paradoxes célèbres en physique et leurs solutions

IN BRIEF Fermi Paradox: Questions about extraterrestrial life. Schrödinger’s Cat Paradox: State of quantum superposition. Zenon’s Paradox: Challenges to the nature of motion. Archer’s Paradox: Relationship between movement and target. Black Hole Paradox: Problem of lost information. Dark Night Paradox: Cosmological inconsistency of the universe. Faint Young Sun Paradox: Issues regarding Earth’s past temperature. Resolution … Read more

The physics of lightning: understanding this natural phenomenon

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La physique de la foudre : comprendre ce phénomène naturel

IN BRIEF Natural phenomenon of electrostatic discharge. Occurs during thunderstorms in clouds called cumulonimbus. Accumulation of electric charges causing tremendous voltages. Occurs between clouds or between a cloud and the ground. Can reach temperatures of 30,000 °C. The speed of the discharge can exceed 200,000 km/h. Lightning is a common natural electric arc. Potential impacts … Read more

Understanding light and its properties in physics

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Comprendre la lumière et ses propriétés en physique

IN BRIEF Nature of light: form of visible electromagnetic energy. Visible spectrum: red (longest wavelength) to violet (shortest wavelength). White light: polychromatic, containing different radiations. Propagation: movement of energy without transportation of matter. Physical phenomenon: behaviors of waves and particles. Thermal exchanges: objects emit according to their temperature. Light is a fascinating phenomenon that plays … Read more

Why learn physics in the 21st century?

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Pourquoi apprendre la physique au XXIe siècle ?

IN BRIEF Scientific culture: Appropriation of fundamental knowledge. Circulation of knowledge: Exchanges between disciplines and experimental practices. Future developments: Reasoning and innovation for the next 50 years. Mental training: Importance of physics in critical reasoning. Fluid science: Understanding natural phenomena and environmental issues. Interdisciplinarity: Role of physics in other disciplines and fields of study. Digital … Read more

The hidden dimensions in theoretical physics

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Les dimensions cachées en physique théorique

IN BRIEF Hidden dimensions in the Universe: concepts and theories. Mechanism to confer mass to neutrinos. Physics of particles confined on surfaces called branes. Exploration of hidden variables in quantum physics. Kaluza-Klein theory and additional dimensions. Search for particles of the standard model and the graviton. Links with concepts of multiverse and time travel. Attempts … Read more

The paradox of information in black holes

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Le paradoxe de l'information dans les trous noirs

IN SHORT Information Paradox: question about the conservation of information in black holes. Black Hole: a region of space where gravity is so strong that not even light can escape. Baldness Theorem: a black hole is described solely by mass, charge, and angular momentum. Hawking Radiation: theory that black holes can evaporate by emitting energy. … Read more

Thought experiments in theoretical physics

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Les expériences de pensée en physique théorique

IN BRIEF Definition: A thought experiment is a hypothetical method used to explore complex concepts in theoretical physics. Steps: Includes the formulation of hypotheses, the description of imaginary situations, and the analysis of results. Usefulness: Helps to clarify theories, illustrate physical principles, and challenge preconceived ideas. Famous examples: include Galileo’s experiments on falling bodies and … Read more

How do smartphones work thanks to physics?

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Comment fonctionnent les smartphones grâce à la physique ?

IN BRIEF Sensors present in smartphones: accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, etc. Using physical laws to measure speed, acceleration, and other parameters. Smartphones as mini-laboratories for scientific experiments. Application of quantum physics in smartphone technology. Impact of mobile technology on our understanding of physical phenomena. Possibility of scientific popularization through educational applications. Smartphones, these ubiquitous devices in … Read more

The major discoveries of CERN and their significance

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Les découvertes majeures du CERN et leur signification

IN BRIEF 70 years of discoveries at CERN Discovery of W and Z bosons in 1983 Revolution in particle detection thanks to the multi-wire proportional chamber in 1968 Significant impact on the electroweak theory The Large Hadron Collider as a tool for fundamental exploration Advancements in particle physics and their societal applications Celebrations and new … Read more

The wave-particle duality: explanations and examples

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La dualité ondeparticule : explications et exemples

IN SHORT Wave-particle duality: fundamental concept in physics. Light behaves both as a wave and as a particle. Examples of experiments: diffraction and interference. Each particle is associated with a specific wave (wavelength). The wave model and the particle model apply depending on the context. Implications in the structure of the atom. Importance of science … Read more