Satellites and orbital physics: understanding space

Les satellites et la physique orbitale : comprendre l'espace

IN BRIEF Orbital mechanics: study of the movements of objects in space. Satellite orbits: relationship between altitude and duration of presence in orbit. Kepler’s laws: foundations of observed planetary movements. Artificial satellite: man-made object orbiting around a celestial body. Trajectories: key concept in space mechanics for calculating orbits. Types of satellites: varieties ranging from weather … Read more

Great figures of physics: portraits of geniuses

Les grandes figures de la physique : portraits des génies

IN BRIEF Marie Curie: First woman to receive a Nobel Prize in Physics. Albert Einstein: Iconic figure of relativity. Isaac Newton: Pioneer of classical mechanics. Archimedes: Famous for his contributions to mathematics and physics. Galileo: Forerunner of the scientific method. Max Planck: Initiator of quantum theory. Niels Bohr: Revolutionized the understanding of the atom. Erwin … Read more

Quantum gravity: challenges and perspectives

La gravité quantique : défis et perspectives

IN BRIEF Successful measurement of gravity at the microscopic scale Research on quantum gravity to unify fundamental forces Pursuit of a theory unifying general relativity and quantum physics Challenges of interactions of particles at the microscopic scale Loop quantum gravity: discrete spacetime Potential impact on cryptography and computability Exploration of issues related to quantum measurement … Read more

Current approaches for detecting dark matter

Les approches actuelles pour détecter la matière noire

IN BRIEF Dark matter detection: innovative approach based on Josephson junctions. Exploration of gravitational waves to identify dark matter. Search for axions, potential candidates for dark matter, through their conversion to photons. Clear strategies: do, see it dissolve, or look for its tremors. Study of neutron stars, potential keys in detecting this invisible matter. Analysis … Read more

Cryogenics and its modern applications

La cryogénie et ses applications modernes

IN BRIEF Definition: Study of very low temperatures. Main applications: Medicine, space exploration, s superconductivity. Food industry: Use of cryogenic freezing tunnel. Cleaning cryogenically: Historical developments in aeronautics. Preservation: Applications in cryopreservation for the preservation of various substances. Importance of cryogenic cold in the thermal balance of materials. Use of liquid nitrogen in the automotive … Read more

Applications of classical mechanics in engineering

Les applications de la mécanique classique dans l'ingénierie

IN BRIEF Classical Mechanics: study of the movements and forces of bodies Applications in various fields: physics, chemistry, mechanics and engineering Importance of Newton’s laws in the design of devices Role in the modeling of machines and robots Historical foundations: from Galileo to Newton Use in statics and dynamics Analysis of material systems subjected to … Read more

Big Bang: the birth of the universe according to physics

Le big bang : la naissance de l'univers selon la physique

IN BRIEF Big Bang: explosive event marking the birth of the Universe Occurred about 13.7 billion years ago Emergence of a dense and hot Universe The Big Bang theory supported by contemporary observations Universe in expansion since its creation Questions about origin: what happened before? No defined time before the Big Bang Exploration of the … Read more

L’effet Casimir et ses implications théoriques

L'effet Casimir et ses implications théoriques

IN BRIEF Casimir Effect: quantum phenomenon predicted by Hendrik Casimir in 1948. Attractive force between two conductive plates in a perfect vacuum. Based on fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. Highlights the physical reality of vacuum and its interaction with matter. Can lead to repulsive phenomena under certain conditions. Related to divergent series and the modes … Read more

How does a power plant work?

Comment fonctionne une centrale électrique ?

IN BRIEF Power plant: transformation of primary energy into electrical energy. Types of power plants: thermal, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind. Turbine: captures primary energy to produce motion. Generator: converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Energy transformation: essential for the operation of power plants. Thermal power plant: uses steam or gas combustion. Hydroelectric power plant: harnesses the … Read more

Philosophical implications of quantum physics

Les implications philosophiques de la physique quantique

IN BRIEF Philosophy of Quantum Physics: exploration of theoretical foundations. Interpretations: divergence between quantum models, such as the Copenhagen interpretation. Quantum Entanglement: fundamental link between distant particles, with practical implications. Philosophical Debates: discussions on the nature of reality and the predictability of events. Quantum Reality: questioning what we consider real. Elementary Phenomena: study of interactions … Read more