Physics

The renewable energies and their physical basis

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Les énergies renouvelables et leur base physique

IN BRIEF Renewable energies (RE): modes of energy production from natural resources Examples: solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, biomass, geothermal energy Characteristics: inexhaustible properties, environmentally friendly Main sources: Sun and Earth Crucial role in the fight against global warming Positive impact: reduction of carbon footprint, ecological benefits Physical principles associated with renewable energy production Renewable … Read more

Les multivers : hypothèses et implications

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Les multivers : hypothèses et implications

IN BRIEF Multiverse: Concept of multiple coexisting universes. Hypotheses: Emerging from theoretical physics, notably string theory. Parallel dimensions: Possibility of dimensions beyond our classical understanding. Cosmic inflation: Rapid expansion of the early universe suggesting other universes. Evidence: Difficulty in testing the multiverse hypothesis. Scientific speculations: Variety of possible scenarios surrounding the multiverse. Time travel: Connection … Read more

Les 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. Zeno’s Paradox: Challenges regarding 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. Weak Young Sun Paradox: Issues of past Earth 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 enormous 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

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 extra dimensions. Search for standard model particles and the graviton. Links with concepts of multiverse and time travel. Seeks to solve … Read more

The paradox of information in black holes

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Le paradoxe de l'information dans les trous noirs

IN BRIEF Information Paradox: question concerning the conservation of information in black holes. Black hole: area of space where gravity is so strong that not even light can escape from it. Baldness Theorem: a black hole is described solely by mass, charge, and angular momentum. Hawking Radiation: theory that suggests black holes can evaporate by … 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. Utility: Allows for the clarification of theories, illustrates physical principles, and challenges preconceived ideas. Famous examples: Include Galileo’s experiments on free … Read more

How 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. Use of 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 outreach through educational applications. Smartphones, these ubiquitous devices … Read more