Understanding light and its properties in physics

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?

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

How do smartphones work thanks to physics?

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 holographic principle in physics: is everything surface?

Le principe holographique en physique : tout est surface ?

IN BRIEF Holographic principle: central concept in theoretical physics. Proposes that the information of a system can be represented on its surface rather than in its volume. Related to the study of black holes and their event horizon. Indicates a relationship between gravity and quantum. Proposes that our universe could be similar to a hologram. … Read more

Superconductivity: properties and challenges

La supraconductivité : propriétés et enjeux

IN BRIEF Definition: State of a material at very low temperatures capable of conducting electric current without resistance. Meissner Effect: Expulsion of magnetic fields when transitioning to the superconducting state. Applications: Lossless electricity transport, magnetic levitation, magnetic resonance imaging. Fascinating properties: Indefinite current circulation in a superconducting ring. Challenges: Understanding the mechanisms of superconductivity and … Read more

Classical mechanics vs quantum mechanics

La mécanique classique vs la mécanique quantique

IN BRIEF Two approaches in physics: Classical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics Classical Mechanics: motion of macroscopic bodies (laws of Newton) Quantum Mechanics: study of subatomic particles and their behaviors. Importance of energy quantization in quantum mechanics. Orbitals: description of the electron cloud and probability of a particle’s presence. Convergence between the two mechanics at specific … Read more

The physics of drones: stability and flight

La physique des drones : stabilité et vol

IN BRIEF Flight controller: manages the motors to ensure stability. Forces in flight: balance between lift and gravity. Drone geometry: structure in parallelepiped with 4 motors equipped with propellers. Flight balance: management of pitch and roll movements. Hovering: lift force generated by the rotation of the propellers. Stability: maintained by appropriate sensors and controls. Quadcopter … Read more

translated_content> The essential podcasts to learn physics

Les podcasts incontournables pour apprendre la physique

IN BRIEF Recommended podcasts to discover physics. Varied topics, from elementary particles to astrophysics. Renowned speakers, including researchers and science communicators. Accessible and engaging format, ideal for all levels. Supplementary resources to deepen knowledge. Podcasts have become a valuable tool for those wanting to learn and get introduced to physics. Thanks to their accessible and … Read more

Black holes: physics and mysteries

Les trous noirs : physique et mystères

IN BRIEF Definition: Celestial objects in an intense gravitational field. Formation: Collapse of a massive star at the end of its life. Singularity: Central point where mass is concentrated. Dark matter and dark energy: Mysteries related to their presence around black holes. General relativity: Theoretical framework to study the properties of black holes. X-ray telescopes: … Read more

The great figures of physics: portraits of the 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 : Precursor of the scientific method. Max Planck : Initiator of quantum theory. Niels Bohr : … Read more