Quantum mechanics profoundly alters our understanding of the world. It describes tiny objects, such as electrons and atoms, with principles that are sometimes counterintuitive, like the superposition of states or entanglement. Yet, despite this fundamental strangeness, solid and defined objects that obey the much more familiar laws of classical physics appear around us in our … Read more
Quantum entanglement remains one of the most fascinating and mysterious phenomena in quantum physics. This ability to establish an immediate and unbreakable link between quantum states of particles, regardless of their distance, upends our classical concepts of reality and causality. This connection surpasses the simple idea of superposition and introduces the notion of non-locality, challenging … Read more
IN BRIEF Quantum fluctuations: spontaneous energy variations in quantum vacuum. Influence on the formation of structures in the universe. Elementary particles: emergence and rapid annihilation. Uncertainty principles: impact on quantum theory. Primordial universe: crucial role in cosmic inflation. Quantum voids: concepts of fluctuating energy zones. Applications in cosmology and particle physics. Quantum fluctuations represent a … Read more
IN BRIEF Uncertainty principle stated by Heisenberg in 1927 Inverse relationship between position and momentum The more we know about position, the less we can know about momentum, and vice versa Observation of a particle changes its state Impacts on quantum physics and understanding of the universe Leads to reflections in philosophy and psychology Used … Read more
IN BRIEF Gravitational singularity: a region of spacetime where the laws of physics become imprecise. Involves mathematical limits according to the Einstein theory. References to the Penrose theorems and Hawking regarding black holes. Singularities are points where certain physical parameters reach infinity. The hidden singularity implies that physical laws break down. Interest in cosmology to … Read more
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
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
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
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
IN BRIEF Quantum mechanics and general relativity: two major theories of physics. Mathematical incompatibility between the two theories. Problem of unifying gravity and quantum mechanics. General relativity describes gravitation at large scales. Quantum mechanics operates at the subatomic scale. The challenges of a unified theory within the context of the universe. The necessity to reconcile … Read more