Singularities in physics: what do they mean?

Les singularités en physique : que signifientelles ?

IN BRIEF Gravitational singularity: region of spacetime where the laws of physics become vague. Has mathematical boundaries according to Einstein’s theory. References to Penrose and Hawking theorems regarding black holes. Singularities are points where certain physical parameters reach infinity. Veiled singularity implies that physical laws break down. Interest of cosmology in understanding time and space. … Read more

The best documentaries on physics that you must see

Les meilleurs documentaires sur la physique à voir absolument

IN BRIEF Essential scientific documentaries on physics. Discovery of the universe through captivating films. Diverse themes: from quantum to elementary particles. Best platforms to watch: Netflix, YouTube, and others. Recent films: Oppenheimer, The James Webb Telescope. Series to follow for cultural enrichment: Rick and Morty, The Big Bang Theory. Impact of science on our daily … Read more

The best online resources to get started with physics

Les meilleures ressources en ligne pour s’initier à la physique

IN BRIEF Chimiephysique.free.fr: Free courses and exercises for all levels from middle school to high school. PCCL: Site dedicated to chemistry physics for middle school and high school. Labolycée: Access to a variety of educational resources. Physique-chimie.fr: Content adapted for autonomous learning. Physics 2000: Resources in English to deepen concepts. Éduscol: Information on the use … Read more

The multiverses: hypotheses and implications

Les multivers : hypothèses et implications

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

The physics of lightning: understanding this natural phenomenon

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

Understand 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: energy transfer without material transport. Physical phenomenon: behaviors of waves and particles. Thermal exchanges: objects emit according to their temperature. The light is a fascinating phenomenon that plays an … 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. Formation of the mind: Importance of physics in critical reasoning. Fluid science: Understanding natural phenomena and environmental issues. Interdisciplinarity: Role of physics in other disciplines and fields of … Read more

How do smartphones work through physics?

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 popularization through educational applications. Smartphones, these ubiquitous devices … Read more

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. Suggests that our universe might be similar to a hologram. … Read more

Superconductivity: properties and challenges

La supraconductivité : propriétés et enjeux

IN SHORT Definition: State of a material at very low temperature capable of conducting an electric current without resistance. Meissner effect: Expulsion of magnetic fields when transitioning to a superconducting state. Applications: Transporting electricity without energy loss, magnetic levitation, magnetic resonance imaging. Fascinating properties: Indefinite current circulation in a superconducting ring. Challenges: Understanding superconductivity mechanisms … Read more