Category: Physics
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Physics: Flat Universe
The concept of a “flat universe” is a pivotal idea in modern cosmology, emerging from the interplay between Einstein’s theory of general relativity and the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metric. General relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein in 1915, revolutionized our understanding of gravity by describing it as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. The…
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Physics: Varying Speed of Light
The speed of light in a vacuum, precisely measured at approximately 299,792,458 meters per second, stands as one of the most pivotal and unshakeable constants in the realm of physics. This value, often rounded to 300,000 kilometers per second for simplicity, is far more than a mere numerical curiosity—it is a foundational pillar that supports…
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Physics: Symmetry
The Profound Role of Symmetry in Physics Symmetry in physics is a profound and unifying concept that has fundamentally shaped our understanding of the universe. At its essence, symmetry refers to the invariance of physical systems under specific transformations—be they spatial shifts, temporal changes, or more abstract internal alterations. This principle, when expressed through the…
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Physics: Making the Cosmic Microwave Background and new scientific quests
The Cosmic Microwave Background: Standard Model and Beyond The cosmic microwave background (CMB) is widely regarded as a snapshot of the oldest light in our universe, dating back to the Big Bang approximately 13.8 billion years ago. In the standard cosmological model, the CMB represents the thermal radiation left over from a hot, dense phase…
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Physics: Types of Vacuums
Vacuum, far from being a simple absence of matter or a void of “nothingness,” is a multifaceted concept that reveals itself in a variety of forms, each with distinct characteristics and profound implications. Whether viewed through the lens of classical physics in laboratory settings or explored in the enigmatic realm of quantum field theory, the…
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Physics: Zero point energy
Zero point energy (ZPE) is one of the most fascinating and enigmatic concepts in modern physics, rooted deeply in the framework of quantum mechanics. It refers to the lowest possible energy that a quantum mechanical system can possess, a baseline that persists even when all other forms of energy have been stripped away, such as…
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Science: The Double Slit Experiment
The double-slit experiment is far more than a simple demonstration of interference patterns; it serves as a profound window into the enigmatic fabric of reality itself. At its core, this iconic experiment reveals that when quantum particles—such as photons or electrons—are directed toward a barrier pierced by two closely spaced slits, they produce an interference…
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Science: Seeing individual atoms
Synchrotron X-ray Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (SX-STM) is a fascinating and advanced scientific technique that brings together two powerful methods—scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and synchrotron-generated X-rays—to explore the atomic and electronic landscapes of materials. By combining these methods, scientists can not only see individual atoms on a surface but also understand their chemical makeup and electronic…
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Physics: Large Detection Facilities
Particle physics relies on a diverse array of experimental facilities and detectors to study the fundamental particles that make up the universe. These facilities span the globe and use different techniques to explore various types of particles. For instance, large particle accelerators like CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) are used to collide protons and heavy…
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Science: Paraparticles
Paraparticles are a fascinating and hypothetical extension of particle physics that could potentially unlock the mysteries of various complex quantum phenomena. Their theoretical foundation challenges the conventional classification of particles into bosons and fermions by introducing an intermediary class that exhibits unique properties, particularly in systems where traditional quantum mechanics encounters limitations. Imagine the world…