Physics Archives
October 26, 2016The Many Worlds of the Quantum Multiverse
(via PBS Space Time) The Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics tells us that observation collapses a probability wave into a single definitive outcome, but this isn’t the only interpretation of quantum mechanics. The many worlds theory proposes that the wavefunction never actually collapses. The observer simply follows one of those many possible paths into their present reality while all the other paths continue on independent of the observer. Each of these paths branches off into an entirely different reality. In this episode Matt discusses the details of the many worlds theory and why it’s not so far-fetched to think that our reality is simply one of an infinite number of realities existing within space time. 
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| Physics - Wednesday October 26th, 2016 | Send to a Friend
The Most Efficient Way to Destroy the Universe
(via Kurzgesagt) What if there is a way to destroy the universe so fundamentally that life as we know it will be impossible forever? Send to a Friend | Permalink
| Physics - Friday October 21st, 2016 | Send to a Friend
We Need to Find Black Holes From the Dawn of Time
(via PBS Space Time) Primordial black holes may be lurking throughout our universe. How large are they, how many are out there and what would happen if they moved through our solar system? To learn more about black holes, gravity and so much more check out The Great Courses Plus by going to http://ow.ly/JqPz30491TL Send to a Friend | Permalink
How the Ultraviolet Catastrophe Began Quantum Mechanics
(via Physics Girl) How did the field of quantum mechanics come about in the first place? The Rayleigh-Jeans catastrophe, also known as the ultraviolet catastrophe was a prediction by the Rayleigh-Jeans law that a blackbody would radiate infinite amounts of ultraviolet light. It wasn’t until Max Planck came along and predicted that light came in packets or quanta that the field of quantum mechanics emerged and unintentionally solved the ultraviolet catastrophe. Send to a Friend | Permalink
Where Does Complexity Come From?
(via Minute Physics) This video is about the difference between complexity and entropy, and how complex things like life can arise from disorder. Send to a Friend | Permalink
| Physics - Wednesday October 12th, 2016 | Send to a Friend
Do Cause and Effect Really Exist?
(via Minute Physics) This video is about why there's no such thing as cause and effect at the level of fundamental particle physics, and how our everyday experience of cause and effect arises due to entropy, the large-scale arrow of time, and the leverage certain events have over others. This can explain not only the existence of causes and effects, but also memories, records and so on. Send to a Friend | Permalink
| Physics - Thursday October 6th, 2016 | Send to a Friend
The Strange Nature of Quasicrystals
(via Nature Video) Nobel Laureate Dan Shechtman describes the structure of quasi-crystals, the discovery of which won him the scorn of colleagues in the 1980’s and then the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2011.
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| Physics - Sunday October 2nd, 2016 | Send to a Friend
Why Doesn't Time Flow Backwards?
(via Minute Physics) This video is about why entropy gives rise to the arrow of time, and also how the initial low-entropy condition of the universe is responsible for the fact that we experience time right now, and how ultimately it will lead to the high-entropy heat death of the universe. Send to a Friend | Permalink
| Physics - Thursday September 29th, 2016 | Send to a Friend
What is Absolute Zero?
(via Universe Today) Absolute Zero is the coldest possible temperature, the point at which you can no longer extract any energy from a system. How close have we gotten to this lowest of lows? Send to a Friend | Permalink
| Physics - Wednesday September 28th, 2016 | Send to a Friend
How to Boil Water Without Heat
(via Brit Lab) Using an air vacuum, a conical flask of water is boiled but mysteriously remains at room temperature. Send to a Friend | Permalink
| Physics - Tuesday September 27th, 2016 | Send to a Friend
Acoustic Holograms Move Objects
(via Nature Video) Researchers can create complex patterns in air and water using ultrasonic waves. By placing 3D printed plates in front of speakers, they can levitate water droplets and propel small objects. Send to a Friend | Permalink
The Great Bohr-Einstein Debate: Explained
(via PBS Space Time) Albert Einstein strongly disagreed with Niels Bohr when it came to Bohr’s interpretation of quantum mechanics. Quantum entanglement settled the argument once and for all. Send to a Friend | Permalink
| Physics - Thursday September 22nd, 2016 | Send to a Friend
The Best and Worst Prediction in Science
(via Veritasium) Virtual particles are a way of talking about fields and their interactions as though particles are doing all the work. This is why there is some controversy around using the term 'virtual particles'. Some people think the term is useful, especially since in calculating with Feynman diagrams you draw all the particle interactions that are possible (and then do the calculations to get the right answer). While others feel this terminology is misleading because virtual particles don't behave like real particles and can't be observed. Send to a Friend | Permalink