particle physics
To Einstein, nature had to be rational. But quantum physics showed us that there was not always a way to make it so.
Einstein tried to disprove quantum mechanics. Instead, a weird concept called entanglement showed that Einstein was wrong.
“Once quantum mechanics is applied to the entire cosmos, it uncovers a three-thousand-year-old idea.”
The central equation of quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation, is different from the equations found in classical physics.
It isn’t just identical particles that can be entangled, but even those with fundamentally different properties interfere with each other.
Quantum superposition challenges our notions of what is real.
The difference between predictions and observations of the magnetic properties of muons suggests a mystery for the Standard Model.
The quantum world — and its inherent uncertainty — defies our ability to describe it in words.
Quantum mechanics has taught us that even empty space contains energy. “Negative energy” is the state of having less energy than empty space.
There could be variables beyond the ones we’ve identified and know how to measure. But they can’t get rid of quantum weirdness.
The very word “quantum” makes people’s imaginations run wild. But chances are you’ve fallen for at least one of these myths.
For nearly a century, physicists have argued over how to interpret quantum physics. But reality exists independent of any interpretation.
For years and over three separate experiments, “lepton universality” appeared to violate the Standard Model. LHCb at last proved otherwise.
Every proton contains three quarks: two up and one down. But charm quarks, heavier than the proton itself, have been found inside. How?
A concept known as “wave-particle duality” famously applies to light. But it also applies to all matter — including you.
Its implications go well beyond the Earth itself, affecting even the future of space travel.
Light carries with it the secrets of reality in ways we cannot completely understand.
Perhaps wormholes will no longer be relegated to the realm of science fiction.
Like Dua Lipa, he had to create new rules.
The answer to this question is key to understanding why anything exists.
The quantum world is one in which rules that are completely foreign to our everyday experience dictate bizarre behavior.
Maybe the brain isn’t “classical” after all.
Realizing that matter and energy are quantized is important, but quantum particles aren’t the full story; quantum fields are needed, too.
There’s the textbook answer, then there’s the real answer.
You are trapped in time. You never live in the world as it is but only as you experience it as it was.
Maybe our understanding of quantum entanglement is incomplete, or maybe there is something fundamentally unique about consciousness.
Does it have a deeper significance — or is it just a number?
Quantum entanglement may remain spooky, but it has a very practical side.
Practically all of the matter we see and interact with is made of atoms, which are mostly empty space. Then why is reality so… solid?
We are not yet at the point where quantum communications can be deployed to secure the internet, but we might not be far off.