Understanding Quantum Tunneling It is a fascinating fact that quantum particles can do things that would seem impossible according to the laws of classical physics. One such phenomenon is quantum tunneling, which allows particles to penetrate barriers that should, in theory, be impenetrable. In essence, quantum tunneling refers to the quantum mechanical phenomenon where a subatomic particle passes through a …
Circular Orbits: The Basics Consider a planet of mass $m$ in a circular orbit around a star of mass $M$. This scenario is a classic example of circular motion under the influence of gravitational forces. The force of gravity acts as the centripetal force necessary to keep the planet in its orbit. Mathematically, this relationship is expressed as: $$\frac{GMm}{r^2} = …
In the vast and ever-expanding universe, galaxies drift and dance according to the gravitational rhythms laid down by the cosmos. Among these celestial entities, the Milky Way, our home galaxy, and Andromeda, its nearest spiral neighbor, are set on a collision course that promises a cosmic spectacle of unparalleled proportions. This impending galactic merger, though billions of years away, offers …
Gravitational Acceleration, $g$ Gravitational acceleration, often denoted as ($g$), is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the rate at which objects accelerate towards the center of the Earth when the only force acting upon them is gravity. Understanding Gravitational Acceleration Misconceptions and Clarifications Air Resistance & Terminal Velocity When objects fall through the air, they encounter air resistance or …
Introduction: String Theory and the Promise of Unity String theory is a theoretical framework in which the fundamental constituents of reality are one-dimensional strings, rather than the point-like particles that we are familiar with from quantum mechanics. The remarkable promise of string theory is that it offers a unified description of gravity and particle physics, thereby reconciling the otherwise incompatible …
Introduction In the vast and intricate tapestry of physics, certain concepts spark the imagination and provoke curiosity more than others. Among these, the idea of absolute zero stands out as a fascinating and somewhat enigmatic concept. It represents the theoretical point at which particles reach their lowest possible energy state, a temperature so cold that it seems to flirt with …
In the realm of quantum mechanics, one experiment stands out for its simplicity and profound implications – the double-slit experiment. This elegant yet bewildering setup has shaped our understanding of the fundamental nature of reality. It demonstrates a principle so mysterious and counterintuitive that it challenges our classical views of physics: wave-particle duality. Let’s embark on a journey to unravel …