A New Map of All the Particles and Forces | Quanta Magazine
WEBOct 22, 2020 · Explore the Standard Model of particle physics with a visual representation that shows the structure and interactions of matter and force particles. Learn about quarks, leptons, generations, colors, weak and electromagnetic forces, and more.
The Mystery at the Heart of Physics That Only Math Can Solve
WEBJun 10, 2021 · Quantum field theory (QFT) is the most successful physical theory ever invented, but it is also incomplete and mysterious. Mathematicians are trying to understand the mathematics of QFT, which could lead to new insights into physics and mathematics.
Why Are Plants Green? To Reduce the Noise in Photosynthesis.
WEBJul 30, 2020 · Plants are green because they reflect green light, which is the least efficient part of the solar spectrum. A new model of photosynthesis explains why plants ignore the most energy-rich light to minimize the fluctuations and damage caused by …
What Is a Particle? - Quanta Magazine
WEBNov 12, 2020 · A particle is a basic unit of matter or energy that has distinct traits, such as charge and mass. But particles also have a mathematical nature, and different perspectives on what a particle is have emerged from quantum mechanics and symmetry groups.
Mathematician Proves Huge Result on ‘Dangerous’ Problem
WEBDec 11, 2019 · Terence Tao, a top mathematician, has made a major advance on the Collatz conjecture, a simple but elusive problem that has baffled experts for decades. He proved that almost all numbers follow the conjecture's rule of eventually reaching 1.
Quantum Tunnels Show How Particles Can Break the Speed of Light
WEBOct 20, 2020 · Quantum tunneling is a phenomenon that allows particles to pass through seemingly impenetrable barriers, defying the laws of classical physics. Learn how recent experiments have measured tunneling time and revealed its mysterious nature and implications for faster-than-light travel.
A New Physics Theory of Life - Quanta Magazine
WEBJan 22, 2014 · An MIT physicist has proposed the provocative idea that life exists because the law of increasing entropy drives matter to acquire lifelike physical properties. Jeremy England, a 31-year-old physicist at MIT, thinks he has found the underlying physics driving the origin and evolution of life. Katherine Taylor for Quanta Magazine.
How to Think About Relativity - Quanta Magazine
WEBNov 14, 2022 · Space-time is a unified four-dimensional continuum that replaces the separate notions of space and time in relativity theory. Learn how space-time is flat, static and infinite in special relativity, and how it can be …
The Simple Math Problem We Still Can’t Solve - Quanta Magazine
WEBSep 22, 2020 · The Collatz conjecture states that if you start with any positive integer, you’ll always end up in a loop of 1, 4, 2, 1. Learn why this problem is so hard to prove and how mathematicians have made progress on it.
Toward a Grand Unified Theory of Snowflakes | Quanta Magazine
WEBDec 19, 2019 · Snowflakes are symmetrical because they form when water molecules lock together in hexagonal patterns near the freezing point. Learn how a physicist has a new theory that explains the different types and shapes of …