Modern Physics

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What is wave-particle duality?

Wave-particle duality is the concept that particles such as electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.

Explain what is meant by the term 'quantum mechanics'.

Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter and light on the atomic and subatomic scale.

What is Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle?

Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously know the exact position and momentum of a particle.

Define the term 'photon' in the context of light.

A photon is a quantum of light or other electromagnetic radiation, carrying energy proportional to its frequency.

What does E=mc^2 represent?

E=mc^2, formulated by Einstein, represents the equivalence of energy (E) and mass (m), with c^2 being the speed of light squared, highlighting that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa.

What is a black hole and how is it formed?

A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. It is formed when a massive star collapses under its own gravity at the end of its life cycle.

What is Schrödinger's cat thought experiment?

Schrödinger's cat is a thought experiment that illustrates the concept of superposition in quantum mechanics where a cat in a closed box is simultaneously alive and dead until it is observed.

Explain what is meant by the term 'nuclear fission'.

Nuclear fission is the process by which a nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.

What is the Pauli Exclusion Principle?

The Pauli Exclusion Principle states that no two fermions (e.g., electrons) can occupy the same quantum state within a quantum system simultaneously.

Describe the concept of a quantum leap.

A quantum leap is the sudden change of an electron within an atom from one energy level to another.

What is antimatter?

Antimatter is composed of antiparticles, which have the same mass as particles of ordinary matter but opposite charge.

Define special relativity in simple terms.

Special relativity is a theory by Einstein that addresses the relationship between space and time and is based on two postulates: the laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames, and the speed of light is constant in a vacuum for all observers.

What is superconductivity?

Superconductivity is a phenomenon where a material demonstrates zero electrical resistance and the expulsion of magnetic fields at certain low temperatures.

Explain the concept of dark energy.

Dark energy is the mysterious force that is causing the acceleration of the universe's expansion, making up about 68% of the universe.

What is the significance of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)?

The LHC is the world's largest and most powerful particle collider, used to test predictions of different theories of particle physics, including understanding the Higgs boson and other fundamental particles.