Articles Index

What is Hawking Radiation?

Hawking radiation is an explanation of how radiation can be emitted from a black hole, despite its attractive power, due to quantum effects.

What Was the Michelson-Morley Experiment?

The Michelson-Morley experiment was a series of experiments that attempted to measure the motion of the Earth relative to the ether. Instead, it measured that the Earth did not move at all relative to the ether, indicating that something was wrong with the scientific idea of the ether in the 1800s.

What is Bell's Theorem?

Bell's Theorem is the theorem in quantum physics which helped solidify the idea that the interactions in quantum physics between entangled particles are instantaneous and non-local in nature.

What is Quantum Entanglement?

One of the key principles in quantum physics is the idea of quantum entanglement, where multiple objects exist in states that are linked together

Can Anything Move Faster Than the Speed of Light?

It's often said that the theory of relativity prohibits anything from moving faster than the speed of light. Is this really true? Find out what relativity really says about the speed of light.

What is Quantum Levitation (and How Does It Work)?

It has long been a dream of science (or, at least, science fiction) to create machines that could fly and levitate. This can be done with magnets, of course, but takes a great deal of energy. In recent years, the new phenomenon of quantum levitation has given some possible hope that levitation may be more practical than previously believed.

Why Do Stars Burn and What Happens When They Die?

Stars don't last forever. Why do stars burn? What happens when a star dies? How does its collapse manifest?

What Is Inflation Theory?

Inflation theory is the idea in cosmology that in the very early stages after the universe's creation it underwent a rapid expansion, the effects of which can still be seen in the universe today.

What is the Big Bang Theory?

One of the most impressive theories of the 20th century, the Big Bang explains the origins of the universe ... at least up to a point. Find out what the theory actually says, what it does not say, and what it may or may not say.

What is the Many Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Physics?

One of the most intriguing concepts in physics is the many worlds interpretation of quantum physics, which proposes that each possible outcome for any event takes place in an ever-branching series of realities.

Is Invisibility Possible?

From H.G. Wells' Invisible Man to Star Trek's cloaking devices to Harry Potter's cloak of invisibility, the prospect of turning invisible has long been a part of popular culture. Now it appears some scientists may be close to turning the dream of invisibility into a reality ... sort of.

Introduction to Heat Transfer - How Does Heat Transfer?

How does heat transfer? What methods are most or least efficient? What are the effects of heat transfer?

What Are the Types of Parallel Universes?

Physicists often talk about parallel universes, but what exactly does this mean? Are there different types of parallel universes? What are they?

What is the Holographic Multiverse?

One type of parallel universe predicted by modern physics is a "holographic multiverse."

Why Study Physics?

Why should you study physics? What is the use of a physics education? If you aren't going to become a physicist, you may have questions such as these ... but there are good reasons for everyone to study physics.

What Are Clarke's Laws?

Clarke's Laws are a series of rules proposed by science fiction legend Arthur C. Clarke as a means of evaluating scientific concepts.

What are the Fundamental Forces of Physics?

An overview of the four fundamental forces of physics and why they are so fundamental.

What Is Model-Dependent Realism?

In their 2010 book The Grand Design, physicists Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow have put forth an idea called "model-dependent realism." What does this mean? How can it be applied to scientific investigations?

What is Antimatter?

There exists a strange form of matter with the opposite charge of our ordinary matter, which annihilates it when it comes into contact.

Why Are There Multiple Universes?

Why do physicists believe there are multiple universes? Does this even make any sense? Can it be tested? We explore these and other questions about why multiple universes probably exist.

Does Time Really Exist?

Some people wonder if time really exists. I explain what we know about time.

Is Time Travel Possible?

I'm often asked "Is Time Travel Possible?" Find out the answer here!

What is the Twin Paradox?

Learn about the twin paradox, a famous thought experiment in physics (and science fiction) which demonstrates one of the only ways for time travel

What is Schroedinger's Cat?

In 1935, Erwin Schroedinger developed a thought experiment which illuminated some of the problems with extending the microscopic concepts of quantum physics into the macroscopic realm. The thought experiment has been used in the years since to highlight the key concepts of quantum physics, ranging from the role of the observer to the meaning of the wave function.

What is String Theory?

String theory is an emerging theory that attempts to explain physics in term of a multi-dimensional universe, where the dimensions of space and time that we observe is a result of vibrations of microscopic energy strings in other dimensions.