Keeping it simple


Where did quantum physics start?


In the early 1800's, scientists began examining the basis of matter, space, and time. It can get very confusing, but the main idea is that NEWTON's physics describe around 90% of the way things work in the universe (Mechanics). Although his theories do start to break down when you look at such things as objects moving at the speed of light, the inside of ATOMS, extreme temperatures, and when the objects are immense (like galaxies interacting with each other).


The Atom


The original idea of atoms was developed by NILES BOHR, and showed a shell like structure with a central area called a NUCLEUS. The ELECTRONS were found within various surrounding shells, whilst the PROTONSand NEUTRONS were found within the nucleus. This view of the structure of an atom was one of the foundations for modern physics.


The Universe


ALBERT EINSTEIN also played a large part in modern physics. It was he who developed the formulas that described the way matter and energy were related. Just about everyone has heard of the formula E=MC2. It is this formula which explains how energy is related to mass. The idea also found its way into the study of fission reactions, and it was proven that enormous amounts of energy are stored in even one atom of a substance.


Physics ongoing


There is still alot to discover. Even now, scientists are hard at work testing the boundaries and current theories within physics. Only a few years ago a new state of matter was created. The BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATE was theorised decades ago, but scientists have only recently been able to create it in a lab. Every day astronomers are studying space and learning how black holes and galaxies interact. STEPHEN HAWKING is probably the most famous scientist of our time working in that field.


Meanings

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