Science Archives

Proof of the Big Bang Event: The Origin of Our Universe

Is the Big Bang just a theory or an established fact? Is there any proof of the Big Bang event? The Big Bang origin of the universe may sound far-fetched to some, but there is solid observational evidence supporting the theory. In 1965, astronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discovered microwave background radiation emanating from space—the remnant vibration from the Big Bang explosion. Here is how the Big Bang event became the most accepted theory on the origin of our universe.

The Discovery of the Microwave Background Radiation

What is microwave background radiation? What does cosmic radiation tell us about the universe? The cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) is thought to be the remnant radiation from the Big Bang origin of the universe. CMB is basically the evidence that the universe had a beginning, and that this beginning was marked by the Big Bang explosion. Keep reading to learn about the discovery of the microwave background radiation.

Uniting General Relativity vs. Quantum Mechanics

What is general relativity vs. quantum mechanics incompatible? Is it possible to unite the four forces with the subatomic particles? The predictions of relativity, which deal with phenomena on the massive, universal scale, break down when applied to the subatomic level of quantum mechanics. Uniting quantum mechanics and relativity is one of the great challenges to establishing a complete theory of the universe. Keep reading to learn about the general relativity vs. quantum mechanics dilemma.

What Is Enjoyment? Psychologist Answers

What is enjoyment? What are the nine characteristics of enjoyment? Do non-professional athletes feel the same enjoyment as surgeons do? Csikszentmihalyi, the author of Flow, conducted and experiment to identify the characteristics of enjoyment. The results were shocking in that despite their age, location, gender, class, culture, etc, all the participants described the elements of enjoyment in the same way. Here are the results of Csikszentmihalyi’s research on enjoyment and what they mean.

Decoded: Is the Universe Finite or Infinite?

Is the universe finite or infinite? Does the cosmos extend forever or does it have a boundary? The universe is always in the state of expansion but it cannot be infinite. In an infinite (and static) universe, every point of observation would arrive at a star (because there would be an infinite number of stars), but this is clearly not the case (this is known as Olbers’ paradox or the “dark night sky paradox”). Here is why our universe cannot be infinite.

Quarks: Particles of the Weird, Subatomic World

What is a quark? How do the particles that are quarks relate to atoms? What role do they play in the universe? Quarks are subatomic particles that combine by means of a strong force to make up protons and neutrons which in turn make up the nuclei of atoms. In studying quarks, we are looking at the most elemental building blocks of our universe. And it turns out that our knowledge of quarks is the key we can use to unlock a great deal about our universe. Learn about the discovery of quark particles, their types, properties, and more.

Traveling Through Time: Possible But Unlikely

Does theoretical physics allow for time travel? And if so, under what conditions could traveling through time be possible? Believe it or not, there may be some scenarios under which traveling through time is theoretically possible. Specifically, it’d possible if it could be shown that parts of the universe exist where there is negative curvature, which is actually in the realm of possibility as far as theoretical physics is concerned. Here is why time travel is (theoretically) possible yet extremely unlikely.

Antifragile Systems Develop From Adversity

What are antifragile systems? How can systems in nature encourage antifragility? Antifragile systems can develop when living things fail. After failure, they’re forced to grow stronger, and can therefore become antifragile in the process. Read more about antifragile systems in nature and how they occur.

Quantum Mechanics Theory: Learn the Basics

What is quantum theory? What phenomena does the quantum mechanics theory attempt to explain? Quantum theory (also known as quantum physics or quantum mechanics) is one of the foundational theories of material phenomena. It explains the properties and behavior of energy and matter at the level of atoms, molecules, and subatomic particles. Learn the basics of quantum mechanics theory, explained in simple terms.

How Does Consciousness Work and What Is It?

Do you want to learn to control your consciousness? How does consciousness work? What are the limits to consciousness? If you want to learn how to control your consciousness, the first step is understanding what consciousness actually is and how it works. In his book Flow, Csikszentmihalyi thoroughly covers these topics. Continue below to learn how consciousness works and what its limitations are.