Category Archives: Physics

Q: If black holes are “rips” in the fabric of our universe, does it mean they lead to other universes? If so, then did time begin in that universe at the inception of the black hole? Could we be in a black hole?

Posted on November 8, 2009 by The Physicist

Physicist: Before answering your question, I’ll waste your time with two quick asides. First: The place where the “ripping” might occur would be at the singularity.  “Singularity” is actually a very general term that roughly means “something goes to infinity … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Astronomy, Philosophical, Physics, Relativity | 22 Comments

Q: What is the connection between quantum physics and consciousness?

Posted on November 3, 2009 by The Physicist

Physicist: No connection. The idea that consciousness, or observation, can affect the physical world around us is called the “Copenhagen Interpretation”.  According to the Copenhagen interpretation, as long as there is no consciousness observing a system (a system of particles, … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Philosophical, Quantum Theory | 45 Comments

Q: How does a refrigerator work?

Posted on October 29, 2009 by The Physicist

Physicist: “Making cold” is impossible, so a “refrigerator” is really just a heat pump.  Scientists don’t talk about much beyond of a handful of thought experiments.  Quantum physicists: double slit, relativists: trains, thermodynamicists: mirrored boxes and pistons, etc..  Refrigerators can … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Engineering | 4 Comments

Q: Why does “curved space-time” cause gravity?

Posted on October 25, 2009 by The Physicist

Physicist: In a flat space local ideas about “parallel” and “perpendicular” are global.  That is, if two lines are parallel, and you follow them for a while, then they’ll still be parallel.  (By “flat” here I mean exactly this property, … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Relativity | 33 Comments

Q: How plausible is it that the laws of physics may actually function differently in other parts of the universe?

Posted on October 21, 2009 by The Physicist

Mathematician: My two cents are that astronomical evidence (what we can tell about galaxies from here on earth) indicates that the laws of newtonian mechanics and gravitation in space are just the same they are here. I imagine that some … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Mathematician, -- By the Physicist, Astronomy, Philosophical, Physics | 16 Comments