Category Archives: Particle Physics

Q: What are virtual particles?

Posted on August 24, 2012 by The Physicist

Physicist: In quantum mechanics every event is the sum of the possible ways in which that event can happen.  Often, events can involve the creation and annihilation of particles.  If there are some ways for a thing to happen that … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Particle Physics, Physics, Quantum Theory | 8 Comments

Q: What is the “False Vacuum” and are we living in it?

Posted on July 15, 2012 by The Physicist

Physicist: The False Vacuum is just another item on the long list of things to worry about, that are not worth worrying about, and that nobody can do anything about.  If you have any other worries, worry about those first. … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Particle Physics, Physics | 45 Comments

Q: Is it possible for an artificial black hole to be created, or something that has the same effects? If so, how small could it be made?

Posted on July 6, 2012 by The Physicist

Physicist: Not with any current, or remotely feasible technology.  The method in use by the universe today; get several Suns worth of mass into a big pile and wait, is a pretty effective way to create black holes. In theory, … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Astronomy, Particle Physics, Physics | 15 Comments

Q: How is radiometric dating reliable? Why is it that one random thing is unpredictable, but many random things together are predictable?

Posted on May 12, 2012 by The Physicist

The original question was: Suppose there is a set of variables whose individual values are probably different, and may be anything larger than zero. Can their sum be predicted? If so, is the margin for error less than infinity? This … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Combinatorics, Math, Particle Physics, Probability | 9 Comments

Q: If you are talking to a distant alien, how would you tell them which way is left and which way is right?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by The Physicist

Physicist: Assuming this question isn’t about interstellar political leanings, the answer is: it’s tricky, but it can be done. This is worth trying out just once in your life.  Try to define left and right for someone using only physical … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Particle Physics, Physics | 26 Comments

Q: Would it be possible in the distant future to directly convert matter into energy?

Posted on February 10, 2012 by The Physicist

Physicist: You hear about nuclear devices taking advantage of “E=mc2” to turn matter into energy, so nuclear power seems like it might be a good way to go.  But it so happens that everything that releases energy loses mass in … Continue reading →

Posted in -- By the Physicist, Mistake, Particle Physics, Physics | 26 Comments