Physics

  1. Physics

    The Physics of Fizz

    Toasting a burst of discovery about bubbles in champagne and beer.

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  2. Physics

    Intergalactic magnetism runs deep and wide

    Mounting evidence that magnetic fields of surprising strength permeate intergalactic space raises questions about how the fields form and what effects they have.

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  3. Physics

    Ring around the proton

    An orbiting electron accelerated to relativistic velocities by a laser in a strong magnetic field can behave like a ring-shaped electron cloud spinning around the nucleus.

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  4. Physics

    Writing with warm atoms

    Researchers demonstrated that they can use a scanning tunneling microscope to position atoms in microscopic patterns at room temperature.

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  5. Physics

    Cooled device unveils a quantum limit

    A novel suspended device chilled near absolute zero demonstrates the existence of a basic unit, or quantum, of heat conductance—the first evidence of quantum mechanics in mechanical structures.

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  6. Materials Science

    Molecular Separations: New artificial sieve traps molecules

    Researchers have created a metal-laced organic solid that acts as a sieve with nanosize pores for capturing molecules.

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  7. Physics

    Prize honors physicist with conscience

    Physicist-author Freeman J. Dyson received the Templeton prize for originality in advancing religious understanding.

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  8. Physics

    Four ions mingle in quantum chorus

    A new way to produce mysterious quantum correlations among particles ups the record to four particles linked, or entangled, and opens the door to correlating many more particles on cue, a prerequisite for making quantum computers.

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  9. Materials Science

    Carbon nanotubes do some bonding

    Researchers have welded together carbon nanotubes to make junctions that could be useful in the construction of tiny electronic devices.

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  10. Physics

    Interacting with Physics

    Drag an electric charge to see how it affects a nearby water molecule. Fool around with a laser to cool an atom. The University of Colorado’s Physics 2000 Web site relies heavily on interactive animations to demonstrate important concepts and discoveries in modern physics. Topics range from X rays and CAT scans to the quantum […]

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  11. Physics

    Nanotubes get into gear for new roll

    Atoms on the surface of carbon nanotubes appear to mesh when tubes roll across a graphite surface, making the tubes possible atomic-scale gears, which have been long-sought in nanotechnology.

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  12. Physics

    Devilish polygons speak of past stress

    A new theory and a simple test with cornstarch and water may help explain the polygonal geometry of rock columns in the Devil's Postpile in California and elsewhere.

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