A Study of Modern Physics: The Mysteries of the Universe

The world as we know it, is regulated by a natural science of physical guidelines that operate in consistent form. These guidelines, such as gravity, motion, and energy are the laws of physics, and explain our existence here on Earth. Throughout history the understanding of these rules have slowly evolved from a philosophy to a natural science. It was Sir Isaac Newton who changed the scope of physics with a mechanical explanation of universal gravitation and the three laws of motion. This monumental discovery shifted theory into practicality, and the natural science of physics became quite factual.

Yet although our understanding of these rules have changed throughout time, the rules themselves have not. We are still bound to this earth, trapped in a 4-dimensional world (right-left, forward-backward, up-down, and progressing onward through time). However when considering something as vast and complex as the universe, why not broaden the mind to new possibilities. Following the Scientific Revolution of the Newtonian era, physicists have furthered their understandings of the physical world with newer technologies. Led by the great Albert Einstein, science has entered into an age of Modern Physics ranging from fields of Quantum Physics, Astrophysics, to the Theory of Relativity. This science is extremely complicated and way over my head, yet also far too interesting to be ignored. Here is a very basic look at some mysterious theories that bend the laws of physics.

Theory of Relativity

In 1905 Albert Einstein introduced a theory of special relativity, that measured motion through a frame of reference, and a unification of space and time. As groundbreaking as this theory was, it was limited only to the special case of motion in comparison with a reference. In 1916 he furthered this theory by adding the effects of gravity, in what became known as his monumental Theory of General Relativity.

This theory explains a geometric curvature of space and time, relative to the matter that is present. The best example I have seen to describe this complicated theory is a bowling ball in a trampoline. The heavy ball sinks into the elastic surface, and creates a vortex. If a smaller ball were placed at the edge of the trampoline, it would slowly be attracted to the heavier matter and speed up as it got closer. This scenario demonstrates the gravitational effect of a heavier matter in space, such as in the case of our sun and the orbiting planets.


Einstein's Theory of Relativity changed the way we understood space and time, by illustrating a new geometry of space, progression of time, theory of gravity and light, and also explaining mysterious features such as Wormholes and Black Holes. Wormholes are hypothetical invisible short-cuts through space and time, which would enable the possibility of time travel. Although there is no evidence to prove of the existence of wormholes, it is a mathematical possibility according to the laws of relativity.

Black Holes, on the other hand, are a factual feature of space. It is an invisible region withing space where nothing, not even light can escape. The region of a black hole is formed by a sudden deformation of spacetime, caused by the death of a star. It then creates a powerful force that absorbs all the energy around it where nothing can escape it's event horizon. At times these holes grow so massive, they emit an energetic blast known as a quasar. Although a black hole is invisible, it's existence can be determined in relation to the matter and light that is around it. The size of a black hole can range from a thousand solar masses, to over a billion, such as in the case of a supermassive black hole. It is believed that at the center of every galaxy is a supermassive black hole.





Particle Physics: Dark Energy, Dark Matter, Anti-Matter

Throughout this new age of Modern Physics, came the study of particles, that provided an even deeper look into the core elements of matter and radiation. Scientists have been able to identify the subatomic particles of the universe, such as electrons, neutrinos, and photos in a Standard Model Theory. However this model only covers three of the four fundamental forces that created the Big Bang; electromagnetism, weak force, and strong force. There is an omission of gravity in this model, that emphasizes the great mystery of many particles such as dark energy, dark matter, and antimatter.

Dark Energy is believed to be the invisible force that accelerates the expansion of the universe. It accounts for 73% of the total mass-energy in the universe. It dwells in the blackness of space, and is an unmeasurable mysterious substance.

Dark Matter is another mysterious particle in the universe that cannot be seen, because it does not emit nor scatter light. And yet this invisible particle makes up 83% of the matter in the universe and 23% of the mass-energy.

Anti-Matter is the symmetric opposite of matter, such as a negative to a positive. Since there is no mass in anti-matter it is merely a concept, however as equally powerful as matter. The collision of matter and anti-matter would lead to the annihilation of both. Although it is a mathematical fact, there is no known evidence of anti-matter and is one of the greatest mysteries of particle physics.

These three mysterious particles are just a few of the many unsolved mysteries of the universe. They open up the doors to other abstract theories in search of an answer to everything. One of the best known theories that attempts to explain the Theory of Everything is the String Theory.



String Theory

The active research of String Theory merges the physics of quantum mechanics and general relativity to try and fill in the blanks of the Standard Model Theory. It attempts to explain everything; all four fundamental forces, subatomic particles, and forms of matter within the universe. String theory suggests that the nucleus of an atom, is made up of 1-dimensional oscillating lines that can create a super-symmetry connection between particles.

However there are five distinct string theories that present dualities with one another, and require an extension of additional dimensions to be correctly calculated. This opened up the intangible concept of the M-Theory, which suggests that there are membranes that extend across 11 dimensions. This irrational theory of 11 interconnected dimensions, would unite the five string theories, explain the Cosmogony of the Big Bang, and ultimately claim the existence of a Multiverse. 


Multiverse

The concept of a multiverse, also referred to as a parallel universe, is an extremely profound thought, in which multiple universes exist infinitely with variations of time, space, matter, energy, and physical laws. This scientific idea could perhaps describe everything from the beginning of our universe, it's physical laws, to the end of everything as we know it. It could also be theorized that universes are constantly forming, overlapping with one another, or collapsing.

Yet I believe this concept of a multiple reality is the end of science and the beginning of a spiritual philosophy. That perhaps these multiple universes are a dreamlike state, free of physical restrains. Perhaps they are the layers of an afterlife, such as heaven and hell. This would ultimately explain that our lives here in this universe is not a scientific coincidence, yet a spiritual purpose. Of course there is no scientific evidence for such a belief. Only the freedom of the mind and faith of the spirit.