Perhaps you hope in the future to make some wonderful discovery in mathematical physics? Or, perhaps you just want to understand more about the details of the way the universe works?
To assist you on your journeys we have collected together a selection of problems on NRICH related to the physics of fundamental particles. These involve a wide range of mathematical techniques and wonderful physical concepts. We hope that you enjoy them.
The Ultra Particle
Explore the energy of this incredibly energetic particle which struck Earth on October 15th 1991
Universal Time, Mass, Length
Can you work out the natural time scale for the universe?
Big and Small Numbers in Physics
Work out the numerical values for these physical quantities.
Lennard Jones Potential
Investigate why the Lennard-Jones potential gives a good approximate explanation for the behaviour of atoms at close ranges
Striking Gold
Investigate some of the issues raised by Geiger and Marsden's famous scattering experiment in which they fired alpha particles at a sheet of gold.
Escape From Planet Earth
How fast would you have to throw a ball upwards so that it would never land?
Crystal Symmetry
Use vectors and matrices to explore the symmetries of crystals.
Cobalt Decay
Investigate the effects of the half-lifes of the isotopes of cobalt on the mass of a mystery lump of the element.
The Real Hydrogen Atom
Dip your toe into the world of quantum mechanics by looking at the Schrodinger equation for hydrogen atoms
Scientific Curves
Can you sketch these difficult curves, which have uses in mathematical modelling?
Earth Orbit
Follow in the steps of Newton and find the path that the earth follows around the sun.
Operating Machines
What functions can you make using the function machines RECIPROCAL and PRODUCT and the operator machines DIFF and INT?