It seems like exciting times are ahead for theoretical physicists with the possible discovery of the Higgs boson. Perhaps you have ambitions to follow in the footsteps of Higgs or others like Einstein, Hawking, Green or Witten? Of course, the mathematics involved in the standard model of particle physics, which predicts the Higgs boson is very
tricky, and as for the mathematics involved in string and M theory.... (for a fascinating account of strings, visit whystringtheory.com)
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.
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.
problem
Big and small numbers in physics
Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
Work out the numerical values for these physical quantities.
problem
The ultra particle
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
Explore the energy of this incredibly energetic particle which struck Earth on October 15th 1991
problem
Universal time, mass, length
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
Can you work out the natural time scale for the universe?
problem
Crystal symmetry
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
Use vectors and matrices to explore the symmetries of crystals.
problem
Lennard Jones potential
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
Investigate why the Lennard-Jones potential gives a good approximate explanation for the behaviour of atoms at close ranges
problem
Striking gold
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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.
problem
Favourite
Escape from planet earth
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
How fast would you have to throw a ball upwards so that it would
never land?
problem
Cobalt decay
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
Investigate the effects of the half-lifes of the isotopes of cobalt
on the mass of a mystery lump of the element.
problem
The real hydrogen atom
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
Dip your toe into the world of quantum mechanics by looking at the
Schrodinger equation for hydrogen atoms
problem
Scientific curves
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
Can you sketch these difficult curves, which have uses in
mathematical modelling?
problem
Earth orbit
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
Follow in the steps of Newton and find the path that the earth
follows around the sun.
problem
Operating machines
Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
What functions can you make using the function machines RECIPROCAL and PRODUCT and the operator machines DIFF and INT?