The hottest Physics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Module II Crash Course Prerequisite: Basic Real Analysis

Quantum Formalism • 19 implied HN points • 10 May 21
🚌 Education Physics
  1. Understanding basic real analysis, like open intervals and closed intervals, is important for the upcoming crash course on Point-Set Topology and standard topology.
  2. Being challenged to work with abstract concepts can help in feeling comfortable before starting Module II.
  3. Learning sophisticated mathematics can better prepare individuals for making theoretical contributions in physics or quantum information.

One MILLION Stories!

Something interesting • 4 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Building a skyscraper with a million stories would be huge. It would have to cover a massive area and be taller than any building we have today.
  2. Elevators in such a tall building would take forever to reach the top. They might need to be super advanced and comfortable, like mini-hotels.
  3. The universe is really big, and we are very small. Even the tallest buildings are tiny compared to the whole Earth and space around us.

Session 16 Reminder

Quantum Formalism • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jan 21
🔬 Science Physics
  1. The next Quantum Axioms & Operators session is coming up soon - mark your calendars!
  2. Newcomers are welcome, but it's advised to have some background in physics/math to fully follow along.
  3. A special surprise gift was received from the community, showing appreciation and support for the course.

Overwrought

CTOrly • 1 HN point • 21 Feb 24
🔬 Science Physics
  1. In complex situations, sometimes relying on simpler, traditional methods like Newtonian physics can still be effective and get the job done.
  2. Striving for extreme accuracy or perfection, like using Einstein's equations instead of Newton's, may not always be necessary or practical, especially when the outcome is the priority.
  3. It's important to balance between optimizing for the output and focusing on achieving the desired outcome, rather than getting lost in unnecessary details or precision.

(Ad-free Video). A Conversation with Irwin Shapiro: Scientist Extraordinaire from the Earth to the Stars, and at 94, still going strong.

Critical Mass • 8 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Irwin Shapiro made a significant discovery related to General Relativity known as the Shapiro Effect, which became the 4th test of the theory.
  2. Despite his age of 94, Irwin Shapiro continues to teach, conduct research, and play tennis, showing remarkable dedication and passion for his work.
  3. Irwin Shapiro is praised for not only his scientific contributions but also his kind and encouraging nature, making him a respected and admired figure in the scientific community.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Why is it so hard to build a quantum computer?

More is Different • 3 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Physics
  1. Building a quantum computer is very tricky because qubits are sensitive to their environment. If they interact with other things, they can lose their special state, making it hard to perform calculations.
  2. There are different types of quantum computers like trapped ion, superconducting, and photonic, each with its own challenges and advantages. For example, superconducting qubits need to be kept super cold, while photonic qubits work at room temperature but have their own difficulties in control.
  3. Current technology has big hurdles to overcome for scaling quantum computers up to the millions of qubits needed for practical use. Many experts think we might not easily reach such high numbers due to these challenges.

Shut up and Calculate!

Quantum Formalism • 19 implied HN points • 12 Dec 20
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Focus on learning how to use quantum mechanics as a toolkit without worrying too much about the foundational meaning at first.
  2. Some physicists advocate for the 'Shut Up and Calculate' philosophy, emphasizing the importance of actively engaging with conceptual issues in physics.
  3. The 'Shut Up and Calculate' approach is viewed as a necessary and respectful way to tackle profound questions in fundamental physics.

The paradox of giants

Infinitely More • 15 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Giants in folklore, acting in a humanlike manner but at a larger scale, are physically impossible according to Galileo.
  2. Galileo's paradox of the giant involves the concept of scaling and how larger objects may not behave as expected when scaled up.
  3. Observations on scaling in different dimensions can lead to various paradoxes of dimension.

The Economics of Oppenheimer

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 7 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🔬 Science Physics
  1. The Oppenheimer movie explores the economics of science and how political beliefs can impact a career trajectory.
  2. Scientific progress is becoming harder and slower, influenced by factors like declining population growth and changing incentives for scientists.
  3. Cluster areas, like El Alamo for nuclear physics, play a significant role in scientific breakthroughs, showing the importance of collaboration and location in innovation.

How to build a warp drive

Rocket Philosophy by Ian • 2 HN points • 05 Apr 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Developing interstellar propulsion technologies is essential to reaching Alpha Centauri
  2. Potential solutions include creating a stable wormhole, building a generation ship, or using exotic matter for an Alcubierre Drive
  3. Building a strong and focused propulsion community along with technological advancements can help humanity reach Alpha Centauri by the end of the century

Content structure survey

Quantum Formalism • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jun 20
🔬 Science Physics
  1. The content structure of the Quantum Formalism newsletter involves foundational content on mathematics concepts like set theory, abstract algebra, topology, and analysis.
  2. Specific Quantum Formalism content focuses on topics like the genesis of quantum formalism, functional analysis, measure theory, and the formalism of quantum mechanics.
  3. The newsletter team is open to subscriber feedback through a survey to adjust and tailor the content structure to meet the needs of their diverse audience.

Live Critical Mass Interactive Zoom Q&A: January 6th @ 4 PM Pacific Time

Critical Mass • 2 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science Physics
  1. There will be a live Zoom Q&A session on January 6th at 4 PM Pacific Time for paid subscribers. It's a chance to connect and ask any questions you have.
  2. These events are exclusively for paid subscribers, and your support helps continue important programs like the Origins Podcast.
  3. The goal of the Origins Project is to give people a better understanding of their place in the universe and share ideas that shape our world.

Understanding The Monte Carlo Method

Photon-Lines Substack • 6 HN points • 20 Jul 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. The Monte Carlo method uses random sampling to estimate complex mathematical results or simulate probabilistic events.
  2. It is applicable in various fields like finance, physics, engineering, risk analysis, environmental modeling, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.
  3. The method involves generating a large number of random samples to approximate outcomes when exact solutions are difficult to obtain analytically.

Fusion Startup Spotlight: Realta Fusion

Fusion Hub • 1 HN point • 11 Aug 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. High temperature superconducting magnets revolutionizing magnetic fusion energy for commercialization
  2. Fusion startup Realta Fusion focusing on industrial process heat market initially, aiming for cost-effective energy production
  3. Realta Fusion collaborating with CFS to use HTS magnets on simple mirror reactor design for cheaper and more efficient fusion energy

Why I hate Pi Day

Logging the World • 1 HN point • 14 Mar 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Pi Day can be annoying for some mathematicians due to the overemphasis on the beauty of the Pi formula and memorizing digits of Pi.
  2. The beauty in mathematics is not just about formulas like Pi, but also in the precise form of logical arguments and the way pieces fit together like a complex mechanism.
  3. Fourier analysis, involving Fourier transform and harmonics, is a powerful tool used in various scientific fields beyond Pi Day celebrations.

Bell inequality in English

Notices to three friends • 3 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Bell inequality is a concept that challenges classical physics theories.
  2. The Bell inequality states certain restrictions on correlations between different entities.
  3. Quantum mechanics experiments have validated the violations of Bell inequality.

Uploads are Impossible

PashaNomics • 2 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Creating digital uploads of human minds is likely impossible due to challenges in physics, computer science, and philosophy.
  2. The process of verifying a successful upload is complex, involving difficult tasks such as identifying 'soul' in the digital mind.
  3. Cultural dynamics and human nature present challenges in ensuring the safety and ethical treatment of digital uploads.

Children of the Geissler Tube

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 1 HN point • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Physics
  1. Heinrich Geissler invented the Geissler tube, a crucial technology that led to the development of modern world technologies.
  2. Geissler tubes were originally sold as novelty items before becoming important for lighting, including fluorescent and neon lights.
  3. The Geissler tube's descendants include the cathode-ray tube used in TVs, computers with vacuum tubes, transistors, and even diodes, impacting numerous aspects of our daily lives.

4. Einstein's Cross

Qissah • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Despite challenges like heavy rain, life in the city continues as usual.
  2. Gravitational lensing, as predicted by Einstein, explains phenomena like Einstein's Cross.
  3. An intriguing thought: what if all stars we see are repetitive images of one lonely star?

Newtons Third Law++

ExpandAI Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Physics
  1. Newton's Third Law states 'For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.'
  2. This law applies beyond physics to areas like economics, politics, and relationships.
  3. Physics was once a part of Natural Philosophy and may hold the key to understanding the universe in its entirety.

The 24-hour Day That Isn't 24 Hours, Did You Know?

Stemble - for the love of STEM! • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Earth's rotation isn't a perfect 24-hour day due to its speed variations caused by gravitational interactions with the Moon and Sun.
  2. The time taken for the Earth to spin once on its axis relative to distant stars is 23h 56m 4.1s, but it needs an extra 3m 55.9s to complete a 24-hour solar day relative to the Sun.
  3. Leap seconds are added to our timekeeping to adjust for Earth's inconsistent rotation speed, managed by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service.

Introduction to the Photon Lines Blog

Photon-Lines Substack • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Physics
  1. The blog focuses on providing visual and intuitive guides for understanding complex topics.
  2. The community is open to followers interested in software design, mathematics, physics, economics, business, and more.
  3. Content includes explanations on various complex subjects, insights into the universe, and book summaries.

Magnets

Barn Lab • 0 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Magnets have two poles: north and south, which attract or repel each other.
  2. Magnetism in materials comes from aligned electron spins creating a magnetic field.
  3. Electricity flowing through conductive materials generates a magnetic field, essential for building motors and generators.

Small follow-ons

Bram’s Thoughts • 0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Fermat's Last Theorem is a level 1 question that an ordinary Busy Beaver can answer.
  2. The Twin Primes Conjecture is a level 2 question requiring a level 2 Busy Beaver with access to a level 1 Busy Beaver oracle.
  3. Level 3 questions are more difficult and less common in mathematics compared to level 2 questions.

Friday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🔬 Science Physics
  1. James Joyce, an influential writer, was born on February 2, 1882.
  2. Spider webs collect environmental DNA from land vertebrates.
  3. Physicists are hunting for the missing matter in the universe in a 'Dark Dimension.'

Wednesday Curiosity Links

Grist Potentia • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Ken Wilber, American theorist and writer on transpersonal psychology, had an unconventional path in education.
  2. I.I. Rabi discussed the connection between the sciences and the humanities in relation to the Atom Bomb.
  3. Physicists found evidence suggesting time reversibility in glass.

Polymath Engineer Weekly #66

Polymath Engineer Weekly • 0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Physics
  1. Expression evaluation in fundamental physics involves complex and deep questions.
  2. To become a billionaire, the social and economic environment you are in matters significantly.
  3. Database schema migrations in Postgres can be challenging but important for system updates.

Book Review: "The Great Mental Models: Physics, Chemistry and Biology" Vol. 2 - by Farnam Street 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. The second volume of 'The Great Mental Models' explores physics, chemistry, and biology, offering practical and timeless concepts that can improve our thinking.
  2. The second book maintains the high quality aesthetic of the first volume but feels more practical and grounded in the laws of nature.
  3. Exploring concepts from various scientific branches, such as those presented in the book, supports multidisciplinary thinking, helping us solve problems better and avoid repeating mistakes.

Links #3

Splitting Infinity • 0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. The use of genetically modified neurons to improve MRI imaging of the brain by producing protein-based contrast agents is an intriguing idea.
  2. Real hedge funds do not seem to use certain advanced algorithms for portfolio selection despite proven performance improvement.
  3. FPGA's are versatile hardware that can be programmed for various computational tasks and have applications in fields like antennas, random number generation, and hardware security.

Links #1

Splitting Infinity • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Research is exploring deriving spacetime from simple quantum models, potentially changing how we understand gravity and space.
  2. Innovations like ultrasound for gene therapy and brain imaging are showing promise in medical advancements.
  3. Focusing on specialized models for deep learning tasks could lead to safer and more efficient AI development.

Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) 's growing popularity with regulators & industries - A behind the scenes view

Beyond Harm • 0 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) predicts the 'frequency' of industrial accidents, but this can be misleading as it does not reveal how soon the next accident might occur.
  2. PRA has limitations due to its optimistic bias, which leads to under-predicting accident rates because it ignores important factors like climate change and technology wear-out.
  3. An alternative to PRA would be using Prescriptive Protection Design Requirements, which have been historically successful in ensuring safety without relying on probability mathematics.

The Physics of the Mind Part 1

Vic's Verdict • 0 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Thoughts can be viewed as a form of energy, following the First Law of Thermodynamics. Your thoughts have sources like your experiences and food, and lead to actions and behaviors.
  2. The Second Law of Thermodynamics applies to the mind, suggesting that without active engagement in learning, relationships, or creativity, our minds decay into chaos. Fostering a sense of meaning and purpose helps combat this decay.
  3. One must identify their 'why' in the battle against entropy. Building systems, relationships, and investing in values can help endure beyond one's lifetime, much like how businesses or legacies can persist through deliberate design.

The Hilbert Space Formalism of Quantum Mechanics.

Quantum Formalism • 0 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🔬 Science Physics
  1. Understanding the mathematical concepts of Hilbert spaces and Operators empowers in comprehending quantum mechanics and hardware.
  2. Delving into mathematics of Hilbert spaces and Operators can be beneficial for various quantum topics like error correction and machine learning.
  3. Even if you're not taking the quantum hardware course, learning about Hilbert spaces and Operators independently can be valuable for exploring quantum subjects.