The Physics Post

In the previous tutorial, we explored the metric tensor and basis. In this tutorial, we will delve into the concept of tensors and their properties related to coordinate transformations.  A tensor is a multidimensional array that obeys certain transformation rules under coordinate transformations. A vector is an example of a tensor, specifically one with rank 1. One of the key properties of a vector is that it possesses both magnitude and direction. The significance of direction lies in the fact that a vector can be transformed under a coordinate transformation.  Let's consider the basis vectors denoted by $g_i$, which can be expressed as $g_i = \frac{\partial \vec{r}}{\partial x^i}$. We also have another basis, denoted by $g'_i=\frac{\partial \vec{r}}{\partial x'^i}$.  By applying the chain rule, we can establish the following relationship between the two bases:  $\frac{\partial \vec{r}}{\partial x^j} = \frac{\partial \vec{r}}{\partial x'^k} \frac{\partial x'k}{\pa...

The groundbreaking discoveries made by Takaaki Kajita and Arthur B. McDonald earned them the prestigious Nobel Prize in Physics in 2015. Their contributions led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of neutrino oscillation, a phenomenon that transformed the field of particle physics. This blog post aims to explore the historical context, delve into the physics underlying neutrino oscillation, and examine the experimental principles employed in the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) and Super-Kamiokande.  The Solar Neutrino Problem:  In the mid-1960s, physicist Raymond Davis Jr. embarked on a series of experiments aimed at detecting solar neutrinos—neutrinos emitted from the Sun. Employing an underground detector filled with an abundance of chlorine, Davis Jr. sought to capture the elusive interactions between neutrinos and chlorine atoms. However, the outcome of his experiments consistently revealed a strikingly lower count of observed neutrinos compared to the theoretical ...

Embark on an exhilarating voyage into the captivating domain of nuclear physics, where we unveil the enigmatic secrets hidden within atomic nuclei. Within this realm lies the captivating allure of neutron skins, an intriguing phenomenon that has captured the attention of researchers worldwide. Prepare to be enlightened as we delve into the depths of this blog post, illuminating the path with groundbreaking insights from the revolutionary PREX-2 experiments. Brace yourself for a mesmerizing exploration that will propel our comprehension of this captivating phenomenon to unprecedented heights. Understanding Neutron Skins: Consider the stable nucleus  208 Pb, composed of 82 protons and 126 neutrons. In this case, the neutrons exhibit a wider distribution than the protons (Fig. 1.). Although precise subatomic radius measurements are challenging, the distribution patterns suggest that the neutron radius surpasses that of protons. This disparity between radii is known as the neutron skin...

Greetings, readers! Welcome to the second installment of our tutorial series on the fascinating realm of general relativity. In this post, we will delve deeply into the essential concepts of basis vectors and the metric tensor, shedding light on their fundamental roles in understanding the structure of spacetime.  What is a basis? In mathematics, we are familiar with vectors. In 2D Cartesian space, we can express an arbitrary vector as $\vec{A} = a_1 \hat{x} + a_2 \hat{y}$. These unit vectors, which form an orthogonal basis, serve as the fundamental building blocks for describing vectors. More generally, we can write a vector as $\vec{A} = a^1 \hat{e}_1 + a^2 \hat{e}_2$ or $\vec{A} = \sum_\mu a^\mu \hat{e}_\mu$. For simplicity, the summation is often omitted for the same indices, which is referred to as 'Einstein convention'. The product between upper and lower indices denotes the inner product. Here the set of $\{ \hat{e}_\mu \}$ is called a basis set.  In general, ...

Hello, readers! Welcome to the first installment of our series on general relativity, a captivating pillar in modern cosmology. In this posting, we embark on a journey to explore the depths of general relativity, unraveling its historical significance, fundamental concepts, and the mathematical treatment rooted in tensor analysis. Together, we will delve into the fascinating world of spacetime curvature and the profound implications it holds for our understanding of gravity and the universe at large. So, without further ado, let us commence this enlightening tutorial on general relativity!  From special relativity to general relativity  In 1905, Albert Einstein's proposal of special relativity propelled him into the spotlight as a rising star in the scientific community. The cornerstone of special relativity lies in the concept of coordinate transformation. To grasp this idea, let us consider a scenario involving a moving horse with a 30 miles per hour. Now, imagine two indivi...

Welcome to the captivating world of particle physics, where scientists tirelessly probe the fundamental building blocks of our universe. In a groundbreaking discovery, the esteemed CDF (Collider Detector at Fermilab) collaboration has recently unveiled a perplexing mystery surrounding the mass of the W-boson [1]. Join us as we embark on a journey through their remarkable research findings, which challenge the long-held expectations of the standard model of particle physics. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of the W-boson mass anomaly and the profound implications it holds for our understanding of the universe. The Standard Model and the Missing Piece: A Puzzle Completed The standard model of particle physics stands as a remarkable framework, providing insights into the fundamental forces and particles that underpin our reality. However, until recently, a crucial piece of this intricate puzzle eluded scientists—the Higgs boson. In 2012, the discovery of the elusive Hi...

Hello readers! Today, we are excited to delve into the fascinating world of MicroBooNE and explore its groundbreaking research. The MicroBooNE collaboration has recently accomplished an unprecedented feat—the measurement of the cross section of Cabibbo-suppressed Λ (Lambda) baryon production. Let's take a closer look at their remarkable findings and the significance they hold. What is MicroBooNE? MicroBooNE, short for Micro Booster Neutrino Experiment, is a groundbreaking particle physics experiment located at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois. Its primary objective is to study neutrino interactions using a state-of-the-art liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC). By examining the properties and behavior of neutrinos and their interactions with matter, MicroBooNE aims to unveil the mysteries surrounding these elusive particles. Distinguishing MiniBooNE and MicroBooNE Before delving into the recent findings, it's important to disting...