Module 8: 20^th Century Physics

As physics advanced into the 20th century, new theories emerged that were very different from the physics during Isaac Newton’s time. A groundbreaking discovery was that both matter and light have a dual nature. Because of this dual nature, very small particles inside the atom behave much differently than larger objects.  This behavior is described by the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. The discovery of light particles, called photons, opened up a new world of phenomena to explore and created the field of photovoltaics. Revolutionary scientists, such as Einstein, created theories that changed the way we think about the world and continue to lead to many new technologies that affect our lives. Findings of nuclear and atomic physics have resulted in new energy sources and medical technologies. Discoveries of new properties of materials have inspired engineers to invent amazing devices. Fundamental discoveries in physics have lead to the development of amazing technologies.

 

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