Physics Challenges (by Tom Browder, University of Hawaii)

Challenging Questions for Students, Citizens and Scientists

• Challenge I: What is a Quark ? The fundamental constituents of matter are quarks. These are the components of the nucleus inside atoms. Click here to begin the Particle Adventure.
  
  
• Challenge II: How do Scientists Study Quarks ? If you have completed the Particle Adventure (Challenge II), then click here to try the guided tour of the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory.
  
  
• Challenge III(a): Discover a particle interactively If you have completed the Particle Adventure (Challenge II), then click here to try interactive analysis of High Energy Physics Data.
  
  
• Challenge IV: How can Kevlar stop a bullet ? To understand the answer you have to know about the atomic structure of materials. Click here to explore the Microworld of Materials.
  
  
• Challenge V: What is a Liquid Crystal ? You are probably familiar with three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. There are other states of matter which are intermediate between solid and liquid for example, liquid crystals. These are of great practical importance and are used in wristwatches and computer displays, for instance. Follow this link to a tutorial that has details. (WARNING: This link works with NETSCAPE but not XMOSAIC)
  
  
• Challenge VI: How do Patterns Form in Nature ? This is not a stupid question either. The interplay of physics and chance leads to the formation of patterns in metals, bacteria, lighting, snowflakes and in many other realms of nature. Click here to explore the world of patterns.
  
  
• Challenge VII: What is Condensed Matter Physics ? Did Challenges V and VI get the wheels turning and the juices flowing ? If so, click and try this more advanced foray into the world of condensed matter physics.
  
  
• Challenge VIII: Is time travel possible with black holes ? Are black holes real ? What is a pulsar ..... ? This is a superb introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  
  
• Challenge IX: How does Fusion Work ? What is the 4th state of matter ? Fusion is one possible energy source that could provide for the future needs of mankind on earth. How does it work ? To produce self-sustaining fusion reactions one must understand the properties of plasmas, the fourth state of matter (gas, liquid, solid are the three other states).
  
  
• Challenge X: Try Interactive Demonstrations of Physics Research Using JAVA applets test out concepts of 20th century physics (provided by a team at the University of Colorado at Boulder)
  
  
• Challenge XI: Understand these "totally cool" scientific images From the NSF funded WHYFILES project at the University of Wisconsin.
  
  
• Challenge XII: What is out there in space ? The best images from the most powerful instrument, the Hubble Space Telescope.
  
  
• Challenge XIII: How is physics used in medicine ? Basics of MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.
  
  
• Challenge XIV: How do things work ? For example, what is the physics that makes cell phones or televisions work.
  
  
• Challenge XIV: What is string theory ? The hottest thing in theoretical physics.
  
  
  University of Hawaii/ teb#phys.hawaii.edu