Are there any unsolved physics problems?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence of unsolved problems in physics, with participants exploring various intriguing issues and their significance. Topics include theoretical challenges, experimental verification, and the evolving nature of scientific inquiry in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about unsolved physics problems and their potential impact on scientific contributions.
  • A list of unsolved problems proposed by V. Ginzburg is presented, covering topics such as controlled nuclear fusion, high-temperature superconductivity, and the nature of dark matter.
  • Concerns are raised about the relevance of Ginzburg's list, with some arguing that many items may no longer be considered unsolved, citing advancements in fields like fullerenes and gravitational wave detection.
  • Participants discuss the Standard Model of particle physics, questioning its status and the implications of potential new discoveries.
  • Several participants propose their own lists of unresolved questions in physics, including topics like quantum gravity, the nature of dark matter, and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.
  • Some express skepticism about the feasibility of solving prestigious problems, suggesting that personal interest may lead to more meaningful contributions.
  • There is mention of the unknown properties of neutrinos and the ongoing mystery surrounding their mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which problems are the most significant or unresolved. There are competing views regarding the relevance of Ginzburg's list and the current status of various topics in physics.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the status of problems are based on the age of Ginzburg's list and the evolving nature of research, indicating that certain issues may have been addressed since its publication. Additionally, the discussion reflects a range of perspectives on the importance and relevance of specific unsolved problems.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students, researchers, and enthusiasts in physics and related fields who are curious about current challenges and unresolved questions in the discipline.

  • #31
kered rettop said:
Correction. It's turtles all the way down until you reach the end.
I think you missed the point.
 
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  • #32
phinds said:
Yes, BUT ... what you're not pointing out is that those socks were magically transmitted from another city or country which is where they were lost in the first place. OUR socks get the same treatment and end up elsewhere.
I have never lost a sock. That's something I'm very proud of!

I've lost several shirts and a pair of trousers vanished. But, never a sock .
 
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  • #33
PeroK said:
I have never lost a sock. That's something I'm very proud of!
Statistically close to impossible. Even women lose socks.
 
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  • #34
phinds said:
I think you missed the point.
I think you did.
 
  • #35
kered rettop said:
I think you did.
There's a lot of stuff that's not known right now and the science community are working on it. It is very interesting and takes a lot text book reading to get anywhere near what they are actually looking at. Some of that community are on here.
 
Last edited:
  • #36
pinball1970 said:
It's someone else's socks though. Someone else's feet ..
Well, just throw the feet back.
 

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