14 Complex Science Facts People Struggle to Understand
2. We’re Mostly Empty Space
At the atomic level, the human body is predominantly empty space. Physicians can explain that if you were to remove all the empty space within the atoms that constitute your being, you’d shrink to a size smaller than a grain of sand.
This astonishing fact arises from the vast distance between an atom’s nucleus and its orbiting electrons. This strange and complex physics phenomenon is one of many illusions created by the forces of nature that boggle the mind.
3. The Fluidity of Time
Einstein’s theory of relativity shattered our Newtonian perception of time as a universal constant. Time is relative, bending and warping under the influence of gravity and velocity.
This means time passes differently for individuals in varying gravitational fields or traveling at different speeds. It’s a concept that stretches our understanding of time’s nature and its intricate relationship with the universe.
4. The Universe’s Endless Expansion
Contrary to the static universe envisioned by many, our cosmos is continuously expanding. This expansion, first observed by Edwin Hubble in the 1920s, implies that galaxies are moving away from each other at an accelerating rate.
This accelerating expansion raises profound questions about the universe’s origins, its ultimate fate, and the mysterious force known as dark energy that drives it.
5. Water’s Trifecta of States
Under specific conditions of temperature and pressure, water can exist simultaneously in its three states: solid, liquid, and gas. This unique phenomenon is known as the triple point and provides a real-time demonstration of the magic of temperature and pressure on one of life’s most essential substances.
At the triple point, water molecules are in a delicate equilibrium, transitioning between states seamlessly. It’s a mesmerizing demonstration of the intricate interplay between matter and energy.
6. The Illusion of Touch
Contrary to what our senses tell us, we never truly touch anything. When we “touch” an object, the electrons in our atoms repel the electrons in the object’s atoms, creating a sensation of touch without direct contact.
This fundamental force of electromagnetism is responsible for the illusion of touch, highlighting the intricate dance of particles that underpins our everyday experiences.
7. The Invisible Forces
Dark matter and dark energy, two distinct enigmatic forces that don’t interact with light, constitute about 95% of the universe’s mass and energy. These two mysterious forces are responsible for the pulling and pushing forces throughout the galaxies and are responsible for the scientific theory that our universe is expanding.
These invisible components have profound implications for our understanding of the universe’s structure and evolution. Their nature remains one of the greatest mysteries in modern physics. It has been studied since the 1920s, and we’re still learning about it!
8. Birds Are Modern Dinosaurs
Birds are the direct descendants of dinosaurs that survived the mass extinction events of the Cretaceous period. They evolved from a group of dinosaurs called theropods, which included iconic predators like Tyrannosaurus Rex.
This surprising connection is supported by the extensive fossil evidence and genetic studies of paleontologists, revealing that birds are the living descendants of these ancient creatures.
9. Quantum Entanglement’s Spooky Connection
Quantum entanglement, a confoundingly daedal phenomenon where two particles become linked and share the same fate regardless of distance, baffled even Einstein, who famously called it “spooky action at a distance.”
This perplexing phenomenon has potential applications in quantum computing and communication, and it challenges our classical understanding of cause and effect. It’s another example of how our understanding of the universe is still so limited.
10. The Brain’s Constructed Reality
Our perception of the world is not a direct reflection of reality but rather a convoluted and heavily biased construct of our brain based on sensory input and past experiences.
This means that our individual realities are subjective and can differ significantly from those of others. It raises profound questions about the nature of consciousness and the limitations of our perception.
11. Power of the Placebo Effect
The placebo effect, in which a fake treatment can produce real therapeutic effects, highlights the remarkable power of the mind-body connection. This well-embraced phenomenon in medical science has been essential for exploring treatment options for unpleasant sensations such as pain, nausea, and stress.
This phenomenon demonstrates that our beliefs and expectations can significantly influence our health and well-being, opening up new avenues for exploring the potential of mind-body therapies.
12. Chess Moves Outnumber Atoms
The number of possible chess games is estimated to be a staggering 10^120, far exceeding the estimated number of atoms in the observable universe, which is around 10^81.
This incredible fact illustrates the immense complexity and potential for variation within a seemingly simple game, showcasing the boundless possibilities that emerge from a finite set of rules.
13. Your Body’s Internal Furnace
The human body is a remarkable heat generator, producing enough heat in just 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil. Our bodies generate heat just by living (breathing, digesting food, moving, etc.), but it increases when we exercise.
This heat is a byproduct of our metabolism, the complex network of chemical reactions that sustain life. The heat we produce is a reminder of the incredible energy that courses through our bodies.
14. Mars’ Volcanic Giant
Olympus Mons, a towering shield volcano on Mars, is the largest volcano in our solar system. It stands roughly three times the height of Mount Everest and covers an area the size of Arizona.
This colossal volcano is a testament to Mars’ geological past and raises intriguing questions about the potential for volcanic activity on other planets and moons.
