Mathematical Physics

At Long Last, Mathematical Evidence That Black Holes Are Stable

Mehau Kulyk / Science SourceThe solutions to Einstein's formulas that describe a spinning black holes will not explode, even when poked or prodded.In 1963, the mathematician Roy Kerr discovered a solution to Einstein's formulas that precisely described the space-time outside what we currently call a rotating black hole. (The term wouldn't be created for...

Deep Knowing Poised to ‘Explode’ Famed Liquid Equations

Mathematicians would like to know if equations concerning fluid circulation can break down or "explode" in certain circumstances. Credit: Quanta Magazine.For more than 250 years, mathematicians have been attempting to "blow up" a few of one of the most important formulas in physics. Those explain exactly how liquids circulate. If they are successful, they...

Wash Your Hands for 20 Seconds: Physics Shows Why

One case of a particle’s movement. It begins as the red point, resting on the surface of the hand (black wavy line). It follows the blue path, escaping the hand and then moving freely through the hand-washing fluid. CREDIT: Paul HammondDespite hand-washing being confirmed effective in combating the spread of illness and infection, its...