Can quantum mechanics and general relativity be unified into a single, consistent theory? This is perhaps the most fundamental question in modern physics, seeking to understand how gravity works at the quantum scale.
🎯
Theory of Everything
⏱️
Since 1915
🔬
String Theory, Loop Quantum Gravity
🌟
Planck Scale Physics
When black holes evaporate through Hawking radiation, what happens to the information that fell into them? This paradox challenges our understanding of quantum mechanics and general relativity.
🎯
Information Conservation
⏱️
Since 1975
🔬
Hawking Radiation
🌟
Quantum Information
What is the mysterious substance that makes up 27% of the universe but doesn't interact with light? Dark matter's gravitational effects are observed, but its nature remains completely unknown.
🎯
27% of Universe
⏱️
Since 1933
🔬
WIMPs, Axions, Sterile Neutrinos
🌟
Galaxy Formation
The mysterious force causing the universe's expansion to accelerate comprises 68% of all energy. Its nature and origin are completely unknown, representing the largest mystery in cosmology.
🎯
68% of Universe
⏱️
Since 1998
🔬
Cosmological Constant
🌟
Accelerating Expansion
Why does the universe contain more matter than antimatter? According to our understanding, the Big Bang should have created equal amounts of both, yet we observe a universe dominated by matter.
🎯
CP Violation
⏱️
Since 1967
🔬
Baryogenesis
🌟
Existence of Matter
How and why does quantum superposition collapse into definite states during measurement? This fundamental question challenges our understanding of reality and the role of observation in physics.
🎯
Wave Function Collapse
⏱️
Since 1920s
🔬
Many-Worlds, Copenhagen
🌟
Nature of Reality
What caused the universe to undergo rapid exponential expansion in its first fraction of a second? The mechanism behind cosmic inflation and the nature of the inflaton field remain mysterious.
🎯
Inflaton Field
⏱️
Since 1980
🔬
Scalar Field Theory
🌟
Universe's Flatness
Why is gravity so much weaker than the other fundamental forces? The enormous difference in strength between gravity and electromagnetic force lacks a satisfactory explanation.
🎯
Force Unification
⏱️
Since 1970s
🔬
Supersymmetry, Extra Dimensions
🌟
Fundamental Forces
🏆 Potential Nobel Prize