⚛️ Physics Mysteries

The deepest questions about the nature of reality, from the quantum realm to the cosmic scale

8

Major Problems

$1M+

Prize Money

100+

Years Unsolved

Impact

🌌

Quantum Gravity

Fundamental Physics
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
🕳️

Black Hole Information Paradox

Quantum Gravity
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
🌑

Dark Matter

Cosmology
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
💫

Dark Energy

Cosmology
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
🎭

Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry

Particle Physics
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
🎲

Quantum Measurement Problem

Quantum Physics
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
🌀

Cosmic Inflation

Cosmology
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
⚖️

Hierarchy Problem

Particle Physics
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
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