Applications Of Modern Physics [verified] Today
Applications of Modern Physics
- General Relativity (gravity effect): +45.9 microseconds per day
- Special Relativity (velocity effect): -7.2 microseconds per day
- Net effect: +38.7 microseconds per day
Fundamental physics enabling technologies
Quantum computing
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Relies on the quantum mechanical property of nuclear spin. Protons in the human body align with a strong magnetic field; radio waves perturb this alignment, and the subsequent relaxation signals are mapped into detailed 3D images of soft tissues.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans: Uses antimatter (positrons, the antiparticle of electrons). A radioactive tracer emits positrons that annihilate with electrons, producing gamma rays detected to create functional images of metabolic processes (e.g., cancer detection).
- Radiation Therapy: Uses quantum principles of photon and charged particle interactions to destroy cancerous tumors with high-energy X-rays or proton beams.
GPS:
Satellite clocks must account for General Relativity to keep your location accurate.
