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What a stunning discovery this is.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35524440

I am beginning to think this Einstein guy knew his stuff!

What use will it be to us in the great scheme of things.

Well, without quantum physics, you wouldn't be using a smartphone or a computer...

What has quantum mechanics ever done for us

Quote:

At bottom, the entire computer industry is built on quantum mechanics. Modern semiconductor-based electronics rely on the band structure of solid objects. This is fundamentally a quantum phenomenon, depending on the wave nature of electrons, and because we understand that wave nature, we can manipulate the electrical properties of silicon. Mixing in just a tiny fraction of the right other elements changes the band structure and thus the conductivity; we know exactly what to add and how much to use thanks to our detailed understanding of the quantum nature of matter.

Stacking up layers of silicon doped with different elements allows us to make transistors on the nanometer scale. Millions of these packed together in a single block of material make the computer chips that power all the technological gadgets that are so central to modern life. Desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, even small household appliances and kids’ toys are driven by computer chips that simply would not be possible to make without our modern understanding of quantum physics...

...Any time you use a laser, whether indirectly by making a phone call, directly by scanning a UPC label on your groceries, or frivolously to torment a cat, you’re making practical use of quantum physics...

...Any time you use your phone to get you from point A to point B, the trip is made possible by quantum physics...

...So any time you, a loved one, or your favorite professional athlete undergoes an MRI scan, you have quantum physics to thank for their diagnosis and hopefully successful recovery....

Hope this helps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard s (Post 35821585)

What use will it be to us in the great scheme of things.

Quite right. Back to your cave, matey, we'll have none of your newfangled bronze around here, these flint knives are perfectly good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 35821587)

Well, without quantum physics, you wouldn't be using a smartphone or a computer...

What has quantum mechanics ever done for us

Hope this helps.

The iPhone 7 is going to be awesome! :D

---------- Post added at 23:08 ---------- Previous post was at 23:05 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard s (Post 35821585)

What use will it be to us in the great scheme of things.

As far as I understand it this actually helps quite a lot as scientists now have another tool for studying the Universe. The discovery of the waves itself proves Einstein's theory further but the real value will come from being able to study the waves and find out more about the universe. They're going to try and find evidence of the big bang via this method too.