9781422283295

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he universe is a very no-nonsense ruler. Actual- ly, it is a bit of a dictator. It operates by a specific set of rules, which we call the laws of physics. It enforces these laws very strictly. They cannot be broken—it is impossible. They are also very far reaching. They apply to everyone and everything and everywhere. Enormous black holes are spinning in the outer reaches of the universe, billions of light years away. Tiny quarks—

less than 0.000000000000000001 meters long—are vibrating in- side the protons and neutrons of atoms. All of them, regardless of size or power, follow the laws of physics. Physics explains why hot things always cool off. It explains why the speed of light is always the same. It explains why what goes up always comes down—on Earth, at least. It may be comforting to see the word “always” so much, or it

The electrons and protons that swirl invisibly form and build all matter.

may be intimidating. Either way, it is not going anywhere. In physics, there are no exceptions. This does not mean there are no contradictions or mysteries in physics. In fact, there are plenty. Physicists struggle to understand why one

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Black Achievement in Science: Physics