For the first time, scientists have observed a collection of particles, also known as a quasiparticle, that's massless when moving one direction but has mass in the other direction. The quasiparticle, called a semi-Dirac fermion, was first theorized 16 years ago, but was only recently spotted inside a crystal of semi-metal material called ZrSiS. The observation of the quasiparticle opens the door to future advances in a range of emerging technologies from batteries to sensors, according to researchers at Penn State.
It’s been a while since I took a physics class, but I’m pretty sure everything becomes more weightless as it gets farther from a gravitational pull. Things don’t normally become more mass-less though.
The person you replied to said “weight”, but the article - including direct quotes from the professor heading the team that found it - uses “mass” consistently.
…a material that is nigh weighless when moving away from gravity but gains mass again when moving towards it.
My brain hung a bit in this statement. I suppose I incorrectly interpreted “nigh weightless” as “losing weight”, which is what everything does as it leaves a gravity well.
It’s 4am here and I’m just browsing on my way to the airport, half asleep. So, please feel free to ignore this whole thing.
It’s been a while since I took a physics class, but I’m pretty sure everything becomes more weightless as it gets farther from a gravitational pull. Things don’t normally become more mass-less though.
Or, is this a “whoosh” moment for me?
The person you replied to said “weight”, but the article - including direct quotes from the professor heading the team that found it - uses “mass” consistently.
If a material made up of quasi-particles is massless when moving away from gravity at ground level, why is the distinction important?
My brain hung a bit in this statement. I suppose I incorrectly interpreted “nigh weightless” as “losing weight”, which is what everything does as it leaves a gravity well.
It’s 4am here and I’m just browsing on my way to the airport, half asleep. So, please feel free to ignore this whole thing.