In a recent discussion, Hank Green and physicist Maline Lebanon delve into soft matter physics, exploring concepts like squishy physics, states and phases of matter, and the intriguing properties of materials. They answer audience questions about plasma, sublimation, and supercritical fluids, revealing the complexities of everyday materials and their applications in technology and science.
In a recent engaging discussion, Hank Green welcomed Maline Lebanon, a physicist specializing in soft matter physics, to explore the fascinating world of squishy materials. This blog post summarizes their conversation, shedding light on complex concepts in physics while answering audience questions.
Maline Lebanon, a PhD physicist, introduced the concept of soft matter physics, humorously referred to as "squishy physics." This field studies materials that are not rigid and can change shape easily, such as gels, foams, and biological materials. Unlike traditional physics, which often deals with extreme temperatures, soft matter physics focuses on materials at everyday temperatures, making it relevant to our daily lives.
One of the unique challenges in soft matter physics is the behavior of materials under normal conditions. These materials can exhibit significant changes based on temperature and pressure. For instance, a mattress can feel harder when cold and softer when warm, illustrating the temperature dependence of soft materials. To study these non-equilibrium systems, physicists require tools that can operate across a wide range of conditions.
Maline's thesis focused on the crumbling of paper, a seemingly simple yet complex phenomenon. She conducted computer simulations of thin sheets of paper as they crumpled, revealing interesting statistical patterns in the crumpling process. This research has potential applications in various fields, including battery technology, where maximizing surface area can enhance capacity.
During the discussion, Hank and Maline addressed questions from the audience, starting with the difference between states and phases of matter. Maline clarified that while states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma) are well-known, phases are broader categories that encompass various configurations of matter.
The primary states of matter include:
Maline humorously noted that Bose-Einstein condensates are a rare state, often considered a half-state due to their impracticality in everyday life.
Maline explained that phases refer to different arrangements of particles within a state. For example, liquid crystals used in displays can exist in multiple phases depending on the application of electric or magnetic fields. This complexity allows for various properties and functionalities in materials.
One audience member asked about plasma, a state of matter that can be confusing. Maline described plasma as a soup of charged particles, including ions and free electrons, which makes it an excellent conductor of electricity. The distinction between plasma and gas lies in the degree of ionization and conductivity.
A particularly imaginative question involved traveling through the sun. Maline explained that the core of the sun is incredibly dense, comparable to a solid, while the outer layers transition to a gaseous state. The idea of a vehicle capable of navigating through the sun's plasma was both humorous and thought-provoking.
Another question addressed sublimation, the process where a solid transitions directly to a gas without becoming a liquid. Maline confirmed that sublimation is a direct phase transition, occurring under specific temperature and pressure conditions where a liquid state cannot exist.
The conversation also touched on continuous phase transitions, where changes in state occur gradually rather than abruptly. Maline provided the example of supercritical fluids, which exhibit properties of both liquids and gases under certain conditions. This phenomenon can be observed in carbon dioxide at specific temperatures and pressures.
As the discussion progressed, the topic of foams emerged. Maline expressed her enthusiasm for foams, noting their unique properties as gas phases incorporated into solids or liquids. This led to a light-hearted exchange about the complexities and fun of studying foams in physics.
The conversation between Hank Green and Maline Lebanon provided a captivating glimpse into the world of soft matter physics. By addressing audience questions and exploring complex concepts, they highlighted the relevance of physics in understanding everyday materials and phenomena. As Maline continues her work at Sihow, viewers can look forward to more insights into the fascinating world of science communication and research.
