Editing 2933: Elementary Physics Paths

{{comic
| number    = 2933
| date      = May 15, 2024
| title     = Elementary Physics Paths
| image     = elementary_physics_paths_2x.png
| imagesize = 464x672px
| noexpand  = true
| titletext = ==COSMOLOGY==> 'Uhhh ... how sure are we that everything is made of these?'
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Created by a VERY NOT SIMPLE PARTICLE - Please change this comment when editing this page. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

This comic explores the complexities of understanding the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

The absurdity of understanding ''everything'' starting from just understanding basic particles is similar to the fallacy presented in [[1570: Engineer Syllogism]]. Quantum physics, as shown in the comic, makes what at first glance are “simple” particles very complicated.

In the first panel, Cueball expresses the idea that if he understands the behavior of tiny particles, he'll understand everything. This reflects a common scientific pursuit to uncover the basic principles underlying all physical phenomena.

The concepts of {{w|reductionism}} and then {{w|antireductionism}} (or {{w|holism}}) are demonstrated by following the left causal path using a 'traditional' physical approach. This is shown in everyday life, from things like a baseball curving through the air, to how a mirror reflects light. [[1734: Reductionism]] also touches on the impractibility of gaining knowledge about a larger construct through understanding its constituent parts.

However, the comic then splits into two branches representing different fields of physics: {{w|condensed matter physics}} and {{w|quantum field theory}}.

In the Condensed Matter Physics branch, Cueball encounters a cloud of particles, which symbolizes the complexity that arises when simple particles combine to produce complex behaviors. This highlights the challenge of predicting macroscopic properties from microscopic interactions, a central theme in condensed matter physics.

In the Quantum Field Theory branch, Cueball is faced with the realization that particles at the quantum level aren't as simple as initially thought. Quantum Field Theory deals with the fundamental particles and forces of nature, and it describes a complex world where particles can behave as both waves and particles simultaneously, among other strange phenomena. 

The title text creates an ASCII depiction of the arrows used in the comic image, adding another layer by introducing the field of {{w|cosmology}}, which deals with the large-scale structure and history of the universe. It humorously suggests that even our understanding of the most fundamental particles might not be as certain as we think - perhaps an allusion to theorized phenomena like dark matter and dark energy - raising questions about the nature of existence itself.

Overall, the comic illustrates the challenges and complexities inherent in trying to understand the fundamental nature of reality.

==Transcript==
:[Cueball gestures at a particle, represented as a dot with motion lines around it.]
:Cueball: Everything is made of tiny particles. If I understand those, I'll understand everything!
:[The comic splits into two branches.]
:[Condensed Matter Physics branch]
:[Cueball is fretting over a cloud of particles.]
:Cueball: Oh no.
:Cueball: Simple particles can combine to produce complex behaviors.
:[Quantum Field Theory branch]
:[Cueball is fretting over the same particle as in the first panel.]
:Cueball: Oh no.
:Cueball: '''''These particles aren't simple!'''''

{{comic discussion}}

[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]
[[Category:Physics]]
[[Category:Cosmology]]