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The Mystery of Quantum Tunnelling: Exploring One of the Strangest Phenomena in Physics

Aditya Saikrishna
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The Mystery of Quantum Tunnelling: Exploring One of the Strangest Phenomena in Physics

INDIA: Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that explores the behaviour of matter and energy at a microscopic level. 

While classical mechanics accurately describes the motion of macroscopic objects, it fails to explain the strange and counterintuitive behaviours exhibited by subatomic particles. 

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One such phenomenon is quantum tunnelling, which defies the classical notion that a particle cannot pass through a barrier higher than its energy level. 

In this article, we’ll explore the theory of quantum tunnelling and its applications in various fields of science.

What is Quantum Tunnelling?

Imagine a particle, such as an electron or a proton, approaching a barrier with insufficient energy to overcome it. 

According to classical mechanics, the particle would bounce off the barrier and gets reflected back. 

However, in the quantum world, things work differently. Instead of being reflected, the particle has a probability of passing through the barrier as if it had tunnelled through it. 

This probability is related to the thickness and height of the barrier, as well as the energy of the particle.

The wave-particle duality of quantum mechanics can explain the phenomenon of quantum tunnelling.

According to this principle, particles such as electrons can exhibit wave-like behaviour, such as diffraction and interference. 

The wave-like behaviour of particles means that they can be described not only as a point-like object but also as a probability distribution or a wave function. 

When a particle encounters a barrier, its wave function can extend beyond it, allowing the particle to tunnel through the barrier with a certain probability.

Applications of Quantum Tunnelling

Quantum tunnelling has several crucial applications in science and technology. 

One of the most well-known applications is in electronics, specifically in the operation of transistors. 

A transistor is a semiconductor device that can amplify or switch electronic signals. The tunnelling of electrons across a thin barrier, known as the “tunnel junction,” is the basis for the operation of a transistor. 

By controlling the thickness and composition of the barrier, engineers can manipulate the tunnelling probability and create a switch that can turn a current on and off.

Another application of quantum tunnelling is in the field of nuclear fusion. Fusion occurs when two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy.

However, for fusion to occur, the nuclei must overcome the repulsive force of their positive charges. 

Quantum tunnelling provides a mechanism for the nuclei to “tunnel” through the repulsive barrier and undergoes fusion, even at lower temperatures than would be required by classical physics.

In addition to its applications in electronics and nuclear physics, biological systems have also studied quantum tunnelling. 

One example is the phenomenon of enzymatic catalysis, in which enzymes facilitate chemical reactions in living organisms. 

Several studies have suggested that quantum tunnelling plays a role in the ability of enzymes to catalyse reactions that would be energetically unfavourable under classical conditions.

Also Read: Colossal Biosciences Tries to Bring Back Dodo and Woolly Mammoth 

Mercedes Admits “More Radical Changes” Needed to W14 Design after Bahrain Grand Prix

Aditya Saikrishna
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Mercedes Admits “More Radical Changes” Needed to W14 Design after Bahrain Grand Prix

UNITED KINGDOM: Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, has confirmed that the team is planning “more radical changes” to their W14 car design after a disappointing start to the 2021 season in Bahrain. 

While the team has been known for their strong performance in previous seasons, they fell behind the Ferraris, Red Bulls, and even one of the Aston Martins in the opening race.

In the Mercedes’ post-race debrief video, Shovlin said that “visible changes” will be made to the car over the next few races. 

There are rumors in the F1 paddock that the team has a B-spec version of the car waiting in the wings, and Shovlin’s comments confirm that changes are indeed coming. 

However, he noted that “big changes” take time to develop and turn into a faster solution in the wind tunnel.

Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, also expressed doubts that the current W14 design will ever be competitive. 

According to Shovlin, the team’s most significant learning point from the opening race is that it has “a lot of work to do.”

One of the major areas of concern for the team is the significant gap between themselves and the front runners. 

Shovlin explained that the gap was quite large in qualifying and even bigger in the race. 

Additionally, the team needs to understand and work on the long-term degradation of their tires, which was a strong point for them last year.

Overall, Mercedes is working hard to understand what it can do in the short- and mid-term future to improve its performance and close the gap with its competitors. 

While there have been rumours that former chief technical officer, James Allison, could return to the team, the common knowledge among sources is that the reports are inaccurate.

The team faces significant performance gaps between themselves and their competitors and needs to understand their car and improve its tyre degradation. 

While changes are coming, they will take time to develop and turn into a faster solution in the wind tunnel.

Also Read: F1 Resumes Business: Verstappen Secures Pole Position for Bahrain Grand Prix

FIA President’s Son Saif Ben Sulayem Dies in Dubai Car Crash

Aditya Saikrishna
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FIA President’s Son Saif Ben Sulayem Dies in Dubai Car Crash

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Saif Ben Sulayem, son of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has died following a car crash in Dubai on Tuesday. 

A spokesperson for the world motorsport’s governing body confirmed the news. The family has requested privacy, and the FIA president will not release a statement regarding his son’s death.

Saif was passionate about motor racing and competed in the 2016-17 UAE Formula 4 championship alongside current F1 stars Logan Sargeant and Oscar Piastri. 

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He had decided against pursuing his career internationally and instead stayed in the Middle East. 

Saif shared his father’s love for fast cars and posted pictures of Bugatti Veyrons, McLarens, and old rally cars on his Instagram as he travelled the world with his father.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver, took over as President of the FIA in 2021 and is considered one of the most prominent motorsport figures in the Middle East. 

He had a successful career as a rally driver before becoming FIA president.  He helped oversee a restructuring within the FIA in recent years but will take on a less hands-on role in the day-to-day running of Formula One this season.

The news of Saif’s passing has shocked the motorsport community, and many have taken to social media to express their condolences. Local newspapers have reported his passing and announced a mourning schedule per Islamic traditions. 

His death has left a void in the Middle East’s motorsport community, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Also Read: F1 Resumes Business: Verstappen Secures Pole Position for Bahrain Grand Prix

The Bombing of Tokyo: Remembering a Devastating Chapter in World War II

Aditya Saikrishna
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The Bombing of Tokyo: Remembering a Devastating Chapter in World War II

JAPAN: Seventy-six years ago today, on March 9, 1945, the United States launched a devastating bombing raid on the Japanese capital of Tokyo. The attack lasted for several hours and is estimated to have killed more than 100,000 people and left the city in ruins. Today, we look back on this tragic event and remember the human cost of war.

The bombing of Tokyo was part of a larger strategy by the Allied forces to weaken Japan’s ability to fight the war. The U.S. Air Force, led by General Curtis LeMay, had been conducting multiple raids on Japanese cities for months, but the bombing of Tokyo was by far the most destructive. More than 300 B-29 bombers dropped thousands of incendiary bombs on the city, setting fire to homes, buildings, and factories. 

The resulting firestorm was so intense that it created its own weather system, with wind speeds reaching 150 miles per hour.

The human toll of the bombing was staggering. Tens of thousands of people were killed instantly by the bombs, while others were trapped in burning buildings or suffocated by smoke and fumes. 

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The city’s infrastructure was destroyed, with hospitals, schools, and transportation systems all rendered inoperable. 

In the aftermath of the bombing, the United States received worldwide condemnation.

Some critics argued that the bombing of Tokyo was a war crime since it targeted civilians and caused widespread destruction. Others defended the action, arguing that the bombing was necessary to end the war and save lives in the long run.

Regardless of one’s opinion on the bombing, there is no denying its impact on the people of Tokyo. 

Many survivors still bear physical and emotional scars from the attack, and the city’s recovery was slow and painful. Today, Tokyo is a busy and successful city, but the bombing is still a big part of the city’s collective memory.

Looking back on the bombing of Tokyo, it is clear that war is a brutal and devastating endeavour. The human cost of conflict is always high, and it is imperative to remember the toll it takes on the soldiers and the civilians. 

As we honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the bombing of Tokyo, let us also rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of peace and understanding among all nations. We can only stop these kinds of tragedies from happening again if we talk to each other and work together.

Also Read: World War 2’s Forgotten Tragedy: Winston Churchill’s Role in the Bengal Famine

Overwatch 2 Team up with One Punch Man for New Event, Releases Fresh Challenges

Aditya Saikrishna
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Overwatch 2 Team up with One Punch Man for New Event, Releases Fresh Challenges

UNITED STATES: Overwatch 2 players are in for a treat with the newly launched crossover event with One Punch Man.

Blizzard Entertainment brings the crossover event, which runs from March 7 to April 6. It features a range of exciting challenges and cosmetic items that will delight fans of both franchises.

Overwatch 2 collabs with One Punch Man

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One of the event’s highlights is the Mumen Rider Soldier 76 skin, which the players can earn by completing six challenges available for the event’s duration.

The challenges are all based around playing matches, making it easy for players to earn the One Punch Man cosmetic items throughout the month-long event.

Aside from the Mumen Rider Soldier 76 skin, four One Punch Man skins are available, including Saitama Doomfist, Genos Genji, Terrible Tornado Kiriko, and Mumen Rider Soldier 76.

Each skin comes with various emotes and victory poses, highlight intros, and name cards, which add to the event’s excitement. Players can purchase the skins and other items in the event shop, where the player can choose from four item bundles.

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The Doomfist X Saitama bundle, including the skin, Training Regimen emote, One Hundred Push-Ups voice line, Saitama Punch highlight intro, and the Saitama Doomfist name card costs 2,500 Coins (about USD 25).

The Genji X Genos bundle, which includes the skin and the Genos Genji name card, costs 1,900 Coins. The Kiriko X Terrible Tornado bundle, which includes the skin, Terribly Impressive victory pose, and Terrible Tornado name card, costs 2,100 Coins.

Finally, the One Punch Man Mega bundle includes all items for 4,400 Coins, providing players with a discount compared to buying each bundle individually.

Blizzard has released a trailer showcasing the anime-inspired skins to celebrate the event. The trailer opens with Saitama Doomfist preparing a punch, followed by the crossover skins striking an anime-like pose.

The trailer also provides a more hands-on look at how the skins look in action, building up the excitement for fans.

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Overall, the Overwatch 2 One Punch Man crossover event is an exciting addition to the game, with several challenges and cosmetic items to keep players engaged.

With only a limited time to enjoy the event, players are encouraged to jump in and begin earning the One Punch Man-themed items.

Also Read: Call of Duty: Warzone 2 S2 Brings Exciting Changes to DMZ Missions

Brixton Motorcycles Unveils Felsberg 125 FT: Bike to Debut in Europe

Aditya Saikrishna
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Brixton Motorcycles Unveils Felsberg 125 FT: Bike to Debut in Europe

AUSTRIA: Austrian motorcycle manufacturer Brixton Motorcycles has unveiled its latest entry-level motorbike, the Felsberg 125 FT. It boasts a single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled engine that produces 11 horsepower and 7.8 pound-feet of torque. 

Felsberg 125 FT offers exciting features for bike enthusiasts

Brixton Motorcycle’s latest offering features a mono-shock rear suspension, a telescopic front fork, and a steel tubular frame. The front and rear wheels of the bike feature disc brakes, with ABS as an optional extra.

Felsberg
Photo Credit: brixton-motorcycles.com

The Felsberg 125 FT is an excellent choice for commuting and city riding, thanks to its entry-level performance. Novices with an A1 license can ride it, while experienced riders can take it off-road. 

Although Brixton has not disclosed the pricing of the Felsberg 125 FT, bike enthusiasts expect its release in Europe in the second half of 2023. Brixton Motorcycles specializes in retro-styled motorcycles with contemporary technology. 

Established in 2014, the Austrian company has an envious inventory. It includes bikes with displacements ranging from 125cc to 1,200cc, all with distinctly retro designs. 

Photo Credit: brixton-motorcycles.com

While Brixton’s headquarter is based in Austria, the company outsources the production of specific models to Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Zongshen.

Zongshen and Brixton collaborate extensively to guarantee the production of their motorcycles under the two company’s strict quality and performance requirements. 

Brixton keeps growing its model selection on the European market, and the Felsberg 125 FT is the company’s newest motorcycle.

Apart from the European market, Brixton has a strong presence in multiple Asian markets, such as China, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Brixton Motorcycles are also popular in South America. 

Customers expect the Felsberg 125 FT to debut in Europe before being marketed in other parts of the globe.

With the launch of the Felsberg 125 FT, Brixton Motorcycles has expanded its range of retro-styled bikes with contemporary technology, catering to the growing demand for affordable yet stylish motorbikes. 

The Felsberg 125 FT is a highly anticipated addition to Brixton’s inventory and will attract riders looking for an entry-level bike perfect for city riding.

Also Read: Land Moto’s District Scrambler Electric Bike Takes Off-roading to the Next Level

A Game Changer for Clean Energy: Australian Scientists Turn Air into Electricity

Aditya Saikrishna
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A Game Changer for Clean Energy: Australian Scientists Turn Air into Electricity

AUSTRALIA: A team of scientists from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, have made a breakthrough in clean energy technology by discovering an enzyme that can turn air into electricity. 

The enzyme, called Huc, was found to generate electrical current from atmospheric hydrogen and is the first known enzyme capable of creating electricity from the air.

According to Dr. Rhys Grinter, who led the study, the team had to develop new methods for growing and isolating the enzyme from bacteria. 

The team led by Dr. Rhys Grinter found that the bacterium Mycobacterium smegmatis, discovered in 1884, was an ideal candidate for their study.

The bacterium Mycobacterium smegmatis was perfect because scientists could change its genes to study it.

They isolated and purified Huc from the bacterium and found that the enzyme could be stored for long periods while retaining its ability to generate energy. 

The researchers said the stability of Huc reflects the enzyme’s ability to help bacteria survive in extreme environments.

The enzyme works as a hydrogen gas scavenger and can consume the gas even at below atmospheric levels, making it a potential “natural battery.” 

It can make very small amounts of electricity from the air or from hydrogen, which could be used in the future to power small electronic devices.

Although the enzyme is still far from becoming a viable energy source, it could be used in industrial chemical synthesis or as a sensor for hydrogen. 

The stability of Huc also means that it can be stored for long periods, making it a promising area of research for the future of clean energy.

Ashleigh Kropp, a team member, said the discovery reflects the enzyme’s role in helping bacteria survive in extreme environments. 

Professor Greening from Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute added that while scientists knew that bacteria could use the trace hydrogen in the air as a source of energy, they were unaware of how they did it until the recent discovery.

This ground-breaking discovery could lead to a sustainable future by opening the door to a nearly limitless source of clean energy. However, more research is needed before industries can use Huc on a larger scale.

Also Read: Dozens of Activists Including Thunberg, Block Norway’s Energy Ministry

Yamaha Commences Use of Green Aluminium in Motorcycle Production

Aditya Saikrishna
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Yamaha Commences Use of Green Aluminium in Motorcycle Production

JAPAN: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers, announced on March 2, 2023, that it had commenced using green aluminium in its production process.

The move marked the first time a Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has used this eco-friendly material.

Green aluminium is refined from aluminium ores using renewable energy sources, leaving a lower carbon footprint than traditional aluminium. 

Yamaha aims to expand its use of the material in more models, contributing to a sizable reduction in the brand’s carbon footprint. 

According to Yamaha, 12 to 31 percent of the total vehicle weight consists of aluminium, and applying eco-friendly material to the production process will significantly help the brand achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

The announcement comes as part of Yamaha’s plan to incorporate sustainable materials into all its business activities by the end of its environmental plan in 2050. 

The company has set an ambitious target of switching to 100 percent sustainable materials by 2050.

Yamaha is already active in its efforts to go green. The company has been pushing for the use of recycled aluminium, with up to 80 percent use of the reused resource. 

Paired with the additional use of green aluminium, Yamaha is poised to chase down the remaining 20 percent, which accounts for parts that cannot use recycled aluminium in the production process.

The first step in Yamaha’s plan to incorporate green aluminium in its motorcycles is to utilise the material for certain parts in its large-displacement and off-road competition motorcycles. 

The Yamaha MT-09 will be part of the change, with the model’s lower triple clamp, front wheel, rear wheel, and swingarm cast from green aluminium.

As long as the supply chain and volumes allow, Yamaha will continue to expand on its use of green aluminium for the rest of the models in its lineup. 

The brand is also diving into other green raw materials, such as plant-derived resins, and developing recyclable polypropylene.

In a press release, Yamaha stated that it takes its responsibility towards the environment seriously and that introducing green aluminium in the production process is just one of many steps towards a sustainable future. 

Yamaha is determined to become a leader in the industry regarding environmental sustainability.

Like many others, the motorcycle industry faces pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a sustainable future. 

With Yamaha’s announcement, the company is leading the charge towards environmentally friendly motorcycle production.

Also Read: Yamaha Brings Back the Iconic RX100 with a Bigger Engine and Modern Features

Murtas Motorcycles Introduces 2 Electric Scooter Models in France

Aditya Saikrishna
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Murtas Motorcycles Introduces 2 Electric Scooter Models in France

FRANCE: French electric mobility company, Murtas Motorcycles, has introduced two new electric scooter models, the MX1 and MX2. 

With gasoline-powered machines facing tightening restrictions in urbanized areas like Paris, electric two-wheelers provide a perfect solution for commuters. 

The MX1 and MX2 models offer similar performance levels to traditional 125cc internal-combustion scooters, and a rear hub motor with a continuous output of 4 kilowatts powers the electric scooters.

Murtas designed the MX2 electric scooter to be an urban companion with a flat floorboard and ample under-seat storage for daily commuting and running errands. 

Murtas equipped the bike with a windscreen to protect riders from wind chill, LED lights, a top case bracket, and a USB charging port. The twin-battery MX2 offers up to 220 kilometres of range, whereas the MX1 model, with only one battery pack, offers 110-kilometre range.

Both models have standard telescopic forks, adjustable rear shocks, and 16 and 14-inch wheels at the front and back, respectively. The wheels boast of city-focused Michelin City Grip 2 rubber, and the scooters come to a stop with front and rear disc brakes linked via CBS. 

Murtas Motorcycles operates out of its headquarters in Pierrelatte near Montélimar in France, headed by Patrice Murtas, who was responsible for the entry of the Super Soco brand on French soil back in 2021. 

The company opened its doors at the beginning of 2023, and three months later, the brand hit the ground running by introducing two new electric scooter models.

The MX1 is priced at 4,990 Euros, or approximately $5,306, while the MX2 costs 5,990 Euros, or around $6,370. These prices make the scooters a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for daily commuters in urban areas.

Murtas Motorcycles is a new entrant in the electric motorcycle market in Europe. With the introduction of the MX1 and MX2 models, the company is well on its way to becoming a formidable competitor in the market. 

The personal transport market expects electric scooters to be in high demand, given their impressive features and performance levels and the increasing demand for eco-friendly mobility solutions.

Also Read: Ola Unveils 500 Experience Centres and a Surprise Electric Bike Launch

Japan’s New H3 Rocket Launch Postponed again

Aditya Saikrishna
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Japan’s New H3 Rocket Launch Postponed again

JAPAN: Japan’s space agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is set to launch its new flagship rocket, the H3, for the first time on Tuesday, March 7.

JAXA has scheduled the launch for between 10:37 a.m. and 10:44 a.m. local Japan time from the Tanegashima Space Center launch site in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

Photo Credit: Twitter/kurokaichi

The H3 rocket, which replaces Japan’s previous mainstay launch vehicle, the H2A rocket, is designed to be flexible and cost-effective. 

The H3 will carry a land observation satellite, the Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS-3), on its debut launch.

The H3’s initial launch, planned for February 16, was aborted due to an anomaly in the vehicle’s electrical system that supplies power to the core-stage engines. 

However, JAXA and its partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries worked hard to resolve the glitch and prepare the rocket for another liftoff attempt.

Bad weather in the region forced JAXA to reschedule the original liftoff set for March 6.

The ALOS-3 satellite, also known as Daichi-3, is a 3-ton Earth-observing spacecraft that will study the planet in detail for various applications. 

JAXA expects its unique imaging capabilities to contribute significantly to upgrading global geospatial information and research and applications for monitoring the coastal and vegetation environment. 

The space agency designed the satellite to assist in disaster management situations, thus making it one of the most critical tools for central and local governments.

The H3 rocket will launch during a six-and-a-half-minute window that opens at 8:37 p.m. EST on March 7. JAXA will stream the launch live.

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While the first mission is a test flight, the H3 will carry an operational payload, making it a significant milestone in Japan’s space program. 

The launch represents a significant step forward for Japan’s space programme and demonstrates its commitment to exploring space and developing cost-effective launch vehicles. 

If all goes according to plan, the H3 rocket’s launch will pave the way for more advanced space exploration missions and scientific discoveries.

Also Read: NASA Nominates First Woman for the Position of Science Chief

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