Unsolved problems in physics

In 2003, the state of physics is similar to that in 1905. A set of physical theories exists with remarkable predictive power and mathematical elegance, which are compatible with almost all observed experimental observations.

Current unexplained phenomena in physics include

• the GZK paradox: why are cosmics rays observed with energies which seem to contradict special relativity?
• the galaxy rotation problem: why do galaxies not rotate at the speeds predicted by current theories?

The phenomena which do not fit pose severe problems for the existing theories, in part because of the extreme accuracy of their predictive power elsewhere.

In order to try to explain these phenomena, scientists are searching for new deeper theories which will explain all observed phenomena, as well as exploring ways to amend their current theories. Highly mathematical work on finding new deeper theories includes the programs of M-theory and loop quantum gravity. More "physical" ad-hoc theories to amend current theories include modified Newtonian dynamics and doubly-special relativity.

See also:

• Unsolved problems in mathematics
• Unsolved problems in chemistry[?]
• Unsolved problems in biology

External links

• http://www.facstaff.oglethorpe.edu/mrulison/top10.htm
• http://w3.pppl.gov/~hammett/Maxwell/top_physics_problems