Feb 23 • 04:47 UTC 🌍 Africa AllAfrica

Nigeria: Curious Kids - What Is the Smallest Thing in the Universe?

A physicist explains the concept of the smallest things in the universe as part of a children’s educational series.

In the article, part of the 'Curious Kids' series from AllAfrica, a child named Mimi from Abeokuta, Nigeria, poses a question about the smallest thing in the universe. The response comes from physicist Omololu Akin-Ojo, who elucidates that the concept of 'smallest' is relative and depends on how deeply one can subdivide matter. He explains that no matter how small a piece of matter is, with enough cutting, one reaches a point where the particles are invisible to even the most powerful microscopes.

Akin-Ojo guides the readers through understanding the microscopic world, emphasizing that physics studies energy, forces, and particles which function together in various natural phenomena. The physicist's explanation serves not only to answer Mimi's inquiry but also to engage children in science by illustrating how matter can be infinitely divided, leading to discussions about fundamental particles in physics like quarks and electrons, which are essential components of atoms.

This educational piece represents an effort to spark children's interest in science and physics, enhancing their understanding of the universe. It demonstrates that even seemingly simple questions can lead to profound ideas, encouraging curiosity and exploration in the fields of science and the natural world.

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