The Hardest We've Ever Pushed Matter

The video explores how scientists use pressure experiments to understand the chemistry of inaccessible places like the Earth's core or distant planets. It explains the concept of pressure, methods to increase it, and the use of diamond anvil cells (DACs) to achieve high pressures. Dynamic experiments using lasers and shockwaves are discussed for generating extreme pressures, with applications in studying planetary cores and creating new materials. The video highlights the potential of these experiments to reveal insights about the universe.

What is the primary reason scientists use diamond anvil cells in high-pressure experiments?

• Diamonds can be easily replaced if damaged.

• Diamonds are the hardest known material and transparent to many wavelengths.

• They are inexpensive and easy to produce.

• They are the only material that can withstand high temperatures.

How do double DACs differ from standard DACs?

• They incorporate additional materials to enhance pressure.

• They have smaller diamond tips for more concentrated force.

• They use larger diamonds for increased pressure.

• They use lasers instead of diamonds.

What is a ramp compression wave?

• A wave that cools down the sample.

• A wave that generates heat without pressure.

• A wave that decreases pressure rapidly.

• A wave that increases pressure gradually without much heat.

What is the maximum pressure that can be achieved using ramp compression waves?

• 20 Terra Pascals

• 10 Terra Pascals

• 5 Terra Pascals

• 1 Terra Pascal

What is the main limitation of using lasers in dynamic DAC experiments?

• Lasers can only be used once.

• Lasers are too expensive to operate.

• Lasers generate too much heat for the samples.

• Lasers can shatter the diamonds if not controlled.

What historical method was used to achieve pressures up to 700 Terra Pascals?

• Employing nuclear explosions underground.

• Increasing the temperature of the samples.

• Utilizing more powerful lasers.

• Using larger diamonds in DACs.

What is superionic ice, and where is it predicted to exist?

• A new form of ice created by nuclear explosions.

• Ice that only exists in laboratory conditions.

• Ice that behaves like a solid and liquid, predicted in Neptune and Uranus cores.

• A type of ice found on Earth.