atomic vibrations

A 9th grade student from India asks questions about the Second Law of Thermodynamics and General Relativity, specifically whether entropy prevents time from running backwards and if time dilation relates to atomic motion in strong gravity. The student clarifies they are not proposing new theories but seeking to identify flaws in their understanding.

Scientists have discovered a quantum effect in an advanced material where microscopic imperfections and atomic vibrations can control the conversion of alternating electrical signals into direct current needed for electronic devices. This effect eliminates the need for traditional components and allows performance tuning through temperature-induced signal direction changes.

Scientists discovered that chiral phonons—tiny atomic vibrations—can control electrons without magnets, batteries, or electricity, enabling a new field called orbitronics. This breakthrough could revolutionize computing by using electrons' orbital motion for data processing.