We know paradox refers to the proposition or contradictory statement that when investigated may prove to be well-founded or true. There are many paradoxes in science that are hard to conclude. Some of the famous paradoxes are the fermi-paradox, twin-paradox, black hole information paradox, and Faraday paradox. In this article, let us learn in detail about fermi-paradox.
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What is Fermi paradox?
Fermi paradox can be called as an argument between the scale and probability of intelligent life that existed anywhere in the universe other than the earth. There is no evidence to prove that it existed anywhere else. The Fermi paradox was first studied by the physicist Enrico Fermi who studied the existence of extraterrestrial civilisation. He had mainly questioned the following points:
- There are billions of stars just like the Sun which are billion years older than the solar system
- There are planets similar to earth, which may have developed intelligent life.
- These intelligent lives might have developed interstellar travels.
Abiogenesis
Concept known as the Great Filter was studied which spoke about the prevention of dead matter from lasting life. The process which gives life to non-living matter is known as abiogenesis. It is also known as the origin of life. As it is a natural process, simple organic compounds are an apt example of abiogenesis. In order to determine the chemical reactions involved in pre-life, researchers need to study different subjects like biophysics, molecular biology, astrobiology, biochemistry, geochemistry, astrobiology, oceanography and palaeontology. These studies led to a new term called biopoiesis which is explained in three stages:
- Monomers originating biologically
- Polymers originating biologically
- Evolution of cells from molecules
These three stages are like the model designed in different ways by different scientists giving the same meaning to the origin of life.
Drake Equation
The Drake equation and Fermi paradox are related as the equation was formulated to examine the existence of alien life in a systematic way. The equation is as follows:
Where,
N: number of civilisations with which humans could communicate
R*: the rate of star formation in Milky way galaxy
fp: fraction of stars that have planets
ne: average no.of planets that can support life per star that has planet
f1: fraction of stars that supports life which develops further
fi: fraction of life developed into intelligent life
fc: fraction of civilisation that releases signals for their existence
L: time length for releasing such signals
There are many more interesting concepts like the origin of life and others available with video classes in BYJU’S. Hope you learned about the Fermi paradox. Stay tuned with BYJU’S and Fall in love with Learning!.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is Drake equation
Who was the first person to study fermi paradox?
First-person to study the fermi paradox is Physicist Enrico Fermi.
Who developed the Drake equation?
Drake equation was developed by Physicist Frank Drake.
Name the stages in which biopoiesis is explained?
Biopoiesis is explained in three stages:
- Monomers originating biologically
- Polymers originating biologically
- Evolution of cells from molecules
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