EasyTechnologyOctober 7, 2025

Quantum Experiments That Reached a Human Scale

Key Vocabulary

quantum

/ˈkwɒntəm/ small-scale physics; the rules for atoms and particles
Example: Quantum rules are different from everyday rules.

superconductor

/ˌsuːpərkənˈdʌktər/ a material that can carry electric current with no resistance when very cold
Example: The wire becomes a superconductor when it is very cold.

tunnelling

/ˈtʌnəlɪŋ/ when particles pass through a barrier in a way that is allowed by quantum physics
Example: Tunnelling lets the system move through the barrier.

📖 Article

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. They showed that quantum effects can appear in an electrical circuit that is big enough to hold in the hand. Their experiments used superconductors and a Josephson junction to make those effects visible.

The award was for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit. The prize was announced on 7 October 2025. The prize will be shared and the total amount is 11 million Swedish kronor. Many people hope these ideas will lead to useful machines soon.

100 words

❓ Quiz

Q1. Who won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics?
Q2. When was the prize announced?
Q3. What did the laureates show about quantum effects?

💬 Discussion

1.

Do you think new science discoveries matter in your daily life? Why?

2.

Have you ever used a device that might use advanced physics, like an MRI or a smartphone? What was the device?

3.

What do you think when you hear the word 'quantum'? Is it exciting or hard to understand?