Chaos Theory

I know this is not entirely physics, but this is a really quick, cool concept I think you guys would like. 

Chaos. The idea of complete disorder and confusion. It is also known as the property of a complex system whose behavior is so unpredictable that it appears random, owing to great sensitivity to small changes in conditions. Chaos Theory is a branch of intense nerd mathematics that tries to characterize and study chaos, of which the butterfly effect is a part of.

The butterfly effect is a theory that states that the smallest change in the beginning conditions of a system can create big changes in the end result. Essentially, the smallest action (such as the flap of the wings of a butterfly) can lead to huge consequences, like a hurricane. This is an interesting segment of chaos theory that has seen in many prominent works of literature, such as in the book 11/22/63 (check it out!) by Stephen King. I won't get into the details of said book, but it is in line with the basis of the theory of the butterfly effect - that small actions done in the past can have vast consequences in the future. 

Chaos theory and the butterfly effect both aim to predict the unpredictable, as well as answer the question: How well can we predict the future? Although we do not have many answers right now, chaos theory seems to be an interesting field of study that may someday be at the forefront of science.

Fig. 1
Colorful Chaos!

Fig. 2

Chaos, as shown by the motion of a double pendulum.

Learn more:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDek6cYijxI
• https://www.americanscientist.org/article/understanding-the-butterfly-effect
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2018/02/13/chaos-theory-the-butterfly-effect-and-the-computer-glitch-that-started-it-all/

What do you think about chaos? Please leave any feedback in the comments!

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