Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 8, Zero Hour at Ground Zero Summary

Chapter 8, Zero Hour at Ground Zero Summary and Analysis

Modern physics is divided between general relativity which holds at the macro-level and quantum mechanics that holds at the micro level. But black holes are both very massive and very tiny and so black holes are where the two sets of laws clash. And to understand the big bang, physicists have to unite quantum theory and relativity. They need a Theory of Everything which in fact is a theory of nothing.

Electrons are zero-dimensional; the electrons scientists observe are imposters. The true electron is located within a group of particles composed of zero-point fluctuations that pop in and out of being. It is hard to measure electron masses and charges as a result. But physicists cannot get closer. Instead, zero helps to smooth and spread out the sharp charge of an electron into a fog. And it isn't clear how to eliminate zero in the electron or in the black...
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