How fractals can help you understand the universe | BBC Ideas
BBC Ideas・2 minutes read
Fractals are intricate patterns seen in nature, like snowflakes, galaxies, and broccoli, displaying self-replicating structures when pieces are removed. Coined by Benoit Mandelbrot in 1980, fractals have applications in various fields and suggest the universe might also follow a fractal pattern.
Insights
- Fractals are intricate, self-replicating patterns seen in nature, from galaxies to broccoli, displaying endless complexity where cutting a part reveals a smaller version of the whole, exemplified by snowflakes.
- Benoit Mandelbrot, naming the concept in 1980, developed the Mandelbrot set, a visual representation of fractals. This set finds applications in diverse fields like climate research, oncology, and suggests the universe could be a fractal construct.
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Recent questions
What are fractals and where are they found?
Fractals are never-ending patterns present in natural phenomena like galaxies, clouds, and broccoli. Cutting a piece results in a smaller version of the whole.
Who coined the term "fractal" and when?
The term "fractal" was coined by Benoit Mandelbrot in 1980 while working at IBM, inspired by mathematicians' experiments on infinite curves.
What is the Mandelbrot set and its significance?
The Mandelbrot set is an infinite geometric visualization of fractals. It has applications in climate change research, cancer studies, and the belief that the universe may be a fractal structure.
Can you provide an example of a fractal in nature?
Snowflakes are a prime example of fractals, showcasing unique self-replicating structures found in nature.
How do fractals exhibit self-replicating patterns?
Fractals exhibit self-replicating patterns by having smaller components that resemble the larger whole when a piece is cut off. This property is seen in various natural phenomena like galaxies and cloud formations.
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Summary
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"Endless patterns in nature: fractals explained"
- Fractals are never-ending patterns found in various natural phenomena like galaxies, cloud formations, and broccoli, where cutting off a piece results in a smaller version of the whole. Snowflakes are another example, showcasing unique self-replicating structures in nature.
- The term "fractal" was coined by Benoit Mandelbrot in 1980 while working at IBM, inspired by mathematicians' experiments on infinite curves. Mandelbrot's work led to the creation of the Mandelbrot set, an infinite geometric visualization of fractals, with applications in climate change research, cancer studies, and the potential belief that the universe itself may be a fractal structure.
