IMPA Tech student takes part in International Institute of Physics event

12/12/2024

Undergraduate student Anderson Aquiles represented IMPA Tech at the III Scientific Experience of the International Institute of Physics (IIF). The event, held in Natal (RN), at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), brings together young people with high academic performance from all over Brazil with the aim of fostering interest in scientific careers and opening doors for new researchers in the country, especially in the areas of contemporary physics.

The program took place between December 2 and 6, with mentoring, scientific exhibitions and mini-courses. Anderson presented his research “Schwarzschild Black Holes: A First Analysis from General Relativity”. The work used concepts from general relativity and differential geometry to try to describe Schwarzschild black holes, the simplest type of black hole, i.e. those with no rotation and no charge.

The work was based on studies presented in the book “Spacetime and Geometry”, by American physicist Sean Carroll. Anderson presented the relationship between the mass of an object and the distortion of space-time.

“I used the knowledge I acquired to present the topic of black holes. The conclusion is that if we have a very massive body with all its mass concentrated in an infinitely small region, it is possible to modify the passage of time and the measurement of length. For example, a one-meter clock can be seen as being smaller by an observer who is far away from the black hole. While the one-second hand can take up to years to move, depending on the distance between the clock and the black hole seen by the distant observer,” the student explained.

IMPA Tech’s academic activities coordinator, Kátia Coutinho, congratulated Anderson on his participation and presentation at the event. “This is an achievement that makes our course proud and we are very pleased to see him taking advantage of this opportunity. Taking part in events like this is a valuable experience that contributes immensely to academic training and personal growth.”

In addition to the research presentations, the participants in the Scientific Experience had classes with renowned professors and researchers in the field of physics in the country, such as professionals from USP, UERJ, UFPE, etc.

“Presenting some of what I’ve learned over the year was a unique opportunity to share my progress and further consolidate the knowledge I’ve acquired. I also had the opportunity to interact with colleagues and clear up any doubts related to the IMPA Tech degree and the selection process,” said Anderson.

IIF School for Young Talents

The young people taking part in the III Scientific Experience were selected through national competitions, such as the Brazilian Physics Olympiad (OBF), the Physics Tournament for Girls (TFM) and the IIF School for Young Talents, or through partner institutions.

Anderson Aquiles was one of the finalists in the IIF’s School of Young Talents, an online event designed to identify and develop students with an aptitude for the exact sciences. Participants are assessed with exercises and the five best are selected for the event in Natal. The costs of travel, accommodation and meals are covered by the IIF.

For Anderson, the IMPA Tech classes were crucial to his good performance. “As I had already studied a bit more advanced physics, due to the help I got from teachers during the year, I was able to solve the lists with more advanced ideas and content, which made the solution much easier. I would like to thank IMPA and the Federal Government for the scholarship, which made my work possible,” he said.

In addition, the School brings contemporary physics topics to the fore, introducing students to the scientific world. This year, American physicist William Phillips, winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics, opened the activities with a lecture on “Quantum reform of the system of international units (SI)”. Phillips is renowned for his work on cooling and trapping atoms with lasers.

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