Fermi Paradox: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Fermi paradox is the argumentative relationship between the probability and scale of the existence of extraterrestrial life other than earth. However, the piece of evidence or any proof of that matter has not yet been found anywhere. This concept was first lighted upon by physicist Enrico Fermi who studied the probability of intelligent life civilisation. His theory was based around the questions of:

• There are the stars in our solar system which came into existence billions of years ago, just like the Sun.
• There might be a probability of planets like earth, having extraterrestrial life.
• These lives might have the concept of interstellar travels.

Abiogenesis is the process by which non – living matter can have life. It is also known as a great filter. It prevents the dead matter from having a life. It is also known as the origin of life. The examples of abiogenesis include simple organic compounds. Physicists and researchers need to study the concepts of geochemistry, astrobiology, biochemistry, biophysics, oceanography, palaeontology, and molecular biology to understand the chemical reactions in the pre-life. This process has led to the definition of a new term called 'biopoiesis' that has three stages which are as follows:

1. Monomers originating biologically.
2. Polymers originating biologically.
3. Evolution of cells.

The drake equation and the fermi paradox both revolve around aliens’ existence and are related to each other. The drake equation is as follows:

N = R* * fp * ne * f1 * fc * fi * L

Here, L is the time length

fi is the fraction of life developed in extraterrestrial life

fc is the fraction of civilisation

f1 is the fraction of stars supporting life that can be determined furthermore

ne are the average number of planets that can support life

fp is the fraction of stars that have planets

R* is the rate of formation of the stars in the Milky Way galaxy

The chapter 'Quantum Physics' is a part of class 11 and 12 syllabi and the topic of the Fermi paradox is present in both classes. It holds a weightage of 4 marks and 7 marks simultaneously for classes 11 and 12.

Example 1) Write the three stages of biopoiesis.

Answer – The three stages of biopoiesis are as follows:

1. Monomers originating biologically
2. Polymers originating biologically
3. Evolution of cells

Example 2) Write the drake equation.

Answer – The drake equation is as follows:

N = R* * fp * ne * f1 * fc * fi * L

Example 3) Write the meaning of Fermi Energy.

Answer – the Fermi energy is used to measure the energy of the combination of tightly packed electrons in solids.

Q: What do you mean by the Fermi paradox?

Q: What is Abiogenesis?

Q: What is R* in drake’s equation?

Q: What are the arguments related to the Fermi paradox?