I recently finished watching the 3 Body Problem on Netflix so this question came to mind. Can anyone explain (in simple terms) why the 3 body problem was deemed unsolvable even by the advanced alien race in the series? Even better, can anyone here simplify what the 3 Body Problem actually is in Physics? It really got my curiosity. Thanks! 🙂
In: Physics
Object A and B in space pull on each other because of gravity. We’ve got this one down easily – the math is relatively straightforward, and very very predictable.
Now add a third object.
We know how A and B pull on each other, easy peasy! Wait though, C is pulling on A and B, so re-do all the math because of that.
Wait, A is pulling on C too, so that changes things, so recalculate again.
Wait, B is pulling on C too, so recalculate again.
Wait, that changes how C pulls on A and B, so recalculate again.
Wait, that changes how A pulls on B and C, so recalculate again.
Wait, that changes how B pulls on A and C, so recalculate again.
Wait…
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