A science writer is creating a timeline comparison of major physics discoveries. The first quantum model was proposed in 1900, the transistor in 1947, lasers in 1960, and the Higgs boson prediction in 1964. If a new breakthrough is expected in a year that reduces the average time between consecutive discoveries to 4.5 years, what year must it occur?

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:51:38 +0000

A science writer is creating a timeline comparison of major physics discoveries. The first quantum model emerged in 1900, followed by the transistor in 1947, lasers in 1960, and the Higgs boson prediction in 1964. Today, growing interest in breakthroughs that shape technology and fundamental understanding fuels attention around the next pivotal moment. With a focus on scientific progress and innovation cycles, readers seek clarity on how discovery pacing influences our future. In this context, a hypothetical new breakthrough that reshapes long-standing averages demands precise timing—here’s how to calculate it. The current average interval between the listed discoveries—1900, 1947, 1960, and 1964—is 16.25 years across four intervals (1947–1900 = 47, 1960–1947 = 13, 1964–1960 = 4). To reduce this to 4.5 years on average across five discoveries, the total