Author: Tru Physics
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Van Allen Radiation Belt
Introduction The Van Allen Radiation Belts are zones of energetic charged particles, most of which originate from the solar wind and become trapped by the Earth’s magnetic field. Named after the discoverer, James Van Allen, these belts pose potential risks to satellites and astronauts, while also serving as a natural laboratory for the study of…
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Noether’s Theorem
Overview Named after the German mathematician Emmy Noether, Noether’s theorem is a fundamental theorem in theoretical physics and the calculus of variations. It relates symmetries in physical systems to conservation laws, providing a deep insight into the structure of physical laws. Basic Statement of Noether’s Theorem In its simplest form, Noether’s theorem states that for…
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Stark Effect
Overview The Stark Effect, named after German physicist Johannes Stark, is the shifting and splitting of spectral lines of atoms and molecules due to the presence of an external electric field. The amount of shifting or splitting is proportional to the strength of the electric field. This is an important phenomenon in both atomic physics…
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Pions
Introduction Pions, also known as pi mesons, are a type of subatomic particle in the meson family. They were first proposed in 1935 by Japanese physicist Hideki Yukawa as a particle mediator for the strong nuclear force that holds protons and neutrons together in the atomic nucleus. Basic Properties of Pions Pions come in three…
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Parsec
Introduction The parsec is a unit of length used in astronomy and astrophysics to measure astronomical distances. Due to the vast scale of the universe, conventional units like meters or kilometers are inconvenient for astronomical distances, so larger units like the parsec are used instead. Definition The parsec (pc) is defined as the distance at…
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Chapter 12: Resistors in Series and Parallel
12.1 Introduction to Resistors In electrical circuits, resistors are often connected in various configurations to control current flow and voltage distribution. Two common resistor arrangements are series and parallel. In this chapter, we will discuss the properties of resistors in series and parallel configurations, as well as how to analyze and calculate the equivalent resistance…
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Chapter 11: Electromotive Force
11.1 Introduction to Electromotive Force Electromotive force (EMF) is a concept in electromagnetism that refers to the potential difference across a source of electrical energy, such as a battery or a generator. EMF is responsible for driving electric current through a circuit. In this chapter, we will explore the concept of EMF and its role…
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Chapter 10: Resistance and Resistivity
10.1 Introduction to Resistance Resistance is a property of a material that opposes the flow of electric current. It is a measure of how difficult it is for current to pass through a conductor. In this chapter, we will explore the concept of resistance and its relationship to current, voltage, and the physical properties of…
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Chapter 9: Current
9.1 Introduction to Electric Current Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conducting medium, such as a wire or a circuit. The movement of charged particles, typically electrons, results in the transfer of energy and information through the medium. In this chapter, we will explore the properties and characteristics of electric current,…
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Chapter 8: Dielectrics
8.1 Introduction to Dielectrics A dielectric is an insulating material that can be polarized by an applied electric field. Dielectrics are used in capacitors to increase their capacitance and to prevent the flow of direct current between the conducting plates. In this chapter, we will discuss the properties of dielectric materials and their effects on…