Author: Tru Physics
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Quantum Mechanics
Introduction Quantum Mechanics is the branch of physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. It is one of the fundamental theories of physics, alongside General Relativity, and has been remarkably successful in predicting experimental results. Wave-Particle Duality One of the cornerstone concepts in…
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Quarks
Introduction Quarks are elementary particles that make up protons and neutrons, which in turn are the building blocks of atomic nuclei. The existence of quarks was first proposed by Murray Gell-Mann and George Zweig in 1964. Types of Quarks Six types, or “flavors,” of quarks have been identified: up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom.…
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Rabi Oscillations
Introduction Rabi oscillations, named after Isidor Isaac Rabi, are coherent oscillations of an atomic system in a two-level quantum mechanical state due to the application of an external oscillating field. The phenomenon is of fundamental importance in quantum mechanics and is a key principle behind technologies like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and quantum computing. Basic…
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Rayleigh Scattering
Introduction Rayleigh scattering, named after the British physicist Lord Rayleigh, is a type of scattering that occurs when the size of the particles or the wavelength of the light makes the scattering medium or obstacles irrelevant. It is most commonly used to explain why the sky appears blue. The Principle of Rayleigh Scattering Rayleigh scattering…
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Right-Hand Rule
Introduction The Right-Hand Rule is a mnemonic device used in physics to understand the orientations of vectors in three dimensions. It’s especially useful in electromagnetism, rotation dynamics, and vector cross products. The Right-Hand Rule for Cross Products The right-hand rule is typically used when calculating the cross product of two vectors. The cross product is…
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Reflection
Introduction Reflection is a fundamental concept in physics that describes how waves, such as light or sound, bounce off a surface. When these waves encounter a surface, they are reflected back into their original medium rather than being absorbed or transmitted. Law of Reflection The behavior of a wave upon reflection is governed by the…
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Refraction
Introduction Refraction is the change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another caused by its change in speed. This fundamental concept in physics is most commonly observed when a wave, such as light or sound, passes from air into water or from air into glass. The Principle of Refraction When light…
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Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment
Introduction The Rutherford gold foil experiment, conducted by Ernest Rutherford and his colleagues in 1911, is a landmark in the field of nuclear physics. The experiment provided evidence for the existence of the atomic nucleus, leading to the development of the Rutherford atomic model. The Experimental Setup Rutherford’s gold foil experiment involved bombarding a thin…
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Rutherford Scattering
Introduction Rutherford scattering is a phenomenon in physics that was used by Ernest Rutherford in 1911 to infer the presence of a positively charged nucleus at the center of the atom. The process refers to the scattering of particles by an atomic nucleus, leading to a deflection of the particles in various directions. Principles of…
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Thermoelectric Effect
Introduction The thermoelectric effect refers to a collection of phenomena in which a temperature difference creates an electric potential or an electric potential creates a temperature difference. These effects have important applications in heating and cooling, power generation, and temperature sensing. Types of Thermoelectric Effects Seebeck Effect The Seebeck effect is the conversion of temperature…