Author: Tru Physics
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Yukawa Potential
Introduction The Yukawa potential, also known as the screened Coulomb potential, is a mathematical function used to describe the potential energy of a particle interaction mediated by a massive force carrier. It was first introduced by Hideki Yukawa in 1935 to describe the nuclear force between nucleons (protons and neutrons) within the atomic nucleus. The…
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Zero-Point Energy
Introduction Zero-Point Energy (ZPE) is an important concept in quantum mechanics that refers to the lowest possible energy that a quantum mechanical physical system may have. Unlike classical systems, quantum systems are subject to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, which states that we cannot precisely know both the position and momentum of a particle. Therefore, even…
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Zeeman Effect
Introduction The Zeeman Effect, named after the Dutch physicist Pieter Zeeman, is the splitting of a spectral line into several components in the presence of a static magnetic field. It is a key phenomenon in atomic physics and quantum mechanics that illustrates the interaction between magnetic fields and the magnetic moments of atoms. Understanding the…
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Yarkovsky Effect
Introduction The Yarkovsky Effect is the force acting on a rotating body in space caused by the anisotropic emission of thermal photons (which carry momentum). This effect is named after the engineer Ivan Osipovich Yarkovsky, who first proposed the idea. This effect plays a significant role in the dynamics of small celestial bodies, such as…
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X-Rays
Introduction X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about 10 nanometers to 0.01 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 petahertz () to 30 exahertz (), and energies in the range 100 eV to 100 keV. X-rays are highly penetrating and are widely used in medical imaging and in various…
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Wave Function
Introduction The wave function, denoted by the Greek letter psi (), is a mathematical function that describes the quantum state of a physical system. It provides the probabilities of the outcomes of measurements of physical quantities such as position, momentum, and energy. Schrödinger Equation The evolution of the wave function in time is governed by…
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Uncertainty Principle
Introduction The Uncertainty Principle, or Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics. It states that it is impossible to precisely measure the exact position and momentum of a particle simultaneously. Uncertainty Principle Explained The mathematical formulation of the uncertainty principle is: where: This inequality means that the product of the uncertainties in…
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Time Dilation
Introduction Time dilation is a fundamental concept in physics that originates from Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. It describes how the perception of time can vary for two observers depending on their relative motion and gravitational field. Time Dilation in Special Relativity In special relativity, time dilation occurs between two observers if one is moving…
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Mass-Energy Equivalence
Introduction Mass-energy equivalence is a fundamental principle of modern physics, stating that mass and energy are interchangeable. It’s the foundation of nuclear reactions and the idea behind nuclear power and weapons. Einstein’s Famous Equation Albert Einstein, in his Special Theory of Relativity, expressed the principle of mass-energy equivalence with the equation: where: Conceptual Understanding According…
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Radioactive Decay
Introduction Radioactive decay, also known as nuclear decay or radioactivity, is a spontaneous process in which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can include alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, or other particles. Definition and Equation In radioactive decay, a parent nucleus transforms into a daughter nucleus and in the process…