Category: Index
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Power
Introduction Power is a fundamental concept in physics. It is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. In other words, power measures how quickly work is done. Basic Definition The basic formula for power is given by the work done divided by the time taken to do the work: where: Power…
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Potential Energy
Introduction Potential energy is the stored energy of an object based on its position relative to other objects, stresses within itself, its electric charge, or other factors. It is one of the two main forms of energy, the other being kinetic energy. Gravitational Potential Energy Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due…
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Polarization
Introduction Polarization is a property of waves that describes the orientation of their oscillations. In the context of electromagnetism, polarization specifically refers to the characteristic of electromagnetic waves, such as light, where the electric field vector describes a specific pattern in space as the wave propagates. Linear Polarization In linear polarization, the electric field vector…
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Planck’s Law
Introduction Planck’s law describes the spectral density of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a black body in thermal equilibrium at a given temperature. The law is named after Max Planck, who was the first to propose it in 1900. It corrected the known limitations of the Rayleigh-Jeans law and Wien’s displacement law and marked the birth…
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Planck’s Constant
Introduction Planck’s constant, denoted by , is a fundamental constant of nature that plays a central role in the theory of quantum mechanics. It is named after the German physicist Max Planck, who first proposed its existence. Planck’s constant is a measure of the granularity of the physical world at the microscopic level, and it…
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Photoelectric Effect
Introduction The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in quantum physics in which electrons are ejected from the surface of a material (typically a metal) when light of a certain frequency or higher is shone upon it. This discovery provided key evidence for the quantum nature of light and was explained by Albert Einstein in 1905,…
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Periodic Motion
Introduction Periodic motion, often associated with oscillatory or vibrational systems, is a fundamental concept in physics. This type of motion repeats itself in a regular cycle. Examples include the motion of a pendulum, the vibration of a guitar string, and the orbit of a planet around the Sun. Basic Definitions Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) The…
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Pauli Exclusion Principle
Introduction The Pauli Exclusion Principle is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, formulated by Austrian physicist Wolfgang Pauli in 1925. This principle is crucial for understanding the behavior of electrons in atoms and forms the basis for the structure of the periodic table of elements. Statement of the Pauli Exclusion Principle The Pauli Exclusion Principle…
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Pascal’s Principle
Introduction Pascal’s Principle, also known as Pascal’s law, describes how changes in pressure at any point in an enclosed fluid are transmitted undiminished to all points in the fluid and to the walls of its container. It’s a fundamental principle in the science of hydraulics and plays a crucial role in understanding fluid mechanics. Statement…
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Particle Detectors
Introduction Particle detectors are instruments designed for measuring and identifying particles, such as those produced by nuclear decay, cosmic radiation, or reactions in a particle accelerator. Detectors measure and record physical quantities such as energy, momentum, spin, charge, etc., of the particles. Basic Principles The operational principle of particle detectors is based on the interaction…