Category: Index
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Magnetic Monopoles
Introduction Magnetic monopoles are hypothetical particles that carry a single, isolated magnetic pole – either a north pole or a south pole. In contrast, every known particle that carries a magnetic field has both a north and a south pole. The concept of magnetic monopoles arises from the symmetry in Maxwell’s equations and the concept…
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Magnetic Field
Introduction A magnetic field is a vector field that describes the magnetic influence of electric charges in relative motion and magnetized materials. The magnetic field at any given point is specified by both a direction and a magnitude (or strength), so it is a vector field. Magnetic Force on a Moving Charge The force exerted…
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Longitudinal Waves
Introduction Longitudinal waves are a type of wave in which the displacement of the medium’s particles is parallel to the propagation of the wave. They are characterized by alternating regions of compressions (areas where the particles are close together) and rarefactions (areas where the particles are far apart). Wave Parameters and Properties Wave Speed The…
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Leptons
Introduction Leptons are a type of elementary particle in the Standard Model of particle physics. The term “lepton” comes from the Greek for “light” (in weight), reflecting the fact that leptons are generally lighter than other kinds of particles. Fundamental Properties Leptons are fermions, meaning they have a half-integer spin () and follow the Pauli…
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Lenz’s Law
Introduction Lenz’s law is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism, stating that an induced electromotive force (or EMF) always generates a current that opposes the change in original magnetic flux. It is a manifestation of the conservation of energy applied to electromagnetic systems. The Law and Its Interpretation Lenz’s law can be understood in the context…
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Length Contraction
Introduction Length contraction is a fundamental concept in the theory of special relativity. It describes the phenomenon that a moving object’s length is measured to be shorter than its rest length, along the direction of motion. Understanding Length Contraction Length contraction is a direct consequence of Einstein’s postulate that the speed of light in a…
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Klein-Gordon Equation
Introduction The Klein-Gordon equation is a relativistic wave equation, related to the Schrödinger equation, and is a cornerstone of quantum field theory. It was developed by Oskar Klein and Walter Gordon in 1926. The Klein-Gordon Equation The Klein-Gordon equation describes scalar particles, such as mesons (quarks and antiquarks bound together) in quantum field theory. In…
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Kirchhoff’s Laws
Introduction Kirchhoff’s Laws, formulated by Gustav Kirchhoff, are fundamental to circuit analysis and design. They provide a set of rules that help us understand how electrical charge and energy behave in electrical circuits. They include two main laws: Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL). Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) Kirchhoff’s Current Law, also…
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Kinetic Theory of Gases
Introduction The Kinetic Theory of Gases is a simple, yet powerful model that explains the properties of gases in terms of the motion of their constituent particles. It provides a microscopic explanation for macroscopic properties such as pressure, temperature, and volume. Assumptions of the Kinetic Theory of Gases Ideal Gas Law The ideal gas law…
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Kepler’s Laws
Introduction Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, derived by Johannes Kepler in the 17th century, provide a description of the motion of planets in their orbits around the Sun. They were revolutionary in their assertion that planets move in elliptical orbits and not perfect circles as previously thought. These laws are crucial to our understanding of…