Tag: Energy
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Cosmic Rays
Introduction Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that originate outside the Earth’s atmosphere. These particles, which are primarily protons, are one of the few direct pieces of evidence we have of the processes occurring in the far reaches of the universe. Basics of Cosmic Rays Cosmic rays were discovered in 1912 by physicist Victor Hess, who…
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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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Oscillations
Introduction Oscillations are repetitive variations, typically in time, of some measure about a central value (often a point of equilibrium) or between two or more different states. In physics, oscillations include the movements of a pendulum and the vibrations of atoms. Simple Harmonic Motion Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is a type of oscillatory motion in…
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Transverse Waves
Introduction Transverse waves are waves in which the direction of displacement of the medium’s particles is perpendicular to the direction of the wave propagation. Examples of transverse waves include light waves, radio waves, and waves on a stretched string. This is in contrast to longitudinal waves for which the particle displacement is parallel to the…
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Work-Energy Theorem
Introduction The work-energy theorem is a fundamental principle in physics. It states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. This theorem is a direct consequence of Newton’s second law of motion. The Work-Energy Theorem Equation The work-energy theorem can be mathematically stated as: where: The kinetic…
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Joule’s Law
Introduction Joule’s Law, named after the English physicist James Prescott Joule, is a fundamental principle in the field of electrical engineering and physics. It describes the relationship between the heat generated and the current flowing through a conductor. Basic Formulation Joule’s Law can be expressed as: where: The heat is measured in joules (J), current…
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Joule (unit)
Introduction The joule is the standard unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI). It is named after the British physicist James Prescott Joule. The joule is used across many fields of physics, including mechanics, electricity, and thermodynamics. Definition One joule is defined as the amount of energy transferred when a force of…
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Inelastic Collisions
Introduction Inelastic collisions are a central concept in the study of physics, particularly in the field of mechanics. These types of collisions, where kinetic energy is not conserved, are crucial to understanding how objects interact with each other when they collide. Definition of Inelastic Collisions In an inelastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the…
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Hooke’s Law
Introduction Hooke’s Law describes the behavior of springs and other elastic materials. Named after the British physicist Robert Hooke, this law is a fundamental principle in the fields of mechanics and materials science. Basic Principle Hooke’s Law states that the force required to extend or compress a spring by some distance is proportional to that…
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Electromagnetic Waves
Introduction Electromagnetic waves are waves of electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space carrying electromagnetic energy. They are solutions to Maxwell’s equations and encompass a wide range of phenomena including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Maxwell’s Equations Maxwell’s equations describe the behavior of both the electric and magnetic…