Tag: Index
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Bose-Einstein Condensate
Introduction A Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) is a state of matter that arises in a dilute gas of bosons cooled to temperatures very close to absolute zero. It is named after Satyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein, who predicted its existence in the early 20th century. Properties In a BEC, a large fraction of the particles…
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Beta Decay
Introduction Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle is emitted from an atomic nucleus. Beta particles can be either an electron (in beta-minus decay) or a positron (in beta-plus decay), along with a corresponding antineutrino or neutrino, respectively. Beta Minus Decay In beta minus decay, a neutron in the…
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Bell’s Theorem
Introduction Bell’s theorem, proposed by physicist John Bell in 1964, is a pivotal result in quantum mechanics. It deals with the concept of local realism, a principle stating that physical processes occurring at one location do not depend on the properties of objects at other locations. Statement of Bell’s Theorem Bell’s theorem states that: “No…
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Astronomical Unit
Introduction The astronomical unit (AU) is a unit of length often used in astronomy to represent astronomical distances within our solar system. It is approximately equal to the mean distance from the Earth to the Sun, making it a convenient scale for distances involved in planetary motion. Question: If the Earth were the size of…
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Antimatter
Introduction Antimatter is a term used in particle physics to describe particles that have the same mass as their corresponding matter particles but opposite electric charge and other particle properties. When a particle and its antiparticle meet, they annihilate each other, giving rise to other particles or energy in the form of photon radiation. Antiparticles…
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Ampere’s Law
Introduction Ampere’s Law, named after its founder André-Marie Ampère, is a fundamental law in electromagnetism that relates magnetic fields to the electric currents that generate them. It is one of Maxwell’s four equations, which together form the basis of classical electrodynamics. Ampere’s Law in Integral Form Ampere’s law can be stated in its integral form…
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Alpha Decay
Introduction Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle and transforms into a new nucleus. An alpha particle is identical to the nucleus of a helium atom, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. Alpha Decay Equation The general equation for alpha decay is: where is…
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Adiabatic Process
Introduction An adiabatic process in thermodynamics is one in which no heat is exchanged between a system and its surroundings. The word “adiabatic” comes from Greek roots meaning “impassable,” referring to the heat transfer. This concept is of paramount importance in the study of thermodynamics, heat engines, and atmospheric physics. Adiabatic Condition The condition for…
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Standard Model
Introduction The Standard Model of particle physics is a theoretical framework that describes the fundamental particles and forces that make up the universe, excluding gravity. It is a well-tested model that has had remarkable success in predicting and explaining a vast array of physical phenomena. Fundamental Particles The Standard Model includes two main types of…
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Stern-Gerlach Experiment
Introduction The Stern-Gerlach experiment, conducted by Otto Stern and Walther Gerlach in 1922, is a fundamental experiment in quantum mechanics. It demonstrated the quantization of angular momentum and provided early evidence for the existence of spin, a quantum property of particles. Principle of the Experiment The experiment involves passing a beam of particles (in the…