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Below, look things up alphabetically. If you want to begin achromatic lens: a lens without chromatic aberration
studying physics, go here, where my e-book starts in
mechanics. Or if you already know about forces and motion,
*action-reaction: forces always occur in equal & opposite
you may want to go to fluids, heat, electricity and
pairs so the sum of all = 0 in universe.
magnetism, or waves or quantum effects.
An asterisk (*) in front of a line means you probably need algorithm: an exact step by step plan to get a result
to know it well.
alkali metal: one more electron than a noble gas. Sodium,...
*a: symbol for acceleration, the rate of change of velocity, ∆
v/∆t or dv/dt alpha decay: all nuclei heavier than bismuth could emit α
a: also the symbol for the semimajor axis of an ellipse alpha particle: same as helium nucleus, 2 protons & 2
neutrons
a: atto: 10-18
alternating current: goes back and forth; in USA the standard
A = area is 60 Hz (see Hertz)
A = amplitude, height of a wave from the equilibrium point alternative fuels: hydrogen, ethanol, methanol, biodiesel...
(Fossil fuels will be depleted.)
aberration: distortion of image because lenses are not perfect
aluminium: aluminum in British-English-speak
A-bomb: neutron induces U nucleus to split, releasing more
neutrons, splitting more U nuclei aluminum: element with lucky atomic number 13; see
aluminium
absolute pressure P: the zero pt is the unattainable perfect
vacuum; see gauge pressure AM: amplitude modulation, usually in radio
*absolute temperature T: the zero point is the unattainable ammeter measures amperes, but do not say amp-meter
absolute zero; see Celsius
*ampere (A): unit of current, 1 A = 1 coulomb/second
absolute zero unattainable? Can we be certain of anything?
-273.15 oC *Ampere's law: (not discovered by Ampere) magnetic field
due to a current
ac: alternating current; in the US, power companies use 60
Hz frequency amplifier: circuit to increase amplitude of a signal
*acceleration: rate of change of velocity v; if constant rate of *amplitude: maximum wave height measured from
change, click linear equilibrium or maximum voltage
1
amplitude in quantum mechanics is the square root of the B due to a segment of current is proportional to the sum of
probability the cosines of the angles
angstrom: unit of length = 10-10 m, atom size B due to a coil anywhere on the axis: inside or outside a long
or short coil
*angular acceleration α = a/r in radian/s2 where
a=acceleration and r=radius barn: 10-28 m2, =100 fm2, about the cross-sectional area of a
nucleus
*angular frequency ω = 2π f in radian/s if f is frequency in
Hz. baryon is made of 3 quarks; neutron and proton are examples
*angular impulse τ ∆ t = change of angular momentum beard-second: length a beard grows in a second, 1 bs ≈ 10-8 m
*angular momentum L = Iω or rx(mv): total is conserved if BE condensate: Bose-Einstein condensate = atoms in one
no external torque acts quantum state, like 1 atom
*angular speed or angular velocity ω = v/r in radian/s *beat frequency = ∆ f when two frequencies mix
antiparticles: same mass, opposite in other properties; every Bernoulli's principle: higher v means lower P under the right
particle has an anti conditions
API: application programming interface beta decay: electron or positron emitted from nucleus
*Archimedes' principle: buoyant force = weight of fluid Bethe cycle (stars): overall, 4p forms 1 He + 2e+ + 2ν +
displaced energy
area of circle: π r2; ellipse: π ab=π a2(1-e2)1/2; surface of Betz coefficient: 16/27, the maximum fraction of wind power
that one can capture. Derive
sphere: 4π r2
big bang: about 13.7 billion years ago, all matter and energy
Aristotle's physics (by thought, not experiment) set back
created and Universe began
progress for many centuries. Great philosopher but..
*atmospheric pressure = 1.01 x 105 Pa (pascal = Pa = N/m2), Biot & Savart law for calculating magnetic field from charge,
see newton (N) velocity & distance
atomic mass unit: 1 amu or u = 1.66x10-27 kg, m of carbon 12 bit: 0 or 1 in a computer; byte = 8 bits
atom divided by 12
black body radiation: intensity is σ T4, where σ is 5.67x10-8
atto (a): 10-18 W/(m2⋅ K4)
aura surrounding a person: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings black radiates more and absorbs more
*average velocity = distance/time [=(vo + v)/2 if acceleration black hole: g super large-- light cannot escape; would be a
is constant] handy trash can
2
Bohr magneton: 9.2740154 x 10-24 J/T calculus deals with infinitesimal quantities
Bohr radius, H atom, 1st orbit: 5.3 x 10-11 m *calorie: heat energy to raise temp. of a gram of water 1oC; 1
cal = 4.186 joule
*boil: liquid to vapor- heat required is Lv m; m = mass
vaporized, Lv=constant *Calorie (diet) = kilocalorie, 4186 J. 2000 diet Cal/day = 97
watts.
Boltzmann's constant k = gas law constant R divided by
Avogadro's number candela (cd): SI unit of luminous intensity, 1 cd = 1
lumen/steradian
Boltzmann's constant k = 1.380658 x 10-23 J/K
*capacitance C= q/V, unit: farad = coulomb/volt, see
capacitor
Boolean algebra: uses 0 & 1 only: 1+1=1; all other operations
are as expected
capacitive reactance, Xc = 1/(ω C), opposition to AC in Ohms
Bose-Einstein condensation: gas of bosons all go into the
lowest energy state *capacitor stores electric charge (batteries keep constant V,
capacitors don't)
boson: particle with integral spin quantum number
carbon cycle: see Bethe cycle
*Boyle's law was first discovered by Towneley and Powers
carbon dating: radioactive C created from regular C in
Bq (becquerel) unit = 1 disintegration/second. 1 curie atmosphere, used to find age of formerly living
(Ci)=3.7x1010 Bq
carbon dioxide, atmospheric: 315 ppm in 1958, 377 ppm in
2004
Bragg equation is for x-rays reflected off a crystal, 2dsinθ =
mλ for maxima
carbon nanotubes: lots of future technology waiting to be
238 239
developed
breeder reactor: unfissionable U converted to Pu, which
is fissionable
Casimir effect: two uncharged plates in a vacuum attract each
other due to vacuum polarization
bremsstrahlung: braking radiation; electron hits target,
radiates electromagnetic waves
caterpallor: color of your face after seeing half a worm in
your apple
Brewster's law: tanθ p = n, where θ p = angle such that
reflection is totally polarized
*Celsius temperature scale: water freezes at 0o C = 273.15 K,
boils at 100o C=373.15 K.
brewster's law: keep air away from the fermenting beer
o
C = 5/9(oF + 40) - 40 and oF = 9/5(oC + 40) - 40
British units: we blame the Brits for pound, slug, foot
(sounds like martial arts)
center of buoyancy: buoyant force acts like one force at this
point
Brownian motion: random motion of a particle in a fluid
caused by molecules bumping it
center of gravity is center of mass for all practical purposes;
weight is like one force
buckyball (buckminsterfullerene): C60, molecule of C atoms
shaped like a soccer ball
*center of mass xcm = Σ mx/mtotal
bulk modulus B: pressurize something and it shrinks in
volume: ∆ P = -B∆ V/V *centrifugal force: for this you need an accelerated reference
frame; avoid it
buoyant force experiment *centripetal force: avoid the term; no new force is present in
circular motion
c = speed of light, nature's speed limit, 299,792,458 m/s ~
3.00 x 108 m/s chaos: herding cats, for example
3
charge: the "stuff" of electricity, it is what is flowing in an conduction or flow of fluid: fluid flows toward lower
electric current pressure region
charge of the electron: 1.6 x 10-19 coulomb conductivity = inverse of resistivity. see resistivity
chemical reaction: it's all in the electron configurations conic section = intersection of plane & cone: point, ellipse,
(nuclei do not change) parabola, hyperbola, straight line
circular reasoning: see reasoning, circular conservation laws: in physics they are about quantities that
are constant (see below)
clairvoyance: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings
*conservation of angular momentum (if no net external
torque acts)
cm: centimeter, CM: center of mass
cogeneration: produce electricity and instead of throwing out conserving energy resources: we're addicted to fossil fuels;
waste heat, use it will suffer withdrawal
*coil, magnetic field of, or to find inductance of a coil, see conspiracy, Federal Government, 9/11/01: See Elvis sightings
inductance and get over it.
cold fusion: maybe something, but not fusion; see Elvis *constant acceleration problems: equations and how to use
sightings them
*collisions: apply conservation of momentum and sometimes conundrum: use for safe lex
energy
*converging lenses, mirrors: convex lens, concave mirror,
color magnify the white on the computer screen and you will positive f, converging type
see red, green and blue
*convex mirror, concave lens: negative f; diverging type:
*components of a vector: vector = hypotenuse of right parallel rays diverge after
triangle, comps = other sides
Copernicus theory (1543): planets orbit the sun
Compton effect: a photon bounces off an electron; Compton
derived the change of λ Coriolis effect makes a cannon shot go a little to the right in
N. hemisphere, although…
*concave mirror & convex lens: positive f; one equation is
used for these and for …Coriolis force is a fictitious force on the cannonball. The
effect is due to Earth's rotation.
*concave lens & convex mirror: negative f
*cosine: (side adjacent)/(hypotenuse) in a right triangle
condensation: opposite of evaporation; same amount of heat
transfer occurs cosine law can be used to add vectors
conductance: inverse of resistance; 1/ohm = mho cosmic rays: particles from space, mostly from sun
*conduction of heat: heat energy flows toward the lower cosmic background radiation: microwave radiation from the
temperature big bang
*conduction of current: electric charge flows toward the cosmology: evolution of the universe; cosmetology:
lower voltage evolution of hairdos
4
cosmos: the whole shebang *deceleration: slowing down; negative acceleration if
velocity is positive
*coulomb unit of charge: 1 C = 6.25 x 1018 e (e = absolute
value of electron charge) delusions of adequacy: thinking you can get along without
physics
*Coulomb's law F = kq1q2/r2 with k = 8.987552 x 109 N⋅
m2/C2 *density ρ = mass/volume
cracker: criminal hacker destructive interference: occurs where waves are out of phase
crap game quantum mechanics: to illustrate some of the ideas diamagnetism: weak repulsion of a substance from a magnet,
and notation an electron orbit effect
creationism: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings (paramagnetism is a weak attraction to a magnet, an electron
spin effect)
critical angle: sinθ c = 1/n, where n = index of refraction (see
Snell's law) diameter of proton: 2 x 10-15 m
crop circle hoax: people believed aliens landed; see Elvis diameter of iron nucleus: 8 x 10-15 m
sightings
diameter of typical atom: 1 x 10-10 m
Curie, Marie: Nobel Prizes in both chem and phys.
diameter of red blood cell: 7.5 x 10-6 m
10
curie: (abbreviated Ci) Unit representing 3.7 x 10
disintegrations per second, see Bq diameter of Earth: 1.27 x 107 m
*current (electric) I = q/t =charge which moves past a point diameter of our galaxy: 7.6 x 1020 m
in time t divided by t, see Ohm’s law
daughter nucleus: after a radioactive decay dispersion or why there are rainbows
DC: direct current goes one way (alternating current goes *diverging lens (concave lens) like convex mirror, both have
back & forth). negative focal length
de Broglie theory: particle of momentum p has wavelength Doppler effect: higher frequency if source is moving toward
h/p; (see h, see p=mv) you or you toward source
decay of a radioactive nucleus: start with number No, then N double refraction: some crystals split a light beam into two,
= Noe-t/τ ,τ =mean life polarized ⊥
5
*double slit: Interference maxima: dsinθ = mλ is a good *efficiency e of an engine: work output divided by fuel
approximation, click here for exact equation energy input; see heat engine
down (quark, d): rest energy = 360 MeV, charge -1/3e Ehrenfest's theorem in quantum mechanics is the Newton's
2nd law equivalent
dowsing to find water: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings
eigenvalue: characteristic value.
dud: neutron is a dud, two down quarks and one up
Einstein: special relativity, general relativity, photoelectric
effect (and many others)
*dynamics: applying Newton's laws
*1 dyne = the weight of a mosquito; dyn is the abbreviation, elastic potential energy: deform something that "wants" to
a great space saver return to normal
e: 2.7182818284…, the base of the natural logarithm (ln); electret is to electric field as permanent magnet is to
ln(ex) = x, elnx = x magnetic field
e: absolute value of the electron charge, e=1.602 x 10-19 electret example: melt carnauba wax, let it cool in an electric
Coulomb field
e: eccentricity of an ellipse- circle has e=0, long thin ellipse *electric charge: the "stuff" of electricity, + or -
has e close to 1
Earth: Rorb=1.496x1011m, rE=6.371x106 m, mass=5.974x1024 *electric power = VI = I2R = V2/R, watt = joule/second
kg, I=8.021x1037 kg⋅m2
6
electroweak force: unification of the weak nuclear and fermion: particle with spin half h-bar (boson has integral spin
electromagnetic forces number)
elliptical orbit of a satellite, and more than you wanted to final theory: (dream on, Steve) if we find one we can't be
know about it certain that it's right, so…
Elvis sightings: believing in a falsehood because you want to fine structure constant = e2/(2ε o hc) ≈ 1/137
believe it
*first law of thermodynamics is the conservation of energy
emissivity: e=0 to 1, measure of radiation emission (and principle
absorption)
fish eyes have spherical lenses
*energy: ability to do work is the oversimplified statement of
what it is
fission, nuclear: split a big nucleus and energy is released;
see fusion
entropy: a measure of disorder; when things are a real mess,
call it high entropy
flow of fluid, heat, charge: one equation fits all
equipartition of energy: for example in a solid, atoms have flux of a field: field times perpendicular area
PE=KE
escape speed: (2GM/r)1/2 = speed needed to escape a planet forces, contin.: electromagnetic and weak nuclear unified=
(not orbit) electroweak force
*eV: electron-volt, PE change of electron moved through one *force vectors: the vector sum of all ∝ ma (Σ F = ma for
volt, 1.6x10-19 J certain units)
evaporation: fast molecules escape, reducing the average v of fossil fuels are being used up. We will convert to solar energy
liquid molecules, lowering the temperature of the liquid dependence eventually
evolution "just a theory" is an admission of ignorance. A *free fall: acceleration g = 9.8 m/s2 = 32ft/s2 on Earth
theory is well-verified, the highest ideas of science.
7
*G: universal gravitation constant, 6.6726 x10-11 Nm2/kg2 , *grating: dsinθ = mλ is equation for a maximum, m=0,1,2,…
F=GMm/r2
*gravitation: You are attracted to your physics book.
Galileo did experiments and found that Aristotle had wrong
ideas about physics
Gravitation is just a theory, not fact, so keep an open mind
about it.
gamma: factor in relativity theory, γ = (1 - v2/c2)-1/2
*gravitational potential energy: mgy (y small compared to R
gamma ray: electromagnetic wave from nucleus of Earth) or -GMm/r
gamma ray bursts: said to be the most energetic events in the *gravity: force = mg = GMm/r2 , G = 6.6726 x 10-11 Nm2/kg2
universe; unknown origin
gray (Gy): unit for absorbed radiation per mass; 1 Gy = 1
gas: molecules relatively far apart J/kg. Rad = 0.01 Gy.
*gas law about P, V and T (PV=nRT) or a more theoretical greenhouse effect: why a car in sunlight gets warm inside
approach to the gas law
greenhouse gases: CO2, CH4, etc. cause global warming
gasoline: energy content 132 MJ/gallon
*ground: how electric power companies use it
gates: and, nand, or, xor, nor, Bill. Certain inputs yield a
certain output
ground-fault interrupter (GFI) turns off electric power if
hotwire current is not = neutral wire current
*gauge pressure: difference between absolute P and
atmospheric P
ground state: lowest energy state
h-bar = h/2π, written with a bar through the upper stem of the
geysers work like coffee percolators
h
global warming: we are the cause, and we will pay the price
hand = 4 inches (unit used in measuring horse height)
o
gradian (grad): angle measure, 100 of them in 90
healing touch: placebo effect at its finest hour
8
*heat engine: highest, lowest temps TH and TL, e < 1-TL/TH incompetence: what we strive to achieve- keep getting
(never = in reality) promoted until you have it
Heisenberg uncertainty principle, ∆ p∆ x > h? I'm not sure. index of refraction: speed of light in vacuum/speed of light in
Also ∆ E∆ t > h? a medium
helium was discovered on the Sun before on Earth (helio = *inductance: L = Σ φ /i or Nφ av/i where N=loops in coil,
prefix meaning sun) current i causes flux φ
Helmholtz resonator: when you whistle, your mouth is one inductive reactance: XL = ω L, opposition to AC in Ohms; ω
in rad/s, L in henrys
Hertz: a car rental company
inductive time constant = L/R, so 1 minute is 60 henry/ohm
*hertz (Hz): a cycle per second
inertia: difficulty to change the motion of a body. Mass is a
Higgs boson: undiscovered particle, thought to give other measure of inertia for non-rotationals.
particles mass
inertia, rotational, or moment of inertia, I = ∫ r2dm, used in Σ
hire education: today's higher education τ =Iα
holes in semiconductors (electron vacancies) act like positive inertia of Earth: I = 8.021 x 1037 kg m2
charges
inertial reference frame has zero acceleration. Earth reference
horsepower: 746 W or 550 ft-lb/s. You do a hp running up frame: not quite inertial, but close.
stairs? Almost.
inflationary universe: about 10-35 s after the big bang, brief
Hubble constant: H = 1/age of universe = 2.3 x 10 -18 -1
s . rapid expansion
(speed = H times dist.)
insulators or dielectrics: electrons are stuck to the atoms
Huygens' principle: Each point in a wave front is a source of
semi-spherical waves. intaxication: euphoria due to tax refund
hydrogen atom: En = -13.6 eV/n2 = energy of electron, n = integral of d(cabin)/cabin = natural log cabin
1,2,3,… normal is n=1
9
Jar file: Java archive file *laws of motion: Newton's 1st, 2nd, 3rd ΣF=ma and action-
reaction forces
jet engine thrust: see rocket thrust, but include a negative
term for the intake LC oscillations (coil and capacitor): ω = (LC)-1/2
*joule (J), energy unit, a newton⋅ meter (N⋅ m), also = watt⋅ leap second: in most years they put an extra second in the last
second (W⋅s) minute
K: kelvin, a unit of temperature; oC+273; see kelvin LED: light emitting diode
k: Boltzmann's constant, gas law constant R divided by *lenses and mirrors: one equation fits all
Avogadro's number
lepton = light mass particle; hadron = heavy particle
k: spring constant; spring force = -kx, where x = stretch
distance
lepton: lightweights electron, muon and tau and the 3
corresponding neutrinos
k: unit vector in z direction
lever: bar that pivots at point called the fulcrum
*kelvin temperature scale: based on Celsius, but zero is really
zero
light: derive the wave equation from electricity and
magnetism
Kepler's laws (planets): elliptical orbits, equal areas in equal
time, T2 ∝ a3
light emitting diode (LED): a diode that emits (guess what)
kilogram (kg): SI mass unit. It weighs about 2.2 lb on Earth. light speed: about 3 x 108 m/s
kilowatt hour: energy = 3.6x106 J; E in kwh = power in kW x light-year: unit of distance, the distance light travels in a year,
time in hours 9.46 x 1015 m
*kinematics: distance, velocity, acceleration and time *linear motion (straight line motion with constant
relationships; see linear motion acceleration)
kinetic friction: sliding friction, f = µN, where µ is liquid: molecules packed close together, but are not stuck in
coefficient of kinetic fric, N=normal f. position. In a solid they are locked in place.
*kinetic energy: 1/2mv2 ; if v is near the speed limit c, KE = (γ logarithm of x is the power that the base needs to be raised to
-1)mc2 ; see gamma get x
*kinetic theory of gases : pressure law found by Newton's logarithm of base 10: log(1000) = 3, because 103 = 1000
laws
logarithm of base e: natural log or ln. ln(e2) = 2
Kirchhoff's rules: current toward junction = current away;
sum of ∆V around loop = 0
*loop equation (Kirchhoff 's): Σ ∆ V around circuit loop = 0
latent heat of fusion, vaporization, Lf, Lv: heat required per love wave: transverse surface earthquake wave with vibration
mass for melting, boiling parallel to the surface
law = old theory. Gas “laws” are approximations “Theory” of luck: the harder you work, the more you get
relativity seems exact. (Another usage is that a law is a
specific relationship and a theory is a collection of related lucky: if you feel lucky your chances are the same
laws.)
10
lumens/watt: incandescent bulb, 15. fluorescent, 50. firefly, mass-energy equivalence: E = mc2 , E and m are two forms
650. Ideal = 680 of the same thing
luminous intensity: 1 candela = 1 lumen/sr (sr = steradian, mass of: Earth, 5.975 x 1026 kg, Moon, 7.35 x 1022 kg, Sun,
solid angle) 1.987 x 1030 kg
luminous intensity, an odd name for it; usually intensity is mass of: electron, 9.1094x10-31 kg, proton, 1.6726x10-27 kg,
something per area neutron, 1.6749x10-27
lunar gravity: gmoon = 1.62 m/s2 at moon's surface masses in E/c2 units: elec 0.511 MeV/c2 , proton 938 MeV/c2
, neutron 939 MeV/c2
lux: lumen/m2
mean life: Al Capone's for example. In radioactivity it is half-
life/ln2
m: symbol for mass; abbreviation of meter, milli-
magnetic flux quantum: h/(2e) = 2.068 x 10-15 T⋅m2 MEMS: micro electro-mechanical system
magnetic monopole: it would be nice if it existed Metabolism rate/mass: you, ~2 W/kg. Sun, ~2x10-4 W/kg
magnetic monopole derivation of the Biot-Savart law meter: SI unit of length. 1 inch = 2.54 cm = 0.0254 m
magnetic Pole: someone from Poland with a nice personality micro (µ): 10-6
magnetic N and S poles of a magnet do not exist in isolation Microsoft: 10-6 soft
magnets for healing: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings molecule: two or more atoms bonded together
magnets for improved gas mileage: total nonsense; see Elvis moment of inertia: I = mass times square of distance from
sightings axis, I = ∫ r2dm
11
Murphy's laws apply to all of this stuff, to tell you the truth obfuscation: like a pride of lions, an obfuscation of
administrators
n: symbol for index of refraction in optics; principal
quantum number in atom physics, nano objective lens: the lens on telescope or microscope nearest
the object viewed
*N: symbol for newton, the SI unit of force; sometimes N=
normal force *ohm, abbreviated Ω : unit of resistance defined by Ohm's
law
nano (n): 10-9
ohm⋅ farad (Ω ⋅ f): time of 1 second, as in "I'll be ready in a
n-type semiconductor has free electrons due to being doped few ohm⋅ farads"
with valence 5 element
*Ohm's law: V = IR, voltage across resistance R carrying
neutrino has very tiny mass; oscillates between types current I
neutron is a dud (up quark and two downs, see quark); can one size gives fits to all
pair up into 2(dud)
optical fibers depend on total internal reflection
*newton = unit of force, approximately 0.225 lb, named after
a fig-filled cookie optical computers: someday…
*Newton's law of gravitation and how Sir Isaac found it *optics: when you read this, you are using optics, your eyes'
lenses focus on retina
Newton's laws: even the worst criminals obey them: Fnet =
ma, action-reaction: F & -F *orbit of a satellite, circular or elliptical
*Newton's laws of motion finally put Aristotle's mistaken overtones: usually multiples of the fundamental frequency
views to rest (musical instruments)
*newton-meter = joule (J), energy unit; J = watt⋅ second (W⋅ p is symbol for momentum; p = mv or
s)
P = pressure = force/area
*node: stationary point in a standing wave
12
Pauli principle: no two electrons in an atom can have the PIN diode: has intrinsic (undoped) layer between P and N
same state layers
pendulum: ω = (g/L)1/2 pion: unstable because it's made of only two quarks
penumbra: partial shadow next to umbra, the full shadow pitch (sound): frequency. If mixed frequencies, the ear judges
it.
perigee: (Greek ge = earth) low point in orbit about Earth
(apogee is high pt) plagiarism: copying the work of one person; see research
perihelion: (Helios = Greek God of Sun) low point in orbit Planck's constant h = 6.62606876 x 10-34 J⋅ s
about Sun
Planck length LP = [hG/(2π c3)]1/2 = 1.62 x 10-35 m (some
period T: time of a complete cycle or 2π radians; T=1/f where think it might be important)
f = frequency in Hz
Planck mass MP = [hc/(2π G)]1/2 = 2.18 x 10-8 kg (this is huge
permanent magnet motors got a boost when they found compared to atom masses)
magnets that can take high temp
Planck time TP = [hG/(2π c5)]1/2 = 5.39 x 10-44 s (note that c =
permeability constant µ o = 4π x 10-7 T⋅ m/A for empty space LP/TP)
permittivity constant ε o = 8.85418781762 x 10-12 F/m for *plane wave of light: E = Emsin(kx - ω t) goes toward +x,
empty space speed =
c=ω /k =(ε o µ o)-1/2
perturbation: small deviation from normal
plasma: gas of charged particles
petroleum: will become too expensive for routine use in
about 20 to 50 years PM motor: permanent magnet motor. Can be used as
generator.
phasors: rotating vectors, useful in AC and in theory of
gratings p-n junction: millions of them are serving you right now in
your computer
photocopier: selenium becomes a conductor when
illuminated polarized light: E field in a plane (and B field ⊥)
photon: minimum energy pulse of light, energy = hf, Planck's pole of magnet: N named because it points north (hence
const. times frequency Earth has S near the North Pole)
photonics: light + electronics *power: rate of doing work; SI unit is watt (W) = J/s (see
work, energy, joule)
photovoltaic cells or solar cells: they will replace fossil fuels
power, typical person's daily average ~100 W, or ~2 W/kg.
physical pendulum: any pendulum, really; ω = (mgh/ I)1/2, h Sun, ~2x10-4 W/kg
distance from pivot to CM
Poynting vector: S = ExB/µ o = power/area in light wave,
physics: everything real intensity vector
pi (π ): half a pie, a 180o portion (π radians = 180o) precession: conical motion of axis of spinning top,
gyroscope, Earth, etc.
13
primary colors: red green blue; get a powerful magnifier and quantum theory: waves are particles and particles are waves
look at your screen
quantum vectors: a little on the symbolism and a few
primary colors in art are the complements of the above; operations
pigments subtract light
quark: in normal matter, two types named up and down,
*prism: usually triangular chunk of glass charges 2/3e and -1/3e
*projectile motion: vx = constant and vy changes at the rate of quarks in protons, neutrons: udu, dud.
g, the free fall rate
quark masses: u, 4 MeV/c2; d, 7 MeV/c2 ; see Mega, eV, c, E
projectile, initial angle to maximize x: tanθ = vo/vf = mc2
proper length ∆ Lo = length as measured by instrument at rest R: radius; resistance; resolving power; gas law constant
with respect to the thing R=8.31 Joule/(mole⋅ Kelvin)
proper time ∆ to : time interval between two events measured rad: radiation dose, 0.01 Joule of radiation energy per kg of
by clock located there material, see rem, see gray
proton: two up quarks and a down, see quark rad: abbreviation of radian, see below
psycho-kinesis: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings. All who radian: dimensionless angle measure, arc length divided by
believe it, please raise my hand. radius; 1 rad=180o/π
psychic mind readers: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings radiation, thermal: eσT4 is the power/area; emissivity Stefan-
Boltzmann const. temp4
psychic predictions of future events: total nonsense; see Elvis
sightings radio waves: electromagnetic, like light. speed = c = 3.00 x
108 m/s
psychro- prefix meaning cold
radioactive dating: if she is radioactive, don't date her
psychrometer: measures humidity by evaporative cooling
radiocarbon dating: 14C is produced in atmosphere, half life
5730 years; plants get it
Ptolemy theory: Earth centered theory, a reasonable idea at
the time
radon: a radioactive gas; can seep into your basement
pyramid power: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings
Rankine temperature scale (an absolute scale): add 460 to
2 2 2 Fahrenheit temperature
*Pythagorean theorem: h = a + b , h=hypotenuse of right
triangle, a&b=other 2 sides
ratio of specific heats: Cp/Cv = 5/3 for monatomic, 7/5 for
diatomic gas
*q: symbol for charge or for heat energy
quantum: smallest unit. quantum of light is photon, q of reactance: two types, capacitive and inductive, XC and XL in
charge is electron or quark Ohms
quantum computers: some day… *real image: the light is really there (as opposed to virtual
image); go optics
quantum phenomena: discontinuous steps with no in-between red: longest wavelength light your eye can detect
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red giant: when our Sun becomes one (in a few billion years), *rotational acceleration α = rate of change of spin ω; α =dω
Earth will be vaporized /dt
reflection: light bounces off, sort of; equal angles from mirror rotational inertia I = mass times square of distance to axis of
rotation; I =∫ r2dm
refraction: bending of light entering a material (unless light is
⊥ to surface) see Snell rotational speed or velocity ω can be considered vector
*resultant = vector sum scaling: effect of size. An elephant-size mouse's leg bones
would break.
Richter scale for earthquakes is like the bel scale for sound
(but we use decibels) Schrodinger's equation is to quantum mechanics as Newton's
laws is to classical mech.
*right-hand rule for rotations: r.h. fingers curl in rotation
direction, thumb=vector Schwarzchild radius: 2GM/c2 , something with smaller radius
is a black hole.
*rh rule for magnetic field of current: thumb in I direction,
fingers in B direction scientific method: any reasonable method that would
convince a skeptic
rms: root-mean-square, the square root of the average of the
squares scientific notation: (number between 1 and 10) x 10whole number ,
6.02x1023 for example
rms voltage of sinusoidal AC: Vrms=Vpeak/21/2
SCR: silicon controlled rectifier
robots: big future- farming, manufacturing, exploring,
rescuing, .... seasons: N hemisphere farther from sun in summer! Angle of
sunlight is the key
rocket thrust: force is relative velocity of the exhaust times
the mass rate, dm/dt second law of thermodynamics: total entropy cannot decrease
Roentgen: 1 R produces ions of charge 2.58x10-4 C in 1 kg of second law, another version: heat energy cannot flow by
dry air at STP conduction to the warmer body
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self inductance (or inductance): L in henrys as in ε = -Ldi/dt *sound waves in air, velocity is a function of temperature
semiconductors: diamond, germanium and silicon, for *sound waves, standing, inside horns and woodwinds, for
example example
semiconductor physics & lasers: try space exploration: use robotics, stupid
http://www.britneyspears.ac/lasers.htm (good phys, no joke)
space: particle-antiparticle pairs pop into existence, then
*series and parallel circuits and beyond s&p disappear
SETI: search for extraterrestrial intelligence *specific heat capacity C in the equation ∆ Q = Cm∆ T
shock wave: sonic boom for example, when plane travels spectrometer, spectroscope: separates light into its
faster than sound component wavelengths
SI units: kilogram, meter, second, Ampere, Kelvin, mole, spectrum: rainbow is an example
candela are the base units
*speed and velocity: velocity is a vector, speed is magnitude
sidereal: measured with respect to distant star, not the Sun of v.
*simple harmonic motion (SHM): x = Asinωt when force speed limit in nature is the speed of light- that seems like
toward center prop. dist. nonsense but it is true
solution: if you are not part of the solution, you are part of *standing waves, sound: toot a flute
the precipitate
states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, liquid crystal, supercooled
sonic boom: shock wave from something going faster than liquid, superfluid, plasma,
sound states of matter, continued: Bose-Einstein condensate,
neutron star, black hole,…
*sound waves and the theory behind it
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*static friction: we would not exist without it Tera: THz = 1012 Hz, for example
statics: Σ F = 0 and Σ τ = 0 → zero acceleration, zero angular terminal velocity: v when falling body has air drag = weight
acceleration
*Tesla, SI unit of magnetic flux density B (some people
Stefan-Boltzmann constant σ = 5.67x10-8 W⋅ m-2⋅ K-4 (see object to calling B mag. field)
blackbody radiation)
theory usually means a well-verified collection of laws and
steradian: unit of solid angle, area as "seen" by a point principles about an aspect of nature
divided by distance squared
thermal refers to heat. thermal conduction, thermal energy....
strong force: one of two nuclear forces, the other is the weak
force thermionic emission: heating a filament causes electrons to
"boil" off
Sun: 1.50x1011 m from Earth, "metabolic" rate = 2x10-4W/kg,
about 1/5000 of yours thermistor: semiconductor; it drops in resistance with rise of
temperature
Sun's energy source: very slow fusion of hydrogen into
helium, see above thermocouple: electricity from heat with no moving parts, but
very inefficient
superconductivity: resistance exactly zero caused by a
quantum effect *thermodynamics: work output from heat energy
supercool: cool a liquid and it can dip below its freezing thermodynamics, laws of: You 1) can't win. 2) can't break
point before freezing even. 3) must play the game.
supernova: star blow-up; those C, O and N atoms in your thermodynamics: 1) conservation of energy 2) heat
body came from supernovas conduction toward cooler, or total entropy cannot decrease
*superposition of waves: fancy term for addition of waves thermopile: a bunch of thermocouples
superstring theory: elementary particles are strings? Thevenin's theorem: replace a complex network of resistors
maybe…. and batteries with 1 battery and 1 resistor
surface tension: water molecules attract each other, so surface thick lenses: don't click on it, it won't tell anything about
layer is more dense them
sustainability: capable of continuing forever, unlike modern *thin lenses click it. one equation fits all mirrors and thin
agriculture etc. in US. lenses if you get signs right
tau, muon & electron and their corresponding neutrinos are time dilation: time slows down as v approaches c. t = γ to
the lightweights: leptons (see gamma)
telescope and microscope formula for building the simplest ton = 2000 pounds
lens types
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ton of TNT has energy 4.1 GJ unit vectors: i, j, k magnitude = one; direction in x,y,z
directions, respectively
*torque τ = rxF twists things; Σ τ = Iα, see inertia I, ang.
accel. α and vector prod. universal gravitational constant G = 6.6726 x 10-11 N⋅ m2/kg2
torr: unit of pressure = 1 mm of mercury measured by a universe: as far as we know there is only one, but we cannot
mercury barometer know for certain
Torricelli's theorem: Water squirting out hole in open tank at up (quark, u): rest energy 360 MeV, charge 2/3 e; proton is
depth h has v = (2gh)1/2 uud
torsion pendulum, twisting back and forth uranium 235 is fissionable, 238 is not, but 238 can be
converted to plutonium
total internal reflection: if your calculator says ERROR when
you calculate refraction vacuum: no perfect one is possible (but we cannot be
absolutely certain of anything)
*transformer: changes the voltage of AC; voltage ratio =
turns ratio vacuum polarization: particle-antiparticle pairs pop in and out
of existence
transistor: current regulator made of semiconductors; like a
faucet controls water flow van de Graaff generator: carry charge on a belt to the inside
of hollow sphere
*transverse waves: vibrations ⊥ to the wave velocity
*vaporization: heat energy required = Lvm (Lv = constant,
latent heat of vaporization)
*trigonometry: see sine, cosine and tangent, then memorize
those definitions
*vector addition: usually add corresponding components, but
there are other ways
triple point, water (3 phases in equilibrium): 0.01 oC and P =
4.62 torr.
vector product or cross product: AxB is ⊥ to the AB plane
Tropic of Cancer, Capricorn: Sun is straight above 6/20+,
12/20+ (23.5o N, S latitude) *vectors: in mechanics and in quantum mechanics
tunneling: electron or other particle disappears and reappears *velocity: average v = distance traveled/time, instantaneous v
elsewhere! = dx/dt (d = small ∆ )
turbulence: in flowing fluid, random swirls *vibrations: we deal only with the simple harmonic motion
type here
ultrasound: frequency too high for the ear-brain system to
detect *virtual focus: parallel light thru concave lens diverges; trace
it back to a point
ultrasound: defined as f >20 kHz, but you probably can't hear
15 kHz *virtual image: at its location the light is not really there; see
real image
ultraviolet light: frequency too high for the eye-brain system
to detect viscosity η : resistance to flow of a fluid is proportional to η
uncertainty principle: I dunno, maybe check out Heisenberg visible light wavelengths = about 400 to 700 nm, due to eye,
not property of light
unified field theory: maybe in 20 years we will have one
super theory of everything *volt: unit of electrical potential energy per charge. 1 V = 1
J/C
*uniform circular motion: constant α , so easy equations
apply *voltage acts like electrical pressure; I = ∆ V/R, like vol flow
rate below
*units: conversions, and you should know the SI electrical
units volume flow rate dQ/dt = ∆ P/R, pressure difference divided
by resistance
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volumes: Ah if constant area A such as cylinder, πr2h. Others: *work: component of force in direction of motion times
sphere, (4/3)πr3 distance moved
volume, contin. pyramid and cone, (1/3)Ah *work and energy: work is energy transfer; SI unit is N⋅
m=joule
volume, contin. torus (donut), area of circular part times
circumference of center-line *work done by expanding gas is average pressure times
change of volume
W: watt
*work-energy theorem: total work by all forces = change of
kinetic energy
waist: a terrible thing to mind
*watt (W): SI unit of power, watt = joule/second (W = J/s); WYSIWYG: what you see is what you get
James Watt, James Joule
wind power: 1/2 ρ Av3 , 0.59 (= Betz coefficient) of this is Young's elastic modulus E: F/A = -E∆ L/L ; see also bulk
max possible to capture modulus B
wind power output of wind machine ≈ 0.2ρ Av3 (ρ density, A *Young's experiment: the double slit experiment with light
area, v speed of wind)
z axis unit vector: k, dimensionless, with magnitude = 1
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zed = zero in British-English-speak; sum of all forces in the
universe = zed
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