JonyC/ScienceGlossary · Datasets at Hugging Face

term stringlengths 1 63 ⌀	category stringclasses 15 values	label int64 0 1	definition stringlengths 5 3.18k ⌀
joule	Physics	1	A derived unit of energy, work, or amount of heat in the International System of Units.
jerk	Physics	1	The rate of change of acceleration, or the third derivative of displacement.
kelvin	Physics	1	A scale and unit of measurement of temperature. The Kelvin scale is an absolute thermodynamic temperature scale which uses absolute zero as its null point.
kinematics	Physics	1	The branch of classical mechanics that describes the motion of points, bodies (objects), and systems of bodies (groups of objects) without consideration of the causes of motion. The study of kinematics is often referred to as the "geometry of motion".
kinetic energy	Physics	1	The extra energy of an object that it possesses due to its motion.
kirchhoff's circuit laws	Physics	1	Two approximate equalities that deal with the current and voltage in electrical circuits. See Kirchhoff's laws for other meanings of the term.
kirchhoff's equations	Physics	1	In fluid dynamics, a set of equations which describe the motion of a rigid body in an ideal fluid.
laminar flow	Physics	1	When the layers of air (or another fluid) move over an object smoothly, without turbulent mixing of the layers.
laplace–runge–lenz vector	Physics	1	A vector used chiefly to describe the shape and orientation of the orbit of one astronomical body around another, such as a planet revolving around a star. For two bodies interacting by Newtonian gravity, the LRL vector is a constant of motion, meaning that it is the same no matter where it is calculated on the orbit; equivalently, the LRL vector is said to be conserved.
laser	Physics	1	A device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The word "laser" is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation"
lc circuit	Physics	1	A circuit consisting of an inductor (with inductance L) and a capacitor (with capacitance C).
lepton	Physics	1	An elementary particle which does not undergo strong interactions but is subject to the Pauli exclusion principle. Two main classes of leptons exist: charged leptons (also known as the electron-like leptons) and neutral leptons (better known as neutrinos).
lever	Physics	1	A type of machine consisting of a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge or fulcrum; one of six classical simple machines.
levitation	Physics	1	A form of electromagnetic radiation that occupies a certain range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum. In physics, the term sometimes refers collectively to electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength, in which case light includes gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves, but in common usage "light" more often refers specifically to visible light.
light	Physics	1	A form of electromagnetic radiation that occupies a certain range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum. In physics, the term sometimes refers collectively to electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength, in which case light includes gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves, but in common usage "light" more often refers specifically to visible light.
linear actuator	Physics	1	A form of motor that generates a linear movement directly.
linear algebra	Physics	1	The branch of mathematics concerning vector spaces, often finite or countably infinite dimensional, as well as linear mappings between such spaces.
linear elasticity	Physics	1	The mathematical study of how solid objects deform and become internally stressed due to prescribed loading conditions. Linear elasticity is a simplification of the more general nonlinear theory of elasticity and is a branch of continuum mechanics.
liouville's theorem	Physics	1	Phase space volume is conserved.
liquid	Physics	1	One of four classical states of matter having a definite volume but no fixed shape.
liquid crystal	Physics	1	A state of matter which has properties between those of a conventional liquid and those of a solid crystal. For instance, an LC may flow like a liquid, but its molecules may be oriented in a crystal-like way.
lc	Physics	1	A state of matter which has properties between those of a conventional liquid and those of a solid crystal. For instance, an LC may flow like a liquid, but its molecules may be oriented in a crystal-like way.
m-theory	Physics	1	An extension of string theory that attempts to unify seemingly contradictory mathematical formulations and which identifies 11 dimensions.
mach number	Physics	1	A dimensionless quantity representing the ratio of the speed of an object moving through a fluid to the local speed of sound.
mach's principle	Physics	1	The proposition that the existence of absolute rotation (the distinction of local inertial frames vs. rotating reference frames) is determined by the large-scale distribution of matter.
machine	Physics	1	Any powered tool consisting of one or more parts that is constructed to achieve a particular goal. Machines are usually powered by mechanical, chemical, thermal or electrical means, and are frequently motorised.
machine element	Physics	1	An elementary component of a machine. There are three basic types: structural components, mechanisms, and control components.
maclaurin series	Physics	1	A representation of a function as an infinite sum of terms that are calculated from the values of the function's derivatives at a single point.
magnetic field	Physics	1	The zone around a magnet in which a magnetic force can be detected.
magnetism	Physics	1	A force created by the motion of electrons, generating a magnetic field that influences magnetic objects such as iron and other metals.
mass balance	Physics	1	An application of the law of conservation of mass to the analysis of physical systems.
mass density	Physics	1	See density.
mass flux	Physics	1	The rate of mass flow per unit area. The common symbols are j, J, φ, or Φ, sometimes with subscript m to indicate mass is the flowing quantity. Its SI units are kg s−1 m−2.
mass moment of inertia	Physics	1	A property of a distribution of mass in space that measures its resistance to rotational acceleration about an axis.
mass number	Physics	1	The sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. For example, C-14 has 6 protons and 8 neutrons in its nucleus, so its mass number is 6 + 8 = 14.
materials science	Physics	1	An interdisciplinary field incorporating elements of physics, chemistry, and engineering that is concerned with the design and discovery of new materials, particularly solids.
mathematical physics	Physics	1	The application of mathematics to problems in physics and the development of mathematical methods suitable for such applications and for the formulation of physical theories.
mathematics	Physics	1	The abstract study of topics encompassing quantity, structure, space, change, and other properties.
matrix	Physics	1	A rectangular array of numbers, symbols, or expressions arranged in rows and columns. The individual items in a matrix are called its elements or entries.
matter	Physics	1	The basic structural component of all things that have mass and volume.
maxwell's equations	Physics	1	A set of partial differential equations that, together with the Lorentz force law, form the foundation of classical electrodynamics, classical optics, and electric circuits. Maxwell's equations describe how electric and magnetic fields are generated and altered by each other and by charges and currents.
measure of central tendency	Physics	1	A term which relates to the way in which quantitative data tend to cluster around some value. A measure of central tendency is any of a number of ways of specifying this "central value".
mechanics	Physics	1	A field of physics that studies the action of forces on objects made of matter.
melting	Physics	1	A physical process that results in the phase transition of a substance from a solid to a liquid.
meson	Physics	1	A type of hadronic subatomic particle composed of one quark and one antiquark bound together by the strong interaction. All mesons are unstable, with the longest-lived lasting for only a few hundredths of a microsecond.
modulus of elasticity	Physics	1	The mathematical description of an object's or substance's tendency to be deformed elastically (i.e. non-permanently) when a force is applied to it. The elastic modulus of an object is defined as the slope of its stress–strain curve in the elastic deformation region. As such, a stiffer material will have a higher elastic modulus.
molar mass	Physics	1	A physical property of matter defined as the mass of a given substance divided by the amount of substance and expressed in grams per mole.
molecule	Physics	1	An electrically neutral group of two or more atoms held together by covalent chemical bonds. Molecules are distinguished from ions by having a net electric charge equal to zero.
molecular physics	Physics	1	A branch of physics that studies the physical properties of molecules and the chemical bonds between atoms as well as their molecular dynamics. It is closely related to atomic physics and overlaps greatly with theoretical chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical physics.
moment of inertia	Physics	1	A property of a distribution of mass in space that measures its resistance to rotational acceleration about an axis.
momentum	Physics	1	The property of a moving object that keeps it moving until a force changes that motion. Momentum is equal to mass (kg) x velocity (m/s).
motion	Physics	1	Any change in the position of an object over time. Motion can be mathematically described in terms of displacement, distance, velocity, speed, acceleration, and momentum, and is observed by attaching a frame of reference to an observer and measuring the change in an object's position relative to that frame. An object's motion cannot change unless it is acted upon by a force.
muon	Physics	1	A member of the lepton family of elementary particles. It is unstable and has similar properties to the electron but with a far greater mass.
nanoengineering	Physics	1	The practice of engineering on the nanoscale. Nanoengineering is largely a synonym for nanotechnology, but emphasizes the applied rather the field.
nanotechnology	Physics	1	The manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale; a more generalized description by the National Nanotechnology Initiative is "the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometres".
neutrino	Physics	1	A type of electrically neutral subatomic particle denoted by the Greek letter ν (nu). All evidence suggests that neutrinos have mass but that their mass is tiny even by the standards of subatomic particles. Their mass has never been measured accurately.
neutron	Physics	1	A particle that makes up the nucleus of an atom and has no charge. Because it is smaller than an atom, it is usually referred to as sub-atomic.
newton's laws of motion	Physics	1	A set of three physical laws which describe the relationship between the forces acting on a body and its motion due to those forces. Together they form the basis for classical or Newtonian mechanics.
nuclear physics	Physics	1	The branch of physics that studies the constituents and interactions of atomic nuclei.
nucleon	Physics	1	Either a proton or a neutron in its role as a component of an atomic nucleus.
nuclide	Physics	1	An atomic species characterized by the specific composition of its nucleus, i.e. by its number of protons, its number of neutrons, and its nuclear energy state.
ohm	Physics	1	The SI derived unit of electrical resistance.
ohm's law	Physics	1	The electric current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the potential difference across the two points.
optical tweezers	Physics	1	An optomechanical device used for the capture, analysis, and manipulation of dielectric objects or particles, which operates via the application of force by the electric field of light.
optically detected magnetic resonance	Physics	1	An optical technique for the initialisation and readout of quantum spin in some crystal defects.
optics	Physics	1	The branch of physics which involves the behaviour and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it. Optics usually describes the behaviour of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light; however, other forms of electromagnetic radiation such as X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves exhibit similar properties.
parity	Physics	1	1. (mathematics)
particle physics	Physics	1	A branch of physics that studies the nature of particles, which are the constituents of what is usually referred to as matter and radiation.
pascal's law	Physics	1	A principle in fluid mechanics which states that pressure exerted anywhere in a confined incompressible fluid is transmitted equally in all directions throughout the fluid such that the initial pressure variations remain the same.
periodic table of the elements	Physics	1	A tabular display of the chemical elements organised on the basis of their atomic numbers, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are presented in order of increasing atomic number (number of protons).
photon	Physics	1	A discrete bundle (or quantum) of electromagnetic (or light) energy. Photons are always in motion and, in a vacuum, have a constant speed of light to all observers, at the vacuum speed of light (more commonly just called the speed of light) of c = 2.998 x 108m/s.
physical chemistry	Physics	1	The study of macroscopic, atomic, subatomic, and particulate phenomena in chemical systems in terms of laws and concepts of physics.
physics	Physics	1	The natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.
planck constant	Physics	1	(h) A fundamental physical constant named in honour of German physicist Max Planck who discovered a relationship between the energy carried by a ‘packet’ of radiation and its frequency.E=hf, whereEis the energy of the packet,fis the frequency of the radiation andhis the Planck constant (h= 6.626 x 10-34Js).
pneumatics	Physics	1	The study and control of mechanical force and movement generated by the application of compressed gas.
pressure	Physics	1	The force per unit area that acts on the surface of an object.
probability	Physics	1	A measure of the expectation that an event will occur or that a statement is true. Probabilities are given a value between 0 (will not occur) and 1 (will occur). The higher the probability of an event, the more certain one can be that the event will occur.
pulley	Physics	1	A wheel on an axle that is designed to support movement of a cable or belt along its circumference; one of six classical simple machines. Pulleys are used in a variety of ways to lift loads, apply forces, and transmit power.
quantum electrodynamics	Physics	1	The relativistic quantum field theory of electrodynamics. In essence, it describes how light and matter interact and is the first theory where full agreement between quantum mechanics and special relativity is achieved. QED mathematically describes all phenomena involving electrically charged particles interacting by means of exchange of photons and represents the quantum counterpart of classical electromagnetism, giving a complete account of matter and light interaction.
qed	Physics	1	The relativistic quantum field theory of electrodynamics. In essence, it describes how light and matter interact and is the first theory where full agreement between quantum mechanics and special relativity is achieved. QED mathematically describes all phenomena involving electrically charged particles interacting by means of exchange of photons and represents the quantum counterpart of classical electromagnetism, giving a complete account of matter and light interaction.
quantum field theory	Physics	1	A theoretical framework for constructing quantum mechanical models of subatomic particles in particle physics and quasiparticles in condensed matter physics.
quantum mechanics	Physics	1	A branch of physics dealing with physical phenomena at microscopic scales, where the action is on the order of the Planck constant. Quantum mechanics departs from classical mechanics at atomic and subatomic length scales, and provides a mathematical description of much of the dual particle-like and wave-like behavior and interactions of energy and matter that occur at this scale.
quark	Physics	1	An elementary particle and a fundamental constituent of matter. Quarks combine to form composite particles called hadrons, the most stable of which are protons and neutrons, the components of atomic nuclei.
radionuclide	Physics	1	Any nuclide possessing excess nuclear energy to the point that it is unstable. Such excess energy is emitted through any of several processes of radioactive decay, resulting in a stable nuclide or sometimes another unstable radionuclide which can then undergo further decay. Certain radionuclides occur naturally; many others can be produced artificially in nuclear reactors, cyclotrons, particle accelerators, or radionuclide generators.
redshift	Physics	1	A phenomenon which occurs when light seen coming from an object that is moving away from the observer is proportionally increased in wavelength or "shifted" to the red end of the visible light spectrum.
refraction	Physics	1	The bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another. Refraction signifies a change in velocity (speed) of the wave.
rigid body	Physics	1	An idealization of a solid body in which deformation is neglected. In other words, the distance between any two given points of a rigid body remains constant in time regardless of the external forces exerted on it. Even though such an object cannot physically exist due to relativity, objects can normally be assumed to be perfectly rigid if they are not moving near the speed of light.
rotational energy	Physics	1	The kinetic energy due to the rotation of an object, which forms part of its total kinetic energy.
rotational speed	Physics	1	The number of complete rotations or revolutions a rotating body makes per unit time.
rydberg formula	Physics	1	A formula used in atomic physics to describe the wavelengths of spectral lines of many chemical elements.
scalar	Physics	1	Any simple physical quantity that can be described by a single number (as opposed to vectors, tensors, etc., which are described by several numbers such as magnitude and direction) and is unchanged by coordinate system rotations or translations (in Newtonian mechanics) or by Lorentz transformations or central-time translations (in relativity).
scattering	Physics	1	The general physical process by which some forms of radiation, such as light, sound, or moving particles, are forced to deviate from a straight trajectory by one or more localised non-uniformities in the medium through which they pass.
science	Physics	1	A systematic enterprise that builds and organises knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
screw	Physics	1	A mechanism that converts rotational motion to linear motion, and a torque (rotational force) to a linear force; one of six classical simple machines.
shortwave radiation	Physics	1	Radiant energy of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths in the visible, near-ultraviolet, and near-infrared spectra, the broadest definition of which includes all radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 μm and 5.0 μm.
sw	Physics	1	Radiant energy of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths in the visible, near-ultraviolet, and near-infrared spectra, the broadest definition of which includes all radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 μm and 5.0 μm.
schrödinger equation	Physics	1	A mathematical equation which describes the time evolution of wave functions in quantum mechanics.
simple machine	Physics	1	A mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force. In general, a set of six classical simple machines identified by Renaissance scientists drawing from Greek texts on technology are collectively defined as the simplest mechanisms that can provide mechanical advantage (also called leverage).
siphon	Physics	1	A tube in an inverted U shape that causes a liquid to flow uphill without pumps, powered by the fall of the liquid as it flows down the tube under the pull of gravity. The term may also more generally refer to a wide variety of devices involving the flow of liquids through tubes.
solubility	Physics	1	The tendency of a solid, liquid, or gaseous chemical substance (called a solute) to dissolve in another solid, liquid, or gaseous substance (called a solvent) to form a homogeneous solution of the solute in the solvent. The solubility of a solute fundamentally depends on the specific solvent as well as on temperature and pressure.

joule

Physics

1

A derived unit of energy, work, or amount of heat in the International System of Units.

jerk

Physics

1

The rate of change of acceleration, or the third derivative of displacement.

kelvin

Physics

1

A scale and unit of measurement of temperature. The Kelvin scale is an absolute thermodynamic temperature scale which uses absolute zero as its null point.

kinematics

Physics

1

The branch of classical mechanics that describes the motion of points, bodies (objects), and systems of bodies (groups of objects) without consideration of the causes of motion. The study of kinematics is often referred to as the "geometry of motion".

kinetic energy

Physics

1

The extra energy of an object that it possesses due to its motion.

kirchhoff's circuit laws

Physics

1

Two approximate equalities that deal with the current and voltage in electrical circuits. See Kirchhoff's laws for other meanings of the term.

kirchhoff's equations

Physics

1

In fluid dynamics, a set of equations which describe the motion of a rigid body in an ideal fluid.

laminar flow

Physics

1

When the layers of air (or another fluid) move over an object smoothly, without turbulent mixing of the layers.

laplace–runge–lenz vector

Physics

1

A vector used chiefly to describe the shape and orientation of the orbit of one astronomical body around another, such as a planet revolving around a star. For two bodies interacting by Newtonian gravity, the LRL vector is a constant of motion, meaning that it is the same no matter where it is calculated on the orbit; equivalently, the LRL vector is said to be conserved.

laser

Physics

1

A device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The word "laser" is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation"

lc circuit

Physics

1

A circuit consisting of an inductor (with inductance L) and a capacitor (with capacitance C).

lepton

Physics

1

An elementary particle which does not undergo strong interactions but is subject to the Pauli exclusion principle. Two main classes of leptons exist: charged leptons (also known as the electron-like leptons) and neutral leptons (better known as neutrinos).

lever

Physics

1

A type of machine consisting of a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge or fulcrum; one of six classical simple machines.

levitation

Physics

1

A form of electromagnetic radiation that occupies a certain range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum. In physics, the term sometimes refers collectively to electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength, in which case light includes gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves, but in common usage "light" more often refers specifically to visible light.

light

Physics

1

A form of electromagnetic radiation that occupies a certain range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum. In physics, the term sometimes refers collectively to electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength, in which case light includes gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves, but in common usage "light" more often refers specifically to visible light.

linear actuator

Physics

1

A form of motor that generates a linear movement directly.

linear algebra

Physics

1

The branch of mathematics concerning vector spaces, often finite or countably infinite dimensional, as well as linear mappings between such spaces.

linear elasticity

Physics

1

The mathematical study of how solid objects deform and become internally stressed due to prescribed loading conditions. Linear elasticity is a simplification of the more general nonlinear theory of elasticity and is a branch of continuum mechanics.

liouville's theorem

Physics

1

Phase space volume is conserved.

liquid

Physics

1

One of four classical states of matter having a definite volume but no fixed shape.

liquid crystal

Physics

1

A state of matter which has properties between those of a conventional liquid and those of a solid crystal. For instance, an LC may flow like a liquid, but its molecules may be oriented in a crystal-like way.

lc

Physics

1

A state of matter which has properties between those of a conventional liquid and those of a solid crystal. For instance, an LC may flow like a liquid, but its molecules may be oriented in a crystal-like way.

m-theory

Physics

1

An extension of string theory that attempts to unify seemingly contradictory mathematical formulations and which identifies 11 dimensions.

mach number

Physics

1

A dimensionless quantity representing the ratio of the speed of an object moving through a fluid to the local speed of sound.

mach's principle

Physics

1

The proposition that the existence of absolute rotation (the distinction of local inertial frames vs. rotating reference frames) is determined by the large-scale distribution of matter.

machine

Physics

1

Any powered tool consisting of one or more parts that is constructed to achieve a particular goal. Machines are usually powered by mechanical, chemical, thermal or electrical means, and are frequently motorised.

machine element

Physics

1

An elementary component of a machine. There are three basic types: structural components, mechanisms, and control components.

maclaurin series

Physics

1

A representation of a function as an infinite sum of terms that are calculated from the values of the function's derivatives at a single point.

magnetic field

Physics

1

The zone around a magnet in which a magnetic force can be detected.

magnetism

Physics

1

A force created by the motion of electrons, generating a magnetic field that influences magnetic objects such as iron and other metals.

mass balance

Physics

1

An application of the law of conservation of mass to the analysis of physical systems.

mass density

Physics

1

See density.

mass flux

Physics

1

The rate of mass flow per unit area. The common symbols are j, J, φ, or Φ, sometimes with subscript m to indicate mass is the flowing quantity. Its SI units are kg s−1 m−2.

mass moment of inertia

Physics

1

A property of a distribution of mass in space that measures its resistance to rotational acceleration about an axis.

mass number

Physics

1

The sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. For example, C-14 has 6 protons and 8 neutrons in its nucleus, so its mass number is 6 + 8 = 14.

materials science

Physics

1

An interdisciplinary field incorporating elements of physics, chemistry, and engineering that is concerned with the design and discovery of new materials, particularly solids.

mathematical physics

Physics

1

The application of mathematics to problems in physics and the development of mathematical methods suitable for such applications and for the formulation of physical theories.

mathematics

Physics

1

The abstract study of topics encompassing quantity, structure, space, change, and other properties.

matrix

Physics

1

A rectangular array of numbers, symbols, or expressions arranged in rows and columns. The individual items in a matrix are called its elements or entries.

matter

Physics

1

The basic structural component of all things that have mass and volume.

maxwell's equations

Physics

1

A set of partial differential equations that, together with the Lorentz force law, form the foundation of classical electrodynamics, classical optics, and electric circuits. Maxwell's equations describe how electric and magnetic fields are generated and altered by each other and by charges and currents.

measure of central tendency

Physics

1

A term which relates to the way in which quantitative data tend to cluster around some value. A measure of central tendency is any of a number of ways of specifying this "central value".

mechanics

Physics

1

A field of physics that studies the action of forces on objects made of matter.

melting

Physics

1

A physical process that results in the phase transition of a substance from a solid to a liquid.

meson

Physics

1

A type of hadronic subatomic particle composed of one quark and one antiquark bound together by the strong interaction. All mesons are unstable, with the longest-lived lasting for only a few hundredths of a microsecond.

modulus of elasticity

Physics

1

The mathematical description of an object's or substance's tendency to be deformed elastically (i.e. non-permanently) when a force is applied to it. The elastic modulus of an object is defined as the slope of its stress–strain curve in the elastic deformation region. As such, a stiffer material will have a higher elastic modulus.

molar mass

Physics

1

A physical property of matter defined as the mass of a given substance divided by the amount of substance and expressed in grams per mole.

molecule

Physics

1

An electrically neutral group of two or more atoms held together by covalent chemical bonds. Molecules are distinguished from ions by having a net electric charge equal to zero.

molecular physics

Physics

1

A branch of physics that studies the physical properties of molecules and the chemical bonds between atoms as well as their molecular dynamics. It is closely related to atomic physics and overlaps greatly with theoretical chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical physics.

moment of inertia

Physics

1

A property of a distribution of mass in space that measures its resistance to rotational acceleration about an axis.

momentum

Physics

1

The property of a moving object that keeps it moving until a force changes that motion. Momentum is equal to mass (kg) x velocity (m/s).

motion

Physics

1

Any change in the position of an object over time. Motion can be mathematically described in terms of displacement, distance, velocity, speed, acceleration, and momentum, and is observed by attaching a frame of reference to an observer and measuring the change in an object's position relative to that frame. An object's motion cannot change unless it is acted upon by a force.

muon

Physics

1

A member of the lepton family of elementary particles. It is unstable and has similar properties to the electron but with a far greater mass.

nanoengineering

Physics

1

The practice of engineering on the nanoscale. Nanoengineering is largely a synonym for nanotechnology, but emphasizes the applied rather the field.

nanotechnology

Physics

1

The manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale; a more generalized description by the National Nanotechnology Initiative is "the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometres".

neutrino

Physics

1

A type of electrically neutral subatomic particle denoted by the Greek letter ν (nu). All evidence suggests that neutrinos have mass but that their mass is tiny even by the standards of subatomic particles. Their mass has never been measured accurately.

neutron

Physics

1

A particle that makes up the nucleus of an atom and has no charge. Because it is smaller than an atom, it is usually referred to as sub-atomic.

newton's laws of motion

Physics

1

A set of three physical laws which describe the relationship between the forces acting on a body and its motion due to those forces. Together they form the basis for classical or Newtonian mechanics.

nuclear physics

Physics

1

The branch of physics that studies the constituents and interactions of atomic nuclei.

nucleon

Physics

1

Either a proton or a neutron in its role as a component of an atomic nucleus.

nuclide

Physics

1

An atomic species characterized by the specific composition of its nucleus, i.e. by its number of protons, its number of neutrons, and its nuclear energy state.

ohm

Physics

1

The SI derived unit of electrical resistance.

ohm's law

Physics

1

The electric current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the potential difference across the two points.

optical tweezers

Physics

1

An optomechanical device used for the capture, analysis, and manipulation of dielectric objects or particles, which operates via the application of force by the electric field of light.

optically detected magnetic resonance

Physics

1

An optical technique for the initialisation and readout of quantum spin in some crystal defects.

optics

Physics

1

The branch of physics which involves the behaviour and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it. Optics usually describes the behaviour of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light; however, other forms of electromagnetic radiation such as X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves exhibit similar properties.

parity

Physics

1

1. (mathematics)

particle physics

Physics

1

A branch of physics that studies the nature of particles, which are the constituents of what is usually referred to as matter and radiation.

pascal's law

Physics

1

A principle in fluid mechanics which states that pressure exerted anywhere in a confined incompressible fluid is transmitted equally in all directions throughout the fluid such that the initial pressure variations remain the same.

periodic table of the elements

Physics

1

A tabular display of the chemical elements organised on the basis of their atomic numbers, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are presented in order of increasing atomic number (number of protons).

photon

Physics

1

A discrete bundle (or quantum) of electromagnetic (or light) energy. Photons are always in motion and, in a vacuum, have a constant speed of light to all observers, at the vacuum speed of light (more commonly just called the speed of light) of c = 2.998 x 108m/s.

physical chemistry

Physics

1

The study of macroscopic, atomic, subatomic, and particulate phenomena in chemical systems in terms of laws and concepts of physics.

physics

Physics

1

The natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.

planck constant

Physics

1

(h) A fundamental physical constant named in honour of German physicist Max Planck who discovered a relationship between the energy carried by a ‘packet’ of radiation and its frequency.E=hf, whereEis the energy of the packet,fis the frequency of the radiation andhis the Planck constant (h= 6.626 x 10-34Js).

pneumatics

Physics

1

The study and control of mechanical force and movement generated by the application of compressed gas.

pressure

Physics

1

The force per unit area that acts on the surface of an object.

probability

Physics

1

A measure of the expectation that an event will occur or that a statement is true. Probabilities are given a value between 0 (will not occur) and 1 (will occur). The higher the probability of an event, the more certain one can be that the event will occur.

pulley

Physics

1

A wheel on an axle that is designed to support movement of a cable or belt along its circumference; one of six classical simple machines. Pulleys are used in a variety of ways to lift loads, apply forces, and transmit power.

quantum electrodynamics

Physics

1

The relativistic quantum field theory of electrodynamics. In essence, it describes how light and matter interact and is the first theory where full agreement between quantum mechanics and special relativity is achieved. QED mathematically describes all phenomena involving electrically charged particles interacting by means of exchange of photons and represents the quantum counterpart of classical electromagnetism, giving a complete account of matter and light interaction.

qed

Physics

1

The relativistic quantum field theory of electrodynamics. In essence, it describes how light and matter interact and is the first theory where full agreement between quantum mechanics and special relativity is achieved. QED mathematically describes all phenomena involving electrically charged particles interacting by means of exchange of photons and represents the quantum counterpart of classical electromagnetism, giving a complete account of matter and light interaction.

quantum field theory

Physics

1

A theoretical framework for constructing quantum mechanical models of subatomic particles in particle physics and quasiparticles in condensed matter physics.

quantum mechanics

Physics

1

A branch of physics dealing with physical phenomena at microscopic scales, where the action is on the order of the Planck constant. Quantum mechanics departs from classical mechanics at atomic and subatomic length scales, and provides a mathematical description of much of the dual particle-like and wave-like behavior and interactions of energy and matter that occur at this scale.

quark

Physics

1

An elementary particle and a fundamental constituent of matter. Quarks combine to form composite particles called hadrons, the most stable of which are protons and neutrons, the components of atomic nuclei.

radionuclide

Physics

1

Any nuclide possessing excess nuclear energy to the point that it is unstable. Such excess energy is emitted through any of several processes of radioactive decay, resulting in a stable nuclide or sometimes another unstable radionuclide which can then undergo further decay. Certain radionuclides occur naturally; many others can be produced artificially in nuclear reactors, cyclotrons, particle accelerators, or radionuclide generators.

redshift

Physics

1

A phenomenon which occurs when light seen coming from an object that is moving away from the observer is proportionally increased in wavelength or "shifted" to the red end of the visible light spectrum.

refraction

Physics

1

The bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another. Refraction signifies a change in velocity (speed) of the wave.

rigid body

Physics

1

An idealization of a solid body in which deformation is neglected. In other words, the distance between any two given points of a rigid body remains constant in time regardless of the external forces exerted on it. Even though such an object cannot physically exist due to relativity, objects can normally be assumed to be perfectly rigid if they are not moving near the speed of light.

rotational energy

Physics

1

The kinetic energy due to the rotation of an object, which forms part of its total kinetic energy.

rotational speed

Physics

1

The number of complete rotations or revolutions a rotating body makes per unit time.

rydberg formula

Physics

1

A formula used in atomic physics to describe the wavelengths of spectral lines of many chemical elements.

scalar

Physics

1

Any simple physical quantity that can be described by a single number (as opposed to vectors, tensors, etc., which are described by several numbers such as magnitude and direction) and is unchanged by coordinate system rotations or translations (in Newtonian mechanics) or by Lorentz transformations or central-time translations (in relativity).

scattering

Physics

1

The general physical process by which some forms of radiation, such as light, sound, or moving particles, are forced to deviate from a straight trajectory by one or more localised non-uniformities in the medium through which they pass.

science

Physics

1

A systematic enterprise that builds and organises knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

screw

Physics

1

A mechanism that converts rotational motion to linear motion, and a torque (rotational force) to a linear force; one of six classical simple machines.

shortwave radiation

Physics

1

Radiant energy of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths in the visible, near-ultraviolet, and near-infrared spectra, the broadest definition of which includes all radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 μm and 5.0 μm.

sw

Physics

1

Radiant energy of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths in the visible, near-ultraviolet, and near-infrared spectra, the broadest definition of which includes all radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 μm and 5.0 μm.

schrödinger equation

Physics

1

A mathematical equation which describes the time evolution of wave functions in quantum mechanics.

simple machine

Physics

1

A mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of a force. In general, a set of six classical simple machines identified by Renaissance scientists drawing from Greek texts on technology are collectively defined as the simplest mechanisms that can provide mechanical advantage (also called leverage).

siphon

Physics

1

A tube in an inverted U shape that causes a liquid to flow uphill without pumps, powered by the fall of the liquid as it flows down the tube under the pull of gravity. The term may also more generally refer to a wide variety of devices involving the flow of liquids through tubes.

solubility

Physics

1

The tendency of a solid, liquid, or gaseous chemical substance (called a solute) to dissolve in another solid, liquid, or gaseous substance (called a solvent) to form a homogeneous solution of the solute in the solvent. The solubility of a solute fundamentally depends on the specific solvent as well as on temperature and pressure.