INDEX + Definitions, Laws,… *acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.

8 m/s2 treated as a constant

and other things; on my screen they are all one-liners for most purposes

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.

adiabatic process: no heat transfer

Page down a few times, or choose the first letter of the word
you are looking for: Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Iiii Jj Kk Ll Mm
Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww xyz. If you look aerogel: least dense solid; best thermal insulator; fairly
something up here, you will find a very brief line about the transparent; too expensive now
topic, just enough to get you started (or to turn you off, I
hope not). In many cases, a link is provided to more stuff I
age of the universe: 13.7 billion years or so (billion = 109 or
have written about the topic.
Giga)

See if ctrl-home gets you back to the top.

air: about 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen
Here and there in this document, a single letter is linked to its
alphabetical home, if you know what I mean.
air resistance: we neglect it in elementary physics, but it can
be important
Note: Your browser might show capital delta as D, pi as p,
etc. If α , β look like a, b, then your browser does not
recognize Greek letters, and this could cause confusion. albedo: the fraction of incident sunlight that a planet reflects

An asterisk (*) in front of a line means you probably need
to know it well.
*a: symbol for acceleration, the rate of change of velocity, ∆
v/∆t or dv/dt
algorithm: an exact step by step plan to get a result
alkali metal: one more electron than a noble gas. Sodium,...
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
aberration: distortion of image because lenses are not perfect
A-bomb: neutron induces U nucleus to split, releasing more
neutrons, splitting more U nuclei
absolute pressure P: the zero pt is the unattainable perfect
vacuum; see gauge pressure
alternative fuels: hydrogen, ethanol, methanol, biodiesel...
(Fossil fuels will be depleted.)
aluminium: aluminum in British-English-speak
aluminum: element with lucky atomic number 13; see
aluminium
AM: amplitude modulation, usually in radio

*absolute temperature T: the zero point is the unattainable
absolute zero; see Celsius
absolute zero unattainable? Can we be certain of anything?
-273.15 oC
ac: alternating current; in the US, power companies use 60
Hz frequency
ammeter measures amperes, but do not say amp-meter
*ampere (A): unit of current, 1 A = 1 coulomb/second
*Ampere's law: (not discovered by Ampere) magnetic field
due to a current
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
probability
angstrom: unit of length = 10-10 m, atom size
*angular acceleration α = a/r in radian/s2 where
a=acceleration and r=radius
*angular frequency ω = 2π f in radian/s if f is frequency in
Hz.
*angular impulse τ ∆ t = change of angular momentum
*angular momentum L = Iω or rx(mv): total is conserved if
no external torque acts
*angular speed or angular velocity ω = v/r in radian/s
antiparticles: same mass, opposite in other properties; every
particle has an anti
API: application programming interface
*Archimedes' principle: buoyant force = weight of fluid
displaced
area of circle: π r2; ellipse: π ab=π a2(1-e2)1/2; surface of
sphere: 4π r2
Aristotle's physics (by thought, not experiment) set back
progress for many centuries. Great philosopher but..
ASCII silly question and you'll get a silly ANSI
asteroids: mostly between Mars & Jupiter; broken-up planet?
astrology: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings
atmosphere as a pressure unit: 1 atmos = P at sea level
*atmospheric pressure = 1.01 x 105 Pa (pascal = Pa = N/m2),
see newton (N)
atomic mass unit: 1 amu or u = 1.66x10-27 kg, m of carbon 12
atom divided by 12
atto (a): 10-18
aura surrounding a person: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings
*average velocity = distance/time [=(vo + v)/2 if acceleration
is constant]
Avogadro's number = number in a mole = 6.022137 x
1023/mole
*B = symbol for magnetic field or flux density or magnetic
induction (see tesla)
B due to a segment of current is proportional to the sum of
the cosines of the angles
B due to a coil anywhere on the axis: inside or outside a long
or short coil
barn: 10-28 m2, =100 fm2, about the cross-sectional area of a
nucleus
baryon is made of 3 quarks; neutron and proton are examples
beard-second: length a beard grows in a second, 1 bs ≈ 10-8 m
BE condensate: Bose-Einstein condensate = atoms in one
quantum state, like 1 atom
*beat frequency = ∆ f when two frequencies mix
Bernoulli's principle: higher v means lower P under the right
conditions
beta decay: electron or positron emitted from nucleus
Bethe cycle (stars): overall, 4p forms 1 He + 2e+ + 2ν +
energy
Betz coefficient: 16/27, the maximum fraction of wind power
that one can capture. Derive
big bang: about 13.7 billion years ago, all matter and energy
created and Universe began
big crunch: universe collapses? The evidence says no, it will
keep expanding.
billion: 109 or giga in US and France; 1012 in UK and
Germany; thus avoid the term
binding energy per nucleon: iron nucleus has about the
maximum
Biot & Savart law for calculating magnetic field from charge,
velocity & distance
bit: 0 or 1 in a computer; byte = 8 bits
black body radiation: intensity is σ T4, where σ is 5.67x10-8
W/(m2⋅ K4)
black radiates more and absorbs more
black hole: g super large-- light cannot escape; would be a
handy trash can
blog = web log
Bohr-de Broglie hydrogen atom model: circular electron
orbits quantized
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 = weight of fluid displaced (Archimedes'

principle) *centripetal acceleration ac = v2/r = ω 2r

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
electric current
charge of the electron: 1.6 x 10-19 coulomb
chemical reaction: it's all in the electron configurations
(nuclei do not change)
*circular motion: Σ Fc = mv2/r
circular reasoning: see reasoning, circular
clairvoyance: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings
cm: centimeter, CM: center of mass
CO2, atmospheric: 315 ppm in 1958, 377 ppm in 2004;
causes global warming
*coefficient of friction µ : friction force = µ times the normal
force
cogeneration: produce electricity and instead of throwing out
waste heat, use it
*coil, magnetic field of, or to find inductance of a coil, see
inductance
cold fusion: maybe something, but not fusion; see Elvis
sightings
*collisions: apply conservation of momentum and sometimes
energy
color magnify the white on the computer screen and you will
see red, green and blue
*components of a vector: vector = hypotenuse of right
triangle, comps = other sides
Compton effect: a photon bounces off an electron; Compton
derived the change of λ
*concave mirror & convex lens: positive f; one equation is
used for these and for
*concave lens & convex mirror: negative f
condensation: opposite of evaporation; same amount of heat
transfer occurs
conductance: inverse of resistance; 1/ohm = mho
*conduction of heat: heat energy flows toward the lower
temperature
*conduction of current: electric charge flows toward the
lower voltage
conduction or flow of fluid: fluid flows toward lower
pressure region
conductivity = inverse of resistivity. see resistivity
conic section = intersection of plane & cone: point, ellipse,
parabola, hyperbola, straight line
consciousness: that annoying time between naps
conservation laws: in physics they are about quantities that
are constant (see below)
*conservation of angular momentum (if no net external
torque acts)
*conservation of charge (if no charge enters or leaves)
*conservation of energy (if no energy enters or leaves)
*conservation of momentum (if no net external force acts)
conserving energy resources: we're addicted to fossil fuels;
will suffer withdrawal
conspiracy, Federal Government, 9/11/01: See Elvis sightings
and get over it.
*constant acceleration problems: equations and how to use
them
conundrum: use for safe lex
*converging lenses, mirrors: convex lens, concave mirror,
positive f, converging type
*convex mirror, concave lens: negative f; diverging type:
parallel rays diverge after
Copernicus theory (1543): planets orbit the sun
Coriolis effect makes a cannon shot go a little to the right in
N. hemisphere, although…
…Coriolis force is a fictitious force on the cannonball. The
effect is due to Earth's rotation.
*cosine: (side adjacent)/(hypotenuse) in a right triangle
cosine law can be used to add vectors
cosmic rays: particles from space, mostly from sun
cosmic background radiation: microwave radiation from the
big bang
cosmology: evolution of the universe; cosmetology:
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

*dielectric constant and its effect on capacitance

current events: lightning, for example

*diffraction: through a double slit, grating, or a single slit

curve ball, due to Bernoulli effect?

diode: one-way valve for electric current; pair of n&p-type

curved space: the cause of gravity (in Einstein's general semiconductors
relativity theory)

diopter: meter-1 If a lens has focal length f meters, then 1/f is

d: small ∆ ; dx means small ∆ x, so dx/dt is instantaneous the "strength" of the lens in diopters.
speed

dipole: electric, magnetic (a pair of equal & opposite charges

dark energy: unknown cause of expansion of universe or poles)
speeding up

Dirac delta "function" δ(x) such that ∫f(x)δ(x)dx = f(0). δ

dark matter: Not visible, what is it? 95% of mass in the (x)=zero everywhere except =1/dx at x=0.
universe is unknown stuff

*direct current: I = q/t =charge which moves past a point in

Darrieus wind machine: eggbeater-like blades, vertical axis time t divided by t

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

*elastic collision, the ideal case, no loss of KE in the

dynamo: produces electric current via Faraday's law collision

*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

*electric circuits: series and parallel and beyond

e: efficiency of an engine: work out/fuel energy used

*electric current I = charge passing a point divided by time of

e: emissivity. blackest black e=1, absorbs all light, emits passage
maximum infrared

electric dipole: a pair of equal and opposite charges

E: electric field, (electric force vector on a small q) divided
by q
*electric field E = force on a small test charge divided by its
charge
E: energy, ability to do work (oversimplified definition)

*electric potential = voltage V, the potential energy of q

E=mc2 : mass-energy equivalence; i.e. mass is energy, energy divided by q
is mass, but units differ. Derive it.

*electric potential energy = Vq (see electric potential, then

e/m: charge to mass ratio of the electron, 1.76 x 1011 C/kg see circular reasoning)

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

electric vehicle: a green choice

Earth: age 4.6 billion years, axis precesses with period about
26,000 years
*electromagnetic waves (radio, microwave, infra red, light,
ultraviolet, x-ray, γ ray)
Earth's period of rotation (day) increases 1.5 ms/century due
to tides
electron: charge = -1.602177x10-19 Coulomb, mass =
9.109390 x10-31 kg
eccentricity e of an ellipse: zero for a circle, almost 1 for a
long, thin ellipse
*electron-volt: unit of energy = 1.602177x10-19 J (see electric
potential energy)
eccentricity e of a hyperbola: e>1

electron wavelength = h/momentum, h = Planck's constant,

eccentricity e of a parabola: e=1 6.626 x 10-34 J⋅ s

eddy current: usually unwanted, but can be used to test for

electrostatics: static cling and all that
cracks in metals

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

*equilibrium: zero acceleration, so Σ F=0; zero angular

*fluids main page includes heat and electricity which are like
acceleration so Σ τ =0
fluids in some ways

equipartition of energy: for example in a solid, atoms have flux of a field: field times perpendicular area
PE=KE

forces of nature: gravitational, electromagnetic, strong &

*erg: work done by mosquito doing a push-up, a dyn⋅ cm weak nuclear

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.

*friction, static (no slide) and kinetic (sliding)

exponential decay: capacitor voltage for example, V=V∞
+(Vo-V∞ )e-t/RC
fuel cells will probably replace most batteries some day

f: symbol for force, frequency, farad; the context tells you

which fuse: (old word for melt) electrical safety device melts due to
excessive current

factorial: 5!=5 factorial = 5x4x3x2x1=120. 0! is defined = 1

*fusion, latent heat of: constant Lf in equation ∆ Q=Lf m
o
when m melts
Fahrenheit temperature scale: freeze water at 32 & boil at
212o F
fusion, nuclear: take little nuclei, stick 'em together to form
larger; energy is released
*farad (f): unit of capacitance; most capacitors are in the µf
or pf range
fusion in music: take different kinds and stick 'em together

*Faraday's law: induced voltage = rate of change of flux

furlong = 1/8 mile = 220 yards
-15
femto (f): 10
furlong/fortnight = 1.66 x 10-4 m/s

Fermi: should be pronounced fair-me (lots of people say fur-

me) *g: acceleration due to gravity or gravitational field; g =
GM/r2; weight is mg

7
*G: universal gravitation constant, 6.6726 x10-11 Nm2/kg2 ,
F=GMm/r2
Galileo did experiments and found that Aristotle had wrong
ideas about physics
gamma: factor in relativity theory, γ = (1 - v2/c2)-1/2
gamma ray: electromagnetic wave from nucleus
*grating: dsinθ = mλ is equation for a maximum, m=0,1,2,…
*gravitation: You are attracted to your physics book.
Gravitation is just a theory, not fact, so keep an open mind
about it.
*gravitational potential energy: mgy (y small compared to R
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

gauss: 10-4 tesla, magnetic field unit

growth, hair: several nm/s, so if you were atom sized, it
would look like a train coming out of a tunnel
Gaussian surface: imaginary surface around charge(s); elec
flux thru it prop. to q inside
GUI = graphic user interface, dialog boxes, menus...

generator: application of Faraday's law

Gunn diode has negative dV/dI over a small range, useful for
radar gun oscillators
geosynchronous orbit: ω of satellite = ω of Earth's spin, 2π
rad/24hr, altitude 22 k mi h = Planck's constant, 6.626 x 10-34 Joule second

geomagnetism must be due to two competing effects because h = height or depth

sometimes fields reverse

H = Hubble constant, 2.3 x 10-18 s-1 H x distance to galaxy =

*geometric optics: thin lenses, flat and curved mirrors, one its speed
equation fits all

h-bar = h/2π, written with a bar through the upper stem of the
geysers work like coffee percolators
h

gibbous moon: between half & full

hc = 1240 electron volt-nanometer

*gigahertz: 109 Hz, the "speed" of new computers exceeds a

hadron: heavy particles that contain quarks; mesons have 2
GHz
quarks, baryons have 3

GIGO: garbage in, garbage out

half life: time it takes for half to decay

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

gradient (another grad): change of something per distance

*heat energy Q: ∆ Q means heat energy added to a body

gram: unit of mass; the mass of 1 cm3 (1 ml) of water

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
Hertz: a car rental company
*hertz (Hz): a cycle per second
Higgs boson: undiscovered particle, thought to give other
particles mass
hire education: today's higher education
inductive reactance: XL = ω L, opposition to AC in Ohms; ω
in rad/s, L in henrys
inductive time constant = L/R, so 1 minute is 60 henry/ohm
inertia: difficulty to change the motion of a body. Mass is a
measure of inertia for non-rotationals.
inertia, rotational, or moment of inertia, I = ∫ r2dm, used in Σ
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

intelligent design is neither: total nonsense; see Elvis

hydrogen economy: when we convert to solar, use hydrogen sightings
for fueling cars, etc

intensity of light: the average Poynting vector, ExB/µο

I or i: symbol for electric current, = charge/time; also I =
inertia in mechanics
interference of waves: they add; see phasors for a way of
adding
i: unit vector in x direction

inverse square law and its abuse

image: in optics, the image looks like a replica of an object
(but could be larger or smaller)
ion: charged atom. Two atoms walking together. "Oops, lost
an electron." "Are U sure?" "I'm positive."
image, real: would show on a screen if a screen is placed
there
irreversible process in thermodynamics: cannot reverse it by
making small changes
image, virtual: looks real, but would not show up on a screen.
Look at a plane mirror.
iso prefix means constant, isochoric = isovolumetric,
isothermal = const. temp
impedance of a series RCL circuit: Z=(R2+[XL-XC]2)1/2 see
ind. & cap. reactance
isotope: same atomic number, hence same chemical
properties, but different mass.
*inclined plane problems if you are so inclined

j: unit vector in y direction

incoherent light: all but laser. Phase at one location is not
related to phase elsewhere.

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

L: latent heat, angular momentum, inductance

Lorentz factor γ = (1-v2/c2)-1/2 (see relativity, special)

laser: light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.

Emits coherent light. lottery: a tax on people who are bad at math

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.)

lumen: 1/680 watt at 555 nm (peak eye sensitivity); other

law of cosines is Pythagorean theorem with an extra term colors need higher power
when the angle ≠ 90o

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
lux: lumen/m2
m: symbol for mass; abbreviation of meter, milli-
masses in E/c2 units: elec 0.511 MeV/c2 , proton 938 MeV/c2
, neutron 939 MeV/c2
mean life: Al Capone's for example. In radioactivity it is half-
life/ln2

*mechanics main page: stuff you need to know first

M: mega- (million); (but M = 1000 as a Roman numeral)

mega (M): one million, 106

magnetic dipole: north & south pair of magnetic poles, equal
in strength
megahertz: a million hertz, each trying to rent you a car (see
Hertz)
*magnetic field B: moving charge q has force on it, F=qvxB

meltdown: nuclear reactor disaster, Chernobyl reactor had a

magnetic flux: B times perpendicular area, tesla⋅meter2 meltdown.

magnetic flux quantum: h/(2e) = 2.068 x 10-15 T⋅m2 MEMS: micro electro-mechanical system

magnetic force of attraction between magnets meson: quark-antiquark pair

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

*magnetism milli (m): 10-3

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

magnets for relieving pain: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings

*momentum = mv; collision problems, etc.; conserved if Σ F
=0 on system
magnets for water purification: total nonsense; see Elvis
sightings
Moon is receding 3.8 cm/y due to gaining energy from Earth
tides.
magnets for $: that explains the above four
Moore’s law: computer speed doubles every 1.5 year or so;
*mass: toe-stubbing property of matter; kick a brick in outer cannot last.
space and you will see
mu (µ) micro, 10-6
mass defined: apply same force to different objects, then
m1a1=m2a2…
muon, tau & electron: leptons (each has a corresponding
neutrino, also leptons
mass measured: use a balance

11
Murphy's laws apply to all of this stuff, to tell you the truth
n: symbol for index of refraction in optics; principal
quantum number in atom physics, nano
*N: symbol for newton, the SI unit of force; sometimes N=
normal force
nano (n): 10-9
n-type semiconductor has free electrons due to being doped
with valence 5 element
neutrino has very tiny mass; oscillates between types
obfuscation: like a pride of lions, an obfuscation of
administrators
objective lens: the lens on telescope or microscope nearest
the object viewed
*ohm, abbreviated Ω : unit of resistance defined by Ohm's
law
ohm⋅ farad (Ω ⋅ f): time of 1 second, as in "I'll be ready in a
few ohm⋅ farads"
*Ohm's law: V = IR, voltage across resistance R carrying
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 = object distance in optics

NIMBY: not in my back yard

P = pressure = force/area
*node: stationary point in a standing wave

p-type semiconductor has free holes due to being doped with

*normal force is ⊥ to a surface; if m is on a surface tilted θ valence 3 element
from horiz, N is mgcosθ
pair production: a photon disappears and a particle-
north pole of a magnet is north-seeking pole; hung by a antiparticle pair is born
thread, it points north.
parabolic mirror concentrates sunlight at its focus
nuclear fission: splitting large nuclei gives off energy- the
fragments repel each other A LOT.
parabolic path of *projectile

nuclear fusion: (in stars, H bomb) Nuclei merged, energy

parallax: apparent motion of something caused by motion of
given off if they are small nuclei
the observer

nuclear power: fission. radioactive waste problem, but no

parallel axis theorem: I = Icm+mh2 (=inertia; h is distance
greenhouse gases
from axis to center of mass)

nucleon: proton or neutron, each containing 3 quarks

paramagnetism: weak attraction to magnet, an electron spin
effect, see diamagnetism
nucleus of atom = manic-depressive :) swarm of up and down
quarks (see quark)
parsec (pc): 3.26 light years or 206,000 astronomical units

nucular: Dubya's pronunciation of nuclear

*pascal (Pa): SI unit of pressure, N/m2; see absolute P, gauge
P, and pressure

12
Pauli principle: no two electrons in an atom can have the
same state
pendulum: ω = (g/L)1/2
penumbra: partial shadow next to umbra, the full shadow
perigee: (Greek ge = earth) low point in orbit about Earth
(apogee is high pt)
perihelion: (Helios = Greek God of Sun) low point in orbit
about Sun
period T: time of a complete cycle or 2π radians; T=1/f where
f = frequency in Hz
permanent magnet motors got a boost when they found
magnets that can take high temp
permeability constant µ o = 4π x 10-7 T⋅ m/A for empty space
permittivity constant ε o = 8.85418781762 x 10-12 F/m for
empty space
perturbation: small deviation from normal
petroleum: will become too expensive for routine use in
about 20 to 50 years
phasors: rotating vectors, useful in AC and in theory of
gratings
photocopier: selenium becomes a conductor when
illuminated
photon: minimum energy pulse of light, energy = hf, Planck's
const. times frequency
photon momentum = h/λ
photonics: light + electronics
photovoltaic cells or solar cells: they will replace fossil fuels
physical pendulum: any pendulum, really; ω = (mgh/ I)1/2, h
distance from pivot to CM
physics: everything real
pi (π ): half a pie, a 180o portion (π radians = 180o)
pie: 2π (full circle is angle 360o or 2π radians)
pico (p): 10-12
piezoelectricity: squeeze a crystal and a voltage is produced
PIN diode: has intrinsic (undoped) layer between P and N
layers
pion: unstable because it's made of only two quarks
pitch (sound): frequency. If mixed frequencies, the ear judges
it.
plagiarism: copying the work of one person; see research
Planck's constant h = 6.62606876 x 10-34 J⋅ s
Planck length LP = [hG/(2π c3)]1/2 = 1.62 x 10-35 m (some
think it might be important)
Planck mass MP = [hc/(2π G)]1/2 = 2.18 x 10-8 kg (this is huge
compared to atom masses)
Planck time TP = [hG/(2π c5)]1/2 = 5.39 x 10-44 s (note that c =
LP/TP)
*plane wave of light: E = Emsin(kx - ω t) goes toward +x,
speed =
c=ω /k =(ε o µ o)-1/2
plasma: gas of charged particles
PM motor: permanent magnet motor. Can be used as
generator.
p-n junction: millions of them are serving you right now in
your computer
polarized light: E field in a plane (and B field ⊥)
pole of magnet: N named because it points north (hence
Earth has S near the North Pole)
*potential energy: stored energy
*power: rate of doing work; SI unit is watt (W) = J/s (see
work, energy, joule)
power, typical person's daily average ~100 W, or ~2 W/kg.
Sun, ~2x10-4 W/kg
Poynting vector: S = ExB/µ o = power/area in light wave,
intensity vector
precession: conical motion of axis of spinning top,
gyroscope, Earth, etc.
precession of Earth's axis has a period of about 26,000 years
*pressure: ⊥ force on surface divided by the area; see
absolute P, gauge P, pascal
pressure vs depth h in a fluid: P=Po+ρgh
13
primary colors: red green blue; get a powerful magnifier and
look at your screen
primary colors in art are the complements of the above;
pigments subtract light
*prism: usually triangular chunk of glass
*projectile motion: vx = constant and vy changes at the rate of
g, the free fall rate
projectile, initial angle to maximize x: tanθ = vo/vf
proper length ∆ Lo = length as measured by instrument at rest
with respect to the thing
proper time ∆ to : time interval between two events measured
by clock located there
proton: two up quarks and a down, see quark
psycho-kinesis: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings. All who
believe it, please raise my hand.
psychic mind readers: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings
psychic predictions of future events: total nonsense; see Elvis
sightings
psychro- prefix meaning cold
psychrometer: measures humidity by evaporative cooling
Ptolemy theory: Earth centered theory, a reasonable idea at
the time
pyramid power: total nonsense; see Elvis sightings
2 2 2 Fahrenheit temperature
*Pythagorean theorem: h = a + b , h=hypotenuse of right
triangle, a&b=other 2 sides
*q: symbol for charge or for heat energy
quanta: plural of quantum
quantized: something that comes in steps, not a continuous
change, is said to be quantized.
quantum: smallest unit. quantum of light is photon, q of
charge is electron or quark
quantum computers: some day…
quantum mechanics of a crap game showing some of the
lingo
quantum phenomena: discontinuous steps with no in-between
quantum theory: waves are particles and particles are waves
quantum vectors: a little on the symbolism and a few
operations
quark: in normal matter, two types named up and down,
charges 2/3e and -1/3e
quarks in protons, neutrons: udu, dud.
quark masses: u, 4 MeV/c2; d, 7 MeV/c2 ; see Mega, eV, c, E
= mc2
R: radius; resistance; resolving power; gas law constant
R=8.31 Joule/(mole⋅ Kelvin)
rad: radiation dose, 0.01 Joule of radiation energy per kg of
material, see rem, see gray
rad: abbreviation of radian, see below
radian: dimensionless angle measure, arc length divided by
radius; 1 rad=180o/π
radiation, thermal: eσT4 is the power/area; emissivity Stefan-
Boltzmann const. temp4
radio waves: electromagnetic, like light. speed = c = 3.00 x
108 m/s
radioactive dating: if she is radioactive, don't date her
radiocarbon dating: 14C is produced in atmosphere, half life
5730 years; plants get it
radon: a radioactive gas; can seep into your basement
Rankine temperature scale (an absolute scale): add 460 to
ratio of specific heats: Cp/Cv = 5/3 for monatomic, 7/5 for
diatomic gas
ray diagrams work for mirrors and thin lenses
RC circuit: V = V∞ +(Vo-V∞ )e-t/RC , & many things follow
same equation
reactance: two types, capacitive and inductive, XC and XL in
Ohms
*real image: the light is really there (as opposed to virtual
image); go optics
reasoning, circular: see circular reasoning
red: longest wavelength light your eye can detect
14
red giant: when our Sun becomes one (in a few billion years),
Earth will be vaporized
reflection: light bounces off, sort of; equal angles from mirror
refraction: bending of light entering a material (unless light is
⊥ to surface) see Snell
*relative velocity: all velocities. If unstated, it is usually v
relative to Earth
relative v example: You are going 50 mph; a 60 mph car
passing you has v=10 mph relative to you.
relative v example 2: This time the 60 mph is going the
opposite direction. Then v=110 mph rel. to you.
relativity: special (constant v) and general (accelerated
frames and gravitation)
rem: rad adjusted for mammals. 1 rad α 's = 10 to 20 rem; for
others rad ≈ rem
research: copying the works of many people; see plagiarism
*resistance R: series, Rs = Σ R; parallel Rp=1/Σ (1/R); Rp=
product/sum for two.
resistivity ρ : inverse of conductivity; R=ρ L/A is R of
uniform wire or....
resonance: frequency match up causes high amplitude
*resultant = vector sum
Richter scale for earthquakes is like the bel scale for sound
(but we use decibels)
*right-hand rule for rotations: r.h. fingers curl in rotation
direction, thumb=vector
*rh rule for magnetic field of current: thumb in I direction,
fingers in B direction
rms: root-mean-square, the square root of the average of the
squares
rms voltage of sinusoidal AC: Vrms=Vpeak/21/2
robots: big future- farming, manufacturing, exploring,
rescuing, ....
rocket thrust: force is relative velocity of the exhaust times
the mass rate, dm/dt
Roentgen: 1 R produces ions of charge 2.58x10-4 C in 1 kg of
dry air at STP
*rotational acceleration α = rate of change of spin ω; α =dω
/dt
rotational inertia I = mass times square of distance to axis of
rotation; I =∫ r2dm
rotational speed or velocity ω can be considered vector
s: second
S: entropy; here we deal only with ∆ S, heat added divided by
absolute temp.
sanity: a productive form of madness (from Santayana, I
think)
*satellite orbits: circular or elliptical; the physics behind
Kepler's empirical laws
Saturn's rings: dust, rock and ice in orbit
Savonius wind machine: vertical axis with two half-cylinder
blades: ( )
*scalar: a non-vector quantity such as time, mass, work,
energy, temperature…
*scalar product: non-vector multiplication of vectors, aka dot
product of 2 vectors
*scalar product of 2 vectors= maximum + if vectors are
parallel, - if antiparallel
scaling: effect of size. An elephant-size mouse's leg bones
would break.
Schrodinger's equation is to quantum mechanics as Newton's
laws is to classical mech.
Schwarzchild radius: 2GM/c2 , something with smaller radius
is a black hole.
scientific method: any reasonable method that would
convince a skeptic
scientific notation: (number between 1 and 10) x 10whole number ,
6.02x1023 for example
SCR: silicon controlled rectifier
seasons: N hemisphere farther from sun in summer! Angle of
sunlight is the key
second law of thermodynamics: total entropy cannot decrease
second law, another version: heat energy cannot flow by
conduction to the warmer body
15
self inductance (or inductance): L in henrys as in ε = -Ldi/dt
semiconductors: diamond, germanium and silicon, for
example
semiconductor physics & lasers: try
http://www.britneyspears.ac/lasers.htm (good phys, no joke)
*series and parallel circuits and beyond s&p
SETI: search for extraterrestrial intelligence
shock wave: sonic boom for example, when plane travels
faster than sound
SI units: kilogram, meter, second, Ampere, Kelvin, mole,
candela are the base units
sidereal: measured with respect to distant star, not the Sun
*simple harmonic motion (SHM): x = Asinωt when force
toward center prop. dist.
*sine of θ (sinθ ) = side opposite/hypotenuse in a right
triangle
*single slit of width a: light thru it has minima where asinθ =
mλ m=1,2,3,...
siphon, more than you wanted to know about it
slug: unit of mass in British system (for Σ F=ma); 1 slug
weighs 32 lb
slug: snail-like critter without shell; weighs about 0.0032 lb
and is delicious
*Snell's law shows how light bends when it goes from one
material to another
soh cah toa: sine=opp/hyp, cosine=adj/hyp, tangent=opp/adj
solar cells: price dropping, fossil energy prices rising;
eventually solar will be king
solar constant: power/area of sunlight just above atmosphere,
1.37 kW/m2
solar energy is the energy of the future; fossil fuels will be
too expensive
solution: if you are not part of the solution, you are part of
the precipitate
sonic boom: shock wave from something going faster than
sound
*sound waves and the theory behind it
*sound waves in air, velocity is a function of temperature
*sound waves, standing, inside horns and woodwinds, for
example
space exploration: use robotics, stupid
space: particle-antiparticle pairs pop into existence, then
disappear
*specific heat capacity C in the equation ∆ Q = Cm∆ T
spectrometer, spectroscope: separates light into its
component wavelengths
spectrum: rainbow is an example
*speed and velocity: velocity is a vector, speed is magnitude
of v.
speed limit in nature is the speed of light- that seems like
nonsense but it is true
speed of dark = speed of light
speed of light, c: see c, si? (sigh) 29,979,458 m/s ≈ 3.00 x 108
m/s
speed of molecules in a gas: average kinetic energy of one is
3
/2kT
speed of sound in air, a function of temperature
spider hole: Saddam was found in an Iraqnid hole
spin up and spin down (viewed from above, clockwise is
down)
*spring: f = -kx and PE = 1/2kx2 for linear spring such as a
coil spring
*spring constant: the k in the above equations, force per
stretch distance
*standing waves: sum of two running waves moving in
opposite directions
*standing waves: node to node distance is λ /2
*standing waves on a string: plunk a guitar
*standing waves, sound: toot a flute
states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, liquid crystal, supercooled
liquid, superfluid, plasma,
states of matter, continued: Bose-Einstein condensate,
neutron star, black hole,…
16
*static friction: we would not exist without it
statics: Σ F = 0 and Σ τ = 0 → zero acceleration, zero angular
acceleration
Stefan-Boltzmann constant σ = 5.67x10-8 W⋅ m-2⋅ K-4 (see
blackbody radiation)
steradian: unit of solid angle, area as "seen" by a point
divided by distance squared
strong force: one of two nuclear forces, the other is the weak
force
Sun: 1.50x1011 m from Earth, "metabolic" rate = 2x10-4W/kg,
about 1/5000 of yours
Sun's energy source: very slow fusion of hydrogen into
helium, see above
superconductivity: resistance exactly zero caused by a
quantum effect
supercool: cool a liquid and it can dip below its freezing
point before freezing
supernova: star blow-up; those C, O and N atoms in your
body came from supernovas
*superposition of waves: fancy term for addition of waves
superstring theory: elementary particles are strings?
maybe….
surface tension: water molecules attract each other, so surface
layer is more dense
sustainability: capable of continuing forever, unlike modern
agriculture etc. in US.
t: time
T: absolute temperature; period of an oscillator (time of one
cycle)
*tangent of θ (tanθ ) = side opposite/side adjacent in a right
triangle
tangent to a circle: straight line touching circle at one point,
perpendicular to the radius
tau, muon & electron and their corresponding neutrinos are
the lightweights: leptons
telescope and microscope formula for building the simplest
lens types
*temperature: absolute T is proportional to average kinetic
energy of a molecule
Tera: THz = 1012 Hz, for example
terminal velocity: v when falling body has air drag = weight
*Tesla, SI unit of magnetic flux density B (some people
object to calling B mag. field)
theory usually means a well-verified collection of laws and
principles about an aspect of nature
thermal refers to heat. thermal conduction, thermal energy....
thermionic emission: heating a filament causes electrons to
"boil" off
thermistor: semiconductor; it drops in resistance with rise of
temperature
thermocouple: electricity from heat with no moving parts, but
very inefficient
*thermodynamics: work output from heat energy
thermodynamics, laws of: You 1) can't win. 2) can't break
even. 3) must play the game.
thermodynamics: 1) conservation of energy 2) heat
conduction toward cooler, or total entropy cannot decrease
thermopile: a bunch of thermocouples
Thevenin's theorem: replace a complex network of resistors
and batteries with 1 battery and 1 resistor
thick lenses: don't click on it, it won't tell anything about
them
*thin lenses click it. one equation fits all mirrors and thin
lenses if you get signs right
thyristor: SCR, triac: transistor-like components for dimmers
and other controls
tides transfer energy from Earth to Moon, causing Moon to
move farther away
time: that which I don't have enough of (besides brains) to
explain much about
time constants: for capacitors, RC and for inductors, L/R.
time dilation: time slows down as v approaches c. t = γ to
(see gamma)
ton = 2000 pounds
tonne (metric ton) = 1000 kg = 2200 lb
17
ton of TNT has energy 4.1 GJ
*torque τ = rxF twists things; Σ τ = Iα, see inertia I, ang.
accel. α and vector prod.
torr: unit of pressure = 1 mm of mercury measured by a
mercury barometer
Torricelli's theorem: Water squirting out hole in open tank at
depth h has v = (2gh)1/2
torsion pendulum, twisting back and forth
total internal reflection: if your calculator says ERROR when
you calculate refraction
*transformer: changes the voltage of AC; voltage ratio =
turns ratio
transistor: current regulator made of semiconductors; like a
faucet controls water flow
*transverse waves: vibrations ⊥ to the wave velocity
*trigonometry: see sine, cosine and tangent, then memorize
those definitions
triple point, water (3 phases in equilibrium): 0.01 oC and P =
4.62 torr.
Tropic of Cancer, Capricorn: Sun is straight above 6/20+,
12/20+ (23.5o N, S latitude)
tunneling: electron or other particle disappears and reappears
elsewhere!
turbulence: in flowing fluid, random swirls
ultrasound: frequency too high for the ear-brain system to
detect
ultrasound: defined as f >20 kHz, but you probably can't hear
15 kHz
ultraviolet light: frequency too high for the eye-brain system
to detect
uncertainty principle: I dunno, maybe check out Heisenberg
unified field theory: maybe in 20 years we will have one
super theory of everything
*uniform circular motion: constant α , so easy equations
apply
*units: conversions, and you should know the SI electrical
units
unit vectors: i, j, k magnitude = one; direction in x,y,z
directions, respectively
universal gravitational constant G = 6.6726 x 10-11 N⋅ m2/kg2
universe: as far as we know there is only one, but we cannot
know for certain
up (quark, u): rest energy 360 MeV, charge 2/3 e; proton is
uud
uranium 235 is fissionable, 238 is not, but 238 can be
converted to plutonium
vacuum: no perfect one is possible (but we cannot be
absolutely certain of anything)
vacuum polarization: particle-antiparticle pairs pop in and out
of existence
van de Graaff generator: carry charge on a belt to the inside
of hollow sphere
*vaporization: heat energy required = Lvm (Lv = constant,
latent heat of vaporization)
*vector addition: usually add corresponding components, but
there are other ways
vector product or cross product: AxB is ⊥ to the AB plane
*vectors: in mechanics and in quantum mechanics
*velocity: average v = distance traveled/time, instantaneous v
= dx/dt (d = small ∆ )
*vibrations: we deal only with the simple harmonic motion
type here
*virtual focus: parallel light thru concave lens diverges; trace
it back to a point
*virtual image: at its location the light is not really there; see
real image
viscosity η : resistance to flow of a fluid is proportional to η
visible light wavelengths = about 400 to 700 nm, due to eye,
not property of light
*volt: unit of electrical potential energy per charge. 1 V = 1
J/C
*voltage acts like electrical pressure; I = ∆ V/R, like vol flow
rate below
volume flow rate dQ/dt = ∆ P/R, pressure difference divided
by resistance
18
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

world problems we can't solve: global warming,

waste: a terrible thing, mind you overpopulation, fossil fuel depletion

*watt (W): SI unit of power, watt = joule/second (W = J/s); WYSIWYG: what you see is what you get
James Watt, James Joule

x,y,z unit vectors i, j, k

wave equations: plane wave and a differential equation for
strings, sound, light
x component of acceleration of a projectile: zero (if no air
drag)
*wavelength λ : distance between identical parts of wave;
crest to crest, for example
x component of velocity of a projectile: constant (if no air
drag)
*waves, longitudinal: on a spring and sound- vibrations
parallel to wave v
x direction unit vector i = magnitude 1 in x direction

*waves, main page

xor gate: exclusive or gate. 1&1--> 0. (In a regular or gate,
1&1--> 1)
waves, transverse: on a string and light waves derived using a
differential equation
x-ray: f > ultraviolet frequency; fuzzy border between them
around 1017 Hz
*wave velocity v = f λ , frequency times wavelength
x-ray diffraction is something to Bragg about
weber: magnetic flux unit in SI (flux is BA ⊥ ) weber = tesla
meter2
y component of acceleration of a projectile: g straight down

weak force: one of two nuclear forces, see electroweak

y component of velocity of a projectile: changes as in free
fall
*weight: w= force of gravity mg; some define it as a scale
reading, the normal force
y direction unit vector = j, dimensionless, magnitude = 1

weightless: in free fall ref. frame, it is as if gravity doesn't

yocto- (y): 10-24
exist. See general relativity

Yotta- (Y): 1024

white light: mixture of all colors; white people are colored
people
You are exchanging virtual gravitons with planet Earth.
white on your computer screen = red, green and blue dots
(get a powerful magnifier) You are unique, just like everyone else.

WiFi: wireless fidelity You will obey Newton's laws.

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

zepto- (z) = 10-21

zero, absolute: -273.15 oC

zero electric field inside a conductor with no current

zeroth law of thermodynamics: equilibrium temperature

reached…

zetta- (Z) = 1021

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