Physics

a scientific idea that all particles are tiny vibrating strings, not point-like dots, and these vibrations create different particles and forces

String theory proposes that the basic building blocks of the universe are tiny, vibrating strings rather than point-like particles.

the bending, spreading, and interference of waves as they encounter obstacles or pass through narrow openings, often observed in the behavior of light, sound, or other waves

Diffraction of light produces patterns of alternating dark and bright regions when it encounters a narrow slit or passes through an obstacle.

a soft, fresh, unripened cheese with a smooth texture, made from pasteurized milk

She spread quark on toast for a light breakfast.

a fundamental particle with half-integer spin, including electrons and their heavier counterparts, as well as neutrinos

Leptons are elementary particles that include electrons, muons, tau particles, and their associated neutrinos.

a tiny particle made up of even smaller parts called quarks, like protons and neutrons

Hadrons are subject to the strong nuclear force, the fundamental interaction that binds quarks together.

the speed at which something moves in a specific direction

The velocity of an object is the rate of change of its position with respect to time.

(physics) the maximum distance a vibrating material, sound wave, etc. such as a pendulum travels from its first position

In physics, amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position.

tiny particles that make up matter and have a property called spin, like the building blocks of atoms

Electrons, which orbit the nucleus of an atom, are examples of fermions.

a tiny particle with whole-number spin, such as photons or the Higgs boson, often associated with carrying fundamental forces or giving mass to other particles

Photons, particles of light, are examples of bosons that carry the electromagnetic force.

the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center of the circle or the axis of rotation, preventing the object from moving in a straight line

When you swing a ball attached to a string in a circular motion, the tension in the string acts as the centripetal force.

the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the source of the wave, producing a shift in pitch or color

The Doppler effect explains why the pitch of an ambulance siren changes as it approaches and then passes by.

the energy possessed by an object due to its motion, defined as one-half the mass of the object multiplied by the square of its velocity, expressed by the equation KE = 0.5 * m * v^2

When a car is in motion, its kinetic energy depends on both its mass and speed.

(physics) an invisible substance that makes up most of the universe's mass, detectable only through its gravitational effects

Dark matter is a form of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects.

(physics) matter consisting of elementary particles that are the antiparticles of those of regular matter

Antimatter is composed of antiparticles, which have the same mass as their corresponding particles but opposite electric charge.

the general population

Propaganda was used to influence the masses.

the smallest possible amount of a particular quantity that cannot be divided any further

The behavior of subatomic particles is governed by the principles of quantum mechanics.

the rate at which a vehicle increases its speed over a specific distance or time

The driver's car showed impressive acceleration coming out of the corner.

the force or energy that propels a process, idea, or endeavor, enabling it to continue moving, progressing, or gaining strength

The campaign gained momentum after the first success.

a fundamental particle of light that carries electromagnetic energy and exhibits both particle-like and wave-like properties

Photons are the quanta of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, radio waves, and X-rays.

a tendency toward inactivity and stability

Cultural inertia can impede the acceptance of new ideas in a traditional society.

(physics) the back-and-forth motion of an object between two end points

Pendulums have proven useful for studying simple harmonic oscillation and modeling more complex periodic motions in dynamic systems.

expression of something without the use of words

His face was a reflection of sorrow.

a theory stating that the exact position and momentum of a particle cannot be measured precisely at the same time

The uncertainty principle is a fundamental rule in quantum physics.

the unit of energy in the International System of Units

One joule of energy is needed to lift a small apple by one meter.

a very small, electrically neutral particle that rarely interacts with matter

Neutrinos are subatomic particles with very little mass.

the theory that adds the notion of time to that of a three-dimensional space

According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, gravity is not just a force between masses but the curvature of space-time caused by those masses.

the process or action of splitting a nucleus into two or more parts resulting in the release of a significant amount of energy

Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.

referring to the combined interaction of electric and magnetic fields, often associated with waves or radiation

Light is an electromagnetic wave that can travel through a vacuum.

(physics) the reaction in which two nuclei join together and produce energy

Nuclear fusion is the process in which two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.

relating to or involving the transformation of heat energy

Engineers designed a thermic power plant to efficiently convert heat into electricity.

the capability of being easily changed or molded into many different things

Plasticity refers to the ability of a material to undergo permanent deformation without rupturing when subjected to stress.