Foundations of Physics
6 terms
Candela
Foundations of Physics
cd
The SI base unit of luminous intensity in a given direction, defined by fixing the luminous efficacy of 540 THz monochromatic radiation to 683 lm/W.
Iv = dΦv / dΩ
Cartesian Coordinates
Foundations of Physics
m
An orthogonal coordinate system that specifies point locations in space using signed distance projections along mutually perpendicular axes (x, y, z).
d = √((x2-x1)² + (y2-y1)² + (z2-z1)²)
Centre of Mass
Foundations of Physics
m
The unique spatial point representing the mean mass-weighted position of a physical system or extended rigid body.
R_cm = ∑ m_i r_i / ∑ m_i
Combining Uncertainties
Foundations of Physics
Various
The mathematical rules used to propagate individual measurement uncertainties into calculated final results.
Addition: ΔZ = √(ΔX² + ΔY²); Product: ΔZ/Z = √((ΔX/X)² + (ΔY/Y)²)
Control Variable
Foundations of Physics
Various
Any experimental parameter held strictly constant throughout an investigation to isolate the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Cylindrical Coordinates
Foundations of Physics
m, rad, m
A 3D coordinate system combining 2D polar coordinates (r, θ) in the transverse plane with a linear vertical height axis z.
x = r cos θ, y = r sin θ, z = z