Physics terms starting with C

Calorimetry Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics J The experimental science and practice of measuring heat energy changes during chemical or physical transformations. Q_lost = Q_gained ⇒ m1 c1 (T1 - T_f) = m2 c2 (T_f - T2)

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

Canonical Transformation Mathematical & Computational Physics Phase Space Coordinate Transformation A change of coordinates in phase space (q, p) → (Q, P) that preserves the canonical form of Hamilton's equations. (q, p) → (Q, P) such that Q̇_i = ∂K / ∂P_i, Ṗ_i = -∂K / ∂Q_i

Capacitance Electromagnetism & Electronics F (Farads = C/V) The ratio of the electric charge stored on a conductor or capacitor plate to the potential difference across it. C = q / V = ε A / d

Capacitive Reactance Electromagnetism & Electronics Ω (Ohms) The opposition offered by a capacitor to alternating current flow, inversely proportional to AC frequency and capacitance. X_C = 1 / (2π f C) = 1 / (ω C)

Carbon Nanotubes Condensed Matter & Materials Physics nm (Nanotube Diameter) Cylindrical nanostructures composed of rolled-up single-layer graphene sheets possessing exceptional mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. Chiral Vector C_h = n a₁ + m a₂

Cardiac Biomechanics Biophysics & Medical Physics kPa (Myocardial Wall Stress) & mmHg (Pressure) The application of solid and fluid mechanics principles to model heart chamber contraction, blood flow dynamics, and myocardial wall stress. Wall Stress σ = (P × r) / (2 h) (Law of Laplace for Spheres)

Carnot Cycle Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics Dimensionless (%) An ideal reversible thermodynamic cycle operating between two thermal reservoirs, establishing maximum theoretical efficiency for heat engines. η_Carnot = 1 - (T_cold / T_hot)

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)

Cartesian Sign Convention Optics N/A A standardized coordinate rule used in geometric optics to assign consistent algebraic signs to distances, heights, and focal lengths. Origin at optical center/pole; light travels left to right (+x)

Casimir Effect Quantum & Atomic Physics N/m² (Pressure) An attractive physical force acting between two uncharged parallel conductive plates in vacuum, arising from quantum vacuum fluctuations. F / A = - (π² ℏ c) / (240 d⁴)

Cassegrain Telescope Optics Dimensionless A compact reflecting telescope design combining a concave parabolic primary mirror and a convex hyperbolic secondary mirror. f_effective = f_primary × (Magnification of secondary)

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

Centripetal Acceleration Classical Mechanics m/s² The inward acceleration of an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center of curvature. ac = v² / r = ω² r

Centripetal Force Classical Mechanics N The net inward force directed toward the center of curvature that keeps an object moving along a curved or circular path. Fc = m v² / r = m ω² r

Chandler Wobble Geophysics & Environmental Physics Arcseconds or Meters at Surface A small periodic nutation wobble of Earth's rotational axis relative to its solid crust with a period of ~433 days. Period T ≈ 433 days, Amplitude ~ 3–15 meters

Chandrasekhar Limit Astrophysics, Cosmology & Relativity Solar Masses (M_☉) The maximum mass that a stable white dwarf star can support against gravitational collapse via electron degeneracy pressure. M_Ch ≈ 1.4 M_☉ (1.44 Solar Masses)

Chaos Theory Mathematical & Computational Physics Divergence Rate λ (s⁻¹) The study of deterministic non-linear dynamical systems that exhibit extreme sensitivity to initial conditions (the butterfly effect). Lyapunov Exponent: δx(t) ≈ δx₀ e^(λ t), λ > 0

Charles's Law Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics m³/K An ideal gas law stating that gas volume is directly proportional to absolute thermodynamic temperature at constant pressure. V1 / T1 = V2 / T2 (at constant P)

Chemical Potential Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics J/particle (or J/mol) The change in system free energy per added particle at constant temperature and pressure. μ = (∂G / ∂N)_{T,P} = (∂U / ∂N)_{S,V}

Cherenkov Radiation Nuclear & Particle Physics Blue Light Photons (~400 nm) The characteristic blue optical shockwave radiation emitted when a charged particle travels through a dielectric medium faster than the phase velocity of light in that medium. cos θ = c / (n v) = 1 / (n β)

Chromatic Aberration Optics m An optical distortion in lenses caused by material dispersion, where different wavelengths of light focus at different spatial positions. f_blue < f_red (v = c/n(λ))

Circular Motion Classical Mechanics m/s, rad/s The movement of an object along the circumference of a circular path or orbit. v = ω r, ac = v² / r

Closed Organ Pipes Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics Hz An acoustic pipe closed at one end and open at the other, having a displacement node at the closed end and an antinode at the open end. f_n = n v / (4 L) (n = 1, 3, 5, ...)

Terms starting with C