Terms starting with M
70 terms · page 3 of 3
Michelson Interferometer
An optical instrument that splits a beam of light into two perpendicular paths and recombines them to create high-precision interference…
Foundations of PhysicsMicrometer Screw Gauge
An ultra-precise measuring tool that uses a calibrated screw thread mechanism to measure microscopic thicknesses or diameters.
Thermodynamics & Statistical PhysicsMicrostate
A specific detailed microscopic configuration of a thermodynamic system, specifying exact positions and momenta of all constituent…
Geophysics & Environmental PhysicsMilankovitch Cycles
Cyclical variations in Earth's orbital eccentricity, axial tilt (obliquity), and precession that alter the seasonal and latitudinal…
Condensed Matter & Materials PhysicsMiller Indices
A standardized three-integer crystallographic notation system (h k l) used to specify direction vectors and orientation of planes in a…
OpticsMinimum Deviation
The minimum value of deviation angle achieved when light passes symmetrically through a triangular prism.
Astrophysics, Cosmology & RelativityMinkowski Space
The flat four-dimensional spacetime manifold combining 3D Euclidean space and time used to formulate Special Relativity.
OpticsMirage
An optical illusion caused by continuous refraction of light rays passing through air layers with steep temperature and density gradients.
Thermodynamics & Statistical PhysicsMolar Heat Capacity
The heat energy required to raise the temperature of one mole of a substance by one Kelvin.
Foundations of PhysicsMole
The SI base unit for amount of substance, containing exactly 6.02214076 × 10²³ elementary entities.
Mathematical & Computational PhysicsMolecular Dynamics
A computer simulation method for analyzing the physical movements of atoms and molecules by numerically integrating Newton's equations of…
Biophysics & Medical PhysicsMolecular Motors
Protein-based molecular machines that convert chemical energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical work and linear movement.
Classical MechanicsMoment of Inertia
A quantitative measure of a body's rotational inertia - its resistance to changes in rotational motion about a given axis.
Classical MechanicsMomentum
A fundamental vector quantity equal to the product of an object's mass and its velocity, representing its quantity of motion.
Mathematical & Computational PhysicsMonte Carlo Method
A class of computational algorithms that rely on repeated random sampling to obtain numerical solutions for complex physical systems.
Quantum & Atomic PhysicsMoseley's Law
An empirical law establishing a linear relationship between the square root of characteristic X-ray frequency emitted by an atom and its…
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsMOSFET
A Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor that uses an insulated gate voltage to control current flow through an underlying…
Thermodynamics & Statistical PhysicsMost Probable Speed
The particle speed corresponding to the maximum peak of the Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution curve.
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsMoving Coil Galvanometer, Ammeter & Voltmeter
An electromechanical instrument that measures small currents using magnetic torque on a pivoted coil, converted to an ammeter or voltmeter…
Astrophysics, Cosmology & RelativityMultiverse
A hypothetical set of multiple co-existing universes that together comprise all of physical reality.
Nuclear & Particle PhysicsMuon
A second-generation elementary charged lepton with a mass approximately 207 times greater than an electron.
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsMutual Inductance
The induction of an electromotive force in a secondary circuit loop caused by a time-varying current in an adjacent primary circuit loop.