Terms starting with P
72 terms · page 1 of 3
P-type Semiconductor
An extrinsic semiconductor in which trivalent acceptor impurities create an excess concentration of positive holes as majority charge…
Geophysics & Environmental PhysicsPaleoclimatology
The scientific study of Earth's past climate conditions across geologic history using indirect environmental proxy records.
Geophysics & Environmental PhysicsPaleomagnetism
The study of the historical record and orientation of Earth's magnetic field preserved in iron-bearing minerals in rocks, sediments, or…
Classical MechanicsParallel Axis Theorem
A theorem stating that the moment of inertia about any axis parallel to a centroidal axis equals the centroidal moment of inertia plus mass…
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsParallel Circuit
An electrical circuit topology in which components are connected across common voltage nodes, offering multiple parallel paths for current.
Mathematical & Computational PhysicsParallel Computing
A computational architecture where large physical calculations are divided into smaller sub-tasks executed simultaneously across multiple…
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsParamagnetism
A weak form of magnetism in which materials with unpaired electrons are weakly attracted into an external magnetic field.
OpticsParaxial Approximation
A small-angle approximation in geometric optics assuming light rays make small angles $θ$ with the optical axis.
Nuclear & Particle PhysicsParity Violation
The discovery that the weak nuclear force distinguishes between left-handed and right-handed spatial orientations, violating spatial mirror…
Astrophysics, Cosmology & RelativityParsec
An astronomical unit of distance equal to the distance at which a star exhibits a trigonometric parallax angle of exactly one arcsecond…
Mathematical & Computational PhysicsPartial Differential Equations
Differential equations containing unknown multivariable functions and their partial derivatives with respect to multiple independent…
Quantum & Atomic PhysicsParticle in a Box
A elementary quantum model describing a particle trapped inside a 1D rigid box with impenetrable potential barriers (infinite potential…
Thermodynamics & Statistical PhysicsPartition Function
The central mathematical function in statistical mechanics that encodes statistical properties of a system in thermodynamic equilibrium.
Classical MechanicsPascal's Principle
The principle stating that pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to every portion of the fluid and container…
Quantum & Atomic PhysicsPaschen Series
The spectral series of hydrogen atom emission lines produced by electron transitions dropping from upper energy states to the n=3 level.
Biophysics & Medical PhysicsPatch Clamp Technique
An electrophysiological laboratory technique used to record ion currents flowing through single individual ion channel proteins in cell…
Quantum & Atomic PhysicsPauli Exclusion Principle
A fundamental quantum law stating that two identical fermions cannot occupy the exact same quantum state simultaneously.
Condensed Matter & Materials PhysicsPeltier Effect
The absorption or emission of heat at the junction of two dissimilar electrical conductors when an electric current flows across it.
Foundations of PhysicsPercentage Uncertainty
The absolute uncertainty of a measurement divided by the measured value, expressed as a percentage.
Classical MechanicsPeriod
The time duration required to complete one full cycle of a recurring motion or oscillation.
Classical MechanicsPerpendicular Axis Theorem
A theorem stating that for a thin planar lamina, the moment of inertia about an axis perpendicular to the plane equals the sum of moments…
Mathematical & Computational PhysicsPerturbation Theory
A set of mathematical approximation methods for finding an approximate solution to a complex problem by starting from the exact solution of…
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsPhase
The fractional position of a point within a wave cycle, expressed as an angle relative to a reference origin.
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsPhase Difference
The angular difference between corresponding points on two waves or between different points on a single wave.