Physics terms starting with T

Condensed Matter & Materials Physics

Topological Insulator

A quantum material that behaves as an electrical insulator in its 3D interior bulk but features robust conducting metallic states on its 2D…

Z₂ Topological Invariant ν = 1 Quantum Phase Class

Electromagnetism & Electronics

Toroid

A doughnut-shaped ring wrapped with insulated wire that confines a uniform magnetic field completely within its circular core.

B = (μ₀ N I) / (2π r) T (Tesla)

Classical Mechanics

Torque

The rotational equivalent of linear force, measuring the effectiveness of a force in causing angular acceleration about an axis.

τ = r × F = r F sin θ N·m

Optics

Total Internal Reflection

The complete reflection of a light ray inside an optically denser medium when striking the boundary with a rarer medium at an angle…

sin θ_c = n2 / n1 (where n1 > n2) Degrees (°)

Electromagnetism & Electronics

Transformer

A static AC electrical device that transfers electrical energy between circuits through mutual electromagnetic induction to step up or step…

V_s / V_p = N_s / N_p = I_p / I_s Dimensionless (Turns Ratio)

Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics

Transverse Wave

A wave in which medium particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave energy propagation.

y(x,t) = A sin(k x - ω t) m

Geophysics & Environmental Physics

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to the tropopause (~7 to 18 km), containing ~80% of atmospheric mass…

dT / dz ≈ -6.5 °C/km (Environmental Lapse Rate) km (Altitude ~0 to 12 km)

Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics

Tsunami

A series of extremely long-wavelength ocean water waves generated by sudden vertical displacement of the seafloor.

v = √(g d) m/s

Astrophysics, Cosmology & Relativity

Twin Paradox

A famous thought experiment in special relativity where one twin travels into space at high speed and returns younger than the twin who…

τ_traveler = τ_stay / γ (Asymmetric acceleration worldlines) Years (Elapsed Proper Time)

Plasma Physics

Two-Stream Instability

A fundamental electrodynamic plasma instability that occurs when two counter-streaming particle beams or an electron beam injected into a…

1 = (ω_pe1² / (ω - k v₁)²) + (ω_pe2² / (ω - k v₂)²) s⁻¹ (Growth Rate Im(ω))

Optics

Tyndall Effect

The scattering of a light beam by colloidal particles or tiny suspended matter in a fine suspension or transparent medium.

N/A N/A