Terms starting with T
36 terms · page 2 of 2
Topological Insulator
Condensed Matter & Materials Physics
Quantum Phase Class
A quantum material that behaves as an electrical insulator in its 3D interior bulk but features robust conducting metallic states on its 2D surface boundary.
Z₂ Topological Invariant ν = 1
Toroid
Electromagnetism & Electronics
T (Tesla)
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)
Torque
Classical Mechanics
N·m
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
Total Internal Reflection
Optics
Degrees (°)
The complete reflection of a light ray inside an optically denser medium when striking the boundary with a rarer medium at an angle exceeding the critical angle.
sin θ_c = n2 / n1 (where n1 > n2)
Transformer
Electromagnetism & Electronics
Dimensionless (Turns Ratio)
A static AC electrical device that transfers electrical energy between circuits through mutual electromagnetic induction to step up or step down AC voltage.
V_s / V_p = N_s / N_p = I_p / I_s
Transverse Wave
Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics
m
A wave in which medium particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave energy propagation.
y(x,t) = A sin(k x - ω t)
Troposphere
Geophysics & Environmental Physics
km (Altitude ~0 to 12 km)
The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to the tropopause (~7 to 18 km), containing ~80% of atmospheric mass and virtually all water vapor.
dT / dz ≈ -6.5 °C/km (Environmental Lapse Rate)
Tsunami
Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics
m/s
A series of extremely long-wavelength ocean water waves generated by sudden vertical displacement of the seafloor.
v = √(g d)
Twin Paradox
Astrophysics, Cosmology & Relativity
Years (Elapsed Proper Time)
A famous thought experiment in special relativity where one twin travels into space at high speed and returns younger than the twin who stayed on Earth.
τ_traveler = τ_stay / γ (Asymmetric acceleration worldlines)
Two-Stream Instability
Plasma Physics
s⁻¹ (Growth Rate Im(ω))
A fundamental electrodynamic plasma instability that occurs when two counter-streaming particle beams or an electron beam injected into a stationary plasma excite growing electrostatic waves.
1 = (ω_pe1² / (ω - k v₁)²) + (ω_pe2² / (ω - k v₂)²)
Tyndall Effect
Optics
N/A
The scattering of a light beam by colloidal particles or tiny suspended matter in a fine suspension or transparent medium.
N/A
Type I & II Superconductors
Condensed Matter & Materials Physics
T or A/m (Critical Magnetic Field)
The classification of superconductors based on their magnetic field response and flux penetration characteristics.
Type I: Single H_c; Type II: Lower H_c1 and Upper H_c2