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842 terms · page 12 of 36
Finite Element Method (FEM)
A numerical technique for solving complex partial differential equations by subdividing a large physical domain into smaller, simpler…
Quantum & Atomic PhysicsFinite Potential Well
A quantum potential well model with barriers of finite energy height V₀.
Thermodynamics & Statistical PhysicsFirst Law of Thermodynamics
A statement of universal energy conservation applied to thermodynamic systems, asserting that internal energy change equals net heat added…
Quantum & Atomic PhysicsFluorescence
The rapid absorption of light at a shorter wavelength followed by immediate emission of light at a longer wavelength.
Biophysics & Medical PhysicsFluorescence Microscopy
An optical microscopy technique utilizing fluorophores excited by specific light wavelengths to image cellular structures with high…
Biophysics & Medical PhysicsFluoroscopy
A dynamic X-ray imaging technique obtaining real-time moving video images of interior anatomical structures and contrast agents.
Plasma PhysicsFokker-Planck Equation for Plasmas
The kinetic equation describing the time evolution of a plasma velocity distribution function subject to small-angle Coulomb collisions.
Classical MechanicsForce
A vector interaction that, when unopposed, alters the state of motion or deforms a physical body.
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsForced Oscillations
Oscillations produced in a system subjected to a periodic external driving force.
Mathematical & Computational PhysicsFourier Series
An expansion of a periodic function f(x) into an infinite sum of orthogonal sine and cosine harmonic functions.
Mathematical & Computational PhysicsFourier Transform
An integral transform that decomposes a continuous time or spatial signal into its constituent frequency or wavevector spectrum.
Foundations of PhysicsFrame of Reference
A coordinate system along with a clock used to record positions, velocities, and times of physical events.
Quantum & Atomic PhysicsFranck-Hertz Experiment
An influential 1914 physics experiment that directly demonstrated the existence of quantized discrete energy states in mercury atoms.
OpticsFraunhofer Diffraction
Far-field wave diffraction where both incident and observed wavefronts are planar, achieved using lenses or large distances.
OpticsFraunhofer Lines
A set of dark absorption lines in the solar spectrum caused by chemical element absorption in the Sun's outer atmosphere.
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsFrequency
The number of complete wave cycles or vibrational repetitions occurring per unit time.
Classical MechanicsFrequency (Mechanics)
The number of complete vibrational cycles occurring per unit time.
OpticsFresnel Diffraction
Near-field wave diffraction where source or observation screen is close to the diffracting aperture, requiring spherical wavefront…
Classical MechanicsFriction
A resistive contact force that opposes relative sliding motion or tendency of motion between surfaces.
Foundations of PhysicsFundamental Constants
Universal physical quantities whose numerical values are constant in space and time throughout the cosmos.
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsFundamental Frequency
The lowest natural frequency at which a standing wave pattern can be established in a vibrating system.
Astrophysics, Cosmology & RelativityGalaxy
A massive, gravitationally bound system consisting of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter.
Astrophysics, Cosmology & RelativityGalaxy Cluster
A gravitationally bound structure containing hundreds to thousands of individual galaxies bound together by gravity.
Nuclear & Particle PhysicsGamma Decay
A radioactive decay process where an excited atomic nucleus transitions to a lower energy state by emitting a high-energy gamma-ray photon.