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842 terms · page 30 of 36
Seebeck Effect
The direct conversion of a temperature gradient into an electrical voltage across a conductor or semiconductor.
Geophysics & Environmental PhysicsSeismic Waves (P & S Waves)
Elastic body waves that propagate through Earth's interior during an earthquake, classified as Primary (P) waves and Secondary (S) waves.
Geophysics & Environmental PhysicsSeismology
The scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of mechanical elastic waves through the Earth's interior and surface layers.
Quantum & Atomic PhysicsSelection Rules
A set of quantum mechanical rules constraining allowed radiative transitions between atomic energy states.
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsSelf-Inductance
The property of an electrical conductor or coil whereby a change in current induces an opposing electromotive force in the conductor itself.
Condensed Matter & Materials PhysicsSemiconductor
A class of crystalline solids possessing electrical conductivity between that of conductors and insulators, controllable by temperature…
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsSemiconductor Diode
A two-terminal semiconductor device formed by a p-n junction that allows electric current to flow easily in one direction while blocking it…
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsSeries Circuit
An electrical circuit topology in which components are connected end-to-end sequentially along a single continuous current path.
Condensed Matter & Materials PhysicsShape Memory Alloys
A class of smart metallic alloys that can be deformed when cold, but return to their original pre-deformed shape when heated above a…
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsShock Wave
A extremely thin propagating pressure disturbance characterized by a nearly instantaneous jump in pressure, temperature, and density.
Foundations of PhysicsSI Units
The International System of Units (SI), the modern metric system used globally as the standard language of science and measurement.
Foundations of PhysicsSignificant Figures
The digits in a measured or calculated quantity that carry meaningful contribution to its measurement precision.
Classical MechanicsSimple Harmonic Motion
Repetitive periodic motion where restoring force is directly proportional to displacement and acts toward the equilibrium position.
Classical MechanicsSimple Machine
A basic mechanical device that changes the direction or magnitude of an applied force.
OpticsSimple Microscope
An optical magnifying instrument consisting of a single converging biconvex lens used to produce an enlarged, upright, virtual image.
Astrophysics, Cosmology & RelativitySingularity
A region in spacetime where gravitational curvature and density become infinite, causing classical general relativity equations to break…
Plasma PhysicsSolar Wind
A continuous supersonic stream of fully ionized magnetoplasma (protons, electrons, alpha particles) expanding outward from the Sun's corona…
Geophysics & Environmental PhysicsSolar Wind Interaction
The plasma physics interaction between the Sun's supersonic coronal plasma stream and Earth's geomagnetic field.
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsSolenoid
A long helical coil of insulated wire that produces a uniform interior magnetic field when an electric current flows through it.
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsSonar
Sound Navigation and Ranging—a technique utilizing acoustic wave propagation underwater to navigate, communicate, or detect objects.
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsSonic Boom
An explosive impulsive acoustic thunderclap heard on the ground when an object travels faster than the speed of sound.
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsSound Intensity
The time-averaged rate of sound energy flow per unit area perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
Astrophysics, Cosmology & RelativitySpacetime Continuum
A 4D mathematical continuum combining 3D space and 1D time into a unified pseudo-Riemannian manifold.
Nuclear & Particle PhysicsSpark Chamber
A historic particle detector consisting of parallel metal plates filled with noble gas where high-voltage electrical sparks form along…