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842 terms · page 34 of 36
Unit Vector
A dimensionless vector with a magnitude of exactly one, used exclusively to specify a direction in space.
Plasma PhysicsUpper & Lower Hybrid Resonances
Characteristic wave resonance frequencies in magnetized plasmas where wave group velocity vanishes and electromagnetic energy couples…
Condensed Matter & Materials PhysicsValence Band
The highest range of electron energy bands in a solid that is fully occupied by bound valence electrons at absolute zero temperature.
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsVan der Pol Oscillator
A non-linear oscillator with non-linear damping that exhibits stable self-sustained limit cycle vibrations.
Thermodynamics & Statistical PhysicsVan der Waals Equation
An equation of state modifying the ideal gas law to account for finite molecular volume and attractive intermolecular forces in real gases.
Mathematical & Computational PhysicsVariational Principle
A fundamental physical principle asserting that true physical trajectories minimize or render stationary a scalar functional (such as…
Foundations of PhysicsVector
A physical quantity characterized by both a magnitude and a spatial direction.
Mathematical & Computational PhysicsVector Calculus
A branch of mathematics dealing with multivariable differentiation and integration of vector fields in 3D Euclidean space.
Foundations of PhysicsVector Components
The scalar projections of a vector along the mutually perpendicular axes of a coordinate system.
Foundations of PhysicsVector Product
A vector operation multiplying two 3D vectors to yield a vector perpendicular to both, with magnitude equal to the area of the…
Classical MechanicsVelocity
A vector quantity expressing the time rate of change of position, possessing both speed and direction.
Foundations of PhysicsVernier Caliper
A precision measuring instrument utilizing a main scale and a sliding Vernier scale to measure linear dimensions with fine precision.
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsVibration of Strings
Transverse standing wave resonances produced along stretched flexible strings fixed at both ends.
OpticsVirtual Image
An optical image formed where light rays appear to diverge from, but do not actually intersect; cannot be projected on a screen.
Nuclear & Particle PhysicsVirtual Particles
Transient quantum field fluctuations that mediate interactions between real particles, constrained in lifetime by the energy-time…
Classical MechanicsViscosity
A measure of a fluid's internal resistance to gradual deformation by shear or tensile stress.
OpticsVisual Angle
The angle subtended at the eye's nodal point by an object, determining the size of the image formed on the retina.
Plasma PhysicsVlasov Equation
The fundamental partial differential equation governing the evolution of the single-particle distribution function f(r, v, t) in a…
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsVoltage
The electric potential difference between two points, defined as the work required per unit charge to move a positive test charge between…
Nuclear & Particle PhysicsW and Z Bosons
Massive elementary vector gauge bosons that mediate the weak nuclear interaction.
Geophysics & Environmental PhysicsWadati-Benioff Zone
A planar dipping zone of earthquake foci produced by the subduction of a cold, rigid oceanic lithospheric plate into the mantle.
Thermodynamics & Statistical PhysicsWater Equivalent
The mass of water that absorbs or releases the exact same amount of heat as a calorimeter body for an identical temperature change.
Electromagnetism & ElectronicsWattless Current
The component of alternating current that is 90 degrees out of phase with AC voltage, consuming zero net electrical power.
Waves, Oscillations & AcousticsWave Dispersion
The phenomenon where wave phase velocity depends on wave frequency or wavelength in a medium.