imaginary numberAn imaginary number is one that includes the square root of -1, written √(-1). While one might think that such a number(...) Read More
indeterminacy“Indeterminacy” or “quantum indeterminacy” refers to the uncertainty of results when measuring certain pairs of properties(...) Read More
Indeterminacy PrincipleThe “Indeterminacy Principle” is another name for the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP). See the Heisenberg Uncertainty(...) Read More
ionAn ion is formed when an atom gains or loses an electron. An atom which has lost one or more electrons has a positive(...) Read More
ionizeTo ionize is to convert a substance from atomic or molecular form to ions.
An ion is a type of atom that has an imbalance(...) Read More
isotopeIsotopes are a special kind of atom. Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons are isotopes of(...) Read More
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JouleA Joule is a unit for measuring energy. It's the amount of energy needed to lift a medium tomato one meter off the surface(...) Read More
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Law of Conservation of EnergyThe Law of Conservation of Energy says that the amount of energy in an isolated system remains constant. Energy cannot be(...) Read More
Law of Conservation of MatterThe Law of Conservation of Matter was abandoned as inaccurate by physicists early in the 1900’s. For more information, see(...) Read More
linear momentumLinear momentum is the oomph something has due to having mass that’s in motion. If a football player were to ram into a(...) Read More
lines of force“Lines of force” can best be explained with an illustration. The photo shows the lines of magnetic force created with a(...) Read More
localityIn everyday life, we assume the principle of locality. Here’s the principle of locality: Causing an effect on an object or(...) Read More
local realism[This article is under construction.]
Local realism is a quick way of saying two principles: 1) Principle of locality:(...) Read More
logicalLogical reasoning is reasoning that draws conclusions based on correct understanding of relationships. Here are examples of(...) Read More
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magnetic momentThe magnetic moment is the strength of the response of a piece of metal to a magnetic field. It is a measure of the degree(...) Read More
magnetic moment of the electronThe magnetic moment of an electron is symbolized as g and is called the “g-factor.”
The magnetic moment is the degree to(...) Read More
mathematical constantPi and e are examples of mathematical constants. A mathematical constant has the same value no matter which mathematical(...) Read More
Measurement ProblemUnderstanding the Measurement Problem requires understanding the unique role of measurement in quantum mechanics. The entry(...) Read More
metalA metal is a kind of matter, usually derived from rocks found in nature. Examples of metals include iron, aluminum, and(...) Read More
minimal theoryA minimal theory in physics is a theory that accounts for known phenomena with the simplest approach conceivable. Of course,(...) Read More
moment“Moment,” as used in physics, means the amount of a force that rotates the object. The term “moment” is used in regard to a(...) Read More
moment of forceMoment of force is also called torque. “Moment,” as used in physics, means the amount of force experienced by an object due(...) Read More
moment of momentumIn classical physics, moment of momentum is the momentum or oomph which an object has as it rotates about an axis. It is the(...) Read More
momentum(Abbreviated p. Momentum is the oomph something has due to having mass that’s in motion. Let’s say you just happen to be(...) Read More
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nonlocalityThe principle of nonlocality in quantum mechanics says that quantum particles can “know” the states of other quantum(...) Read More
normal matterScientists call the everyday matter of our world, such as tables and chairs, “normal matter.” Normal matter is made up of(...) Read More