Glossary - Quantum Physics Lady

absolute constantAn absolute constant is a number that has the same value wherever it appears. Examples: π (pi) has the value 3.14159…(...) Read More

absolute space(Absolute space has recently been re-conceptualized and re-named as space that has "background-independence.") The(...) Read More

absolute square of a complex numberThe absolute square of a complex number is calculated by multiplying it by its conjugate. (The absolute square is not the(...) Read More

absolute timeThe concept of absolute time was a foundational concept of physics as articulated by Isaac Newton in the 1600’s. It was(...) Read More

acausal“Acausal” means not having a cause. In classical physics all events are believed to have a cause; none are acausal. In(...) Read More

accelerationAbbreviation: a In physics, acceleration is speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction. Acceleration contrasts(...) Read More

action-at-a-distance Action-at-a-distance is the creation of an effect without physically touching. An example is magnetism: a magnet pulls(...) Read More

algebraic constantAn algebraic constant is a symbol that represents an unchanging number or is simply a number in an algebra equation. The(...) Read More

alphaIn quantum physics, the ancient Greek letter α, alpha, represents an important constant of nature. Alpha is .00729735256…(...) Read More

amplitude of a waveThe amplitude of a wave is its height, that is, half the distance from trough to crest. Amplitude can be measured for water(...) Read More

ancient physicsAncient physics was the physics of the ancient world, that is, of the Egyptians, Greeks, Indians (of India), and other(...) Read More

angular momentum(Symbol is L. Also called “rotational momentum” or “moment of momentum.”) Angular momentum is the momentum or oomph which an(...) Read More

anomalyAn anomaly is an experimental result or an observation that doesn’t fit current scientific theories. Sometimes anomalies(...) Read More

antimatterAntimatter is not just the stuff of science fiction. It is as real as ordinary matter. Physicists call the matter that we(...) Read More

antiparticleAn antiparticle is an antimatter version of a normal particle. For example, an antiquark is an antimatter quark. An(...) Read More

atomAn atom is the tiniest component of an element which shares in the element’s properties. Break down matter any further and(...) Read More

atomic numberThe atomic number of an atom is the number of protons in its nucleus. For example, an atom of carbon has six protons and has(...) Read More