Articles Index
Einstein's Theory of Relativity
An overview of Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Learn about special relativity & general relativity, including the Lorentz transformations that make them possible.
Introduction to Vector Mathematics
Here you will be introduced to the mathematics necessary for the manipulation of vector quantities, which have both a magnitude and direction. Vectors are used throughout physics, so an understanding of these concepts is important to solve many physics problems.
Five Great Problems in Theoretical Physics
In his 2006 book [i]The Trouble with Physics[/i], Lee Smolin defined these "five great problems in theoretical physics." What are they? Are they really problems? Why are they problems?
Particle Physics Fundamentals
A brief outline of the types of fundamental particles which are studied in particle physics.
Large Hadron Collider
In 2008, the Large Hadron Collider goes online as the world's largest, most powerful particle accelerator. It seeks to discover the mysteries of the universe by smashing together particles.
The Compton Effect
The Compton effect, where the energy of a photon decreased upon interaction with matter, is another experiment that demonstrated the particle properties of electromagnetic radiation.
Introduction to Newton's Laws of Motion
A basic introduction to Newton's Three Laws of Motion. Each law of motion has important physical and mathematical interpretations needed to analyze most any problem involving the motion of physical objects
Laws of Thermodynamics
An introduction to the laws of thermodynamics and how they are used to solve problems involving heat or thermal energy transfer.
Wave Particle Duality
We explore wave particle duality: the particle properties of waves and the wave particles of particles. What do these strange properties mean? How can we use them to understand physics?
Using Significant Figures
When measuring physical quantities, scientists have to keep track of their level of precision. This article will discuss how scientists use significant figures to do just that, and how you can use significant figures without error in your work. It also discusses the role of scientific notation in making large and small numbers manageable.
Surface Tension
An explanation of surface tension, along with some basic experiments and tricks that make use of the phenomenon.
Newton's Law of Gravity
An introduction to the basic principles of the law of gravity, as developed by Newton and revised over the years. This provides the foundation for any significant work in understanding gravity, including its application to planetary motion.
Young's Double Slit Experiment
Learn about Young's Double Slit experiment, where interference patterns seem to prove the wave theory of light. But there's way more to this simple experiment than meets the eye. We'll explain the original experiment and its quantum mechanical permutations.
De Broglie Hypothesis
We discuss the De Broglie hypothesis, which proposes that all matter exhibits wave-like properties and relates the observed wavelength of matter to its momentum.
Blackbody Radiation
Research in blackbody radiation created a major dilemma for classical physics. The problem was resolved by Max Planck in 1900 by introducing the concepts which laid the foundation for all of quantum mechanics.
Huygens' Principle
We explain Huygens' Principle of wave diffraction, which is applied in many experiments with sound and light.
Introduction to the Scientific Method
This introduction illuminates the main principles of the scientific method, as well as hypothesis creation and testing procedures that are used in executing the scientific method.
The Photoelectric Effect
A description of the photoelectric effect and its significance, which includes crushing the classical wave theory of light, Einstein's first publication, Einstein's only Nobel Prize, and one of the major steps in developing quantum mechanics.
Physics of the Greeks
A brief overview of the physical sciences as discovered and practiced by the ancient Greeks.
Density of Common Substances
Find out the density of common substances.
Doppler Effect in Light: Red Shift & Blue Shift
Learn about the manifestation of the Doppler effect from a moving light source and how the observed light exhibits either a red shift or blue shift to the wavelength and frequency.
Gravity on the Earth
Our most common experience with gravity is on the surface of the Earth and much of physics relates to it. This will tell you what you need to know about the Earth's gravity to keep from falling off into space ... actually, it will tell you a lot more than that.
The Doppler Effect for Sound Waves
The Doppler effect takes place when source or observer of waves (generally sound) are moving, creating an alteration in the perceived frequency.
The Visible Light Spectrum
The visible light spectrum is the range of electromagnetic radiation that we are most familiar with. Here you can learn even more about it!
Mathematical Properties of Waves
Waves have certain unique mathematical properties, which require some specific methods of analysis. Here you'll learn everything you need about amplitude, frequency, wavelength and other wave properties.