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Physics: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Major Laws of Physics
Physics is the study of the fundamental laws of nature. If you want to know what some of the most important and useful of those laws of physics are, this is where you can find out.
Physics
A brief description of the science of physics.
Quantum Physics Overview
This overview of the different aspects of quantum physics is intended to provide some perspective to those new to the subject, so that they can further explore the wonders inherent in this miraculous realm.
What is a Photon?
A description of the photon theory of light and what it means, as well as how it developed and its bizarre implications
What is a Black Hole?
A black hole is a curvature of spacetime geometry due to an intense gravitational field. The effects of a black hole are so extreme that even light cannot escape it, thus the name.
Energy
definition of energy
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.
Heat Energy
definition of heat energy
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
Six Simple Machines
There are six kinds of simple machines which have few or none moving parts which provide great mechanical advantage. Learn about these 6 machines and how they are used in your daily lives!
Density
Density is a key concept in analyzing how materials interact in fluid mechanics, weather, geology, material sciences, engineering, and other fields of physics.
Matter
definition of matter
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, a concept which is used widely in physics to solve problems involving changes in motion.
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!
Velocity
Definition of velocity
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.
Physics Theories
Find out some of the "weirdest" concepts in physics, mostly from the realm of quantum physics and Einstein's theory of relativity, or attempts to consolidate these two frameworks.
Mass
Definition of mass
Acceleration
Definition of acceleration
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.
Kirchhoff's Laws
Kirchhoff's Laws are some of the most fundamental and important rules in electronics. Kirchhoff's Current Law defines how current is distributed in an electronic circuit, while Kirchhoff's Voltage Lawdefines the distribution of voltage.
Force
Definition of force, how force applies to physics
Surface Tension
An explanation of surface tension, along with some basic experiments and tricks that make use of the phenomenon.
Potential energy
Definition of potential energy
Fundamental Forces of Physics
An overview of the four fundamental forces of physics and why they are so fundamental.
Entropy
definition of entropy
Einstein's wax figure at Madame Tussaud's
Pictures of Albert Einstein.
The Fields of Physics
An overview of the various fields of physics.
Inertia
Definition of inertia
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?
The Big Bang
One of the most impressive theories of the 20th century, the Big Bang explains the origins of the universe ... at least up to a point. Find out what the theory actually says, what it does not say, and what it may or may not say.
Free-Body Diagrams
The first step in most physics problems is drawing a free-body diagram. This article will provide you with the necessary information to tackle this process and use it effectively to help in physics problem-solving.
Speed
Definition of speed
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.
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.
Voltage
Definition of Voltage
Laws of Thermodynamics
An introduction to the laws of thermodynamics and how they are used to solve problems involving heat or thermal energy transfer.
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.
Plasma
Definition of plasma
What is String Theory?
String theory is an emerging theory that attempts to explain physics in term of a multi-dimensional universe, where the dimensions of space and time that we observe is a result of vibrations of microscopic energy strings in other dimensions.
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.
Power
Definition of power
Current
definition of current
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.
Heat Transfer
How does heat transfer? What methods are most or least efficient? What are the effects of heat transfer?
Wave Properties
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.
Temperature
definition of temperature
Sublimation
definition of sublimation
Thermodynamics Overview
Information on the field of thermodynamics, from the basics of temperature to kinetic theory to the laws of thermodynamics.
Fundamentals of Particles
A brief outline of the types of fundamental particles which are studied in particle physics.
Doppler Effect in Light
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.
Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei is considered by many to be the father of experimental science. His work laid the foundation for modern physics by defining physical properties in coherent mathematical terms, and establishing principles which Newton would later use to create a coherent theoretical framework for classical physics.
Work
Definition of work
Albert Einstein
A brief overview of Albert Einstein's life and work, as well as other information surrounding the popular scientific figure.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum of light spans from radio waves to gamma rays, including that band of colors that we're most familiar with: visible light.
Wave Interference
The principle of superposition governs how waves interact, resulting in interference and diffraction. Here you can learn about constructive and destructive interference, as well as manifestations of interference and diffraction.
Turkey Physics
Learn about how physics relates to the cooking of a turkey.
Nuclear Fission
Definition of nuclear fission
Schroedinger's Cat
In 1935, Erwin Schroedinger developed a thought experiment which illuminated some of the problems with extending the microscopic concepts of quantum physics into the macroscopic realm. The thought experiment has been used in the years since to highlight the key concepts of quantum physics, ranging from the role of the observer to the meaning of the wave function.
SI Units
Physics uses the International System of Measurements (SI), as does most of science. This introduction to the SI units provides a foundation for the units that are used to quantify the physical qualities of the universe.
Five Great Problems
In his 2006 book The Trouble with Physics, Lee Smolin defined these "five great problems in theoretical physics." What are they? Are they really problems? Why are they problems?
Free Falling Body
How to calculate the initial height of a dropped object, given its velocity at a point during the fall.
Vector
Definition of a vector
Unified Field Theory
Unified field theory, or grand unified theory, or "the theory of everything," is an attempt to consolidate the laws of physics into a single framework. It's actually a collection of assorted theories such as quantum gravity and string theory, all of which have the same ultimate goal of unification.
States of Matter
Learn about the various states of matter and the physical laws that govern them, such as phase transitions.
Fundamental Physical Constants
A list of the fundamental physical constants used in physics problems.
Impulse
Definition of impulse
Transistor
Understand how a transistor functions, and how its design incorporates into an overall electronic circuit.
Condensation
definition of condensation
Absolute Zero
definition of absolute zero
Physics Skills
If someone is interested in physics and wants to pursue it in college and as a career, there are a number of fundamental concepts they must become familiar with.
What is Quantum Gravity?
Quantum gravity is an attempt to unify Einstein's theory of general relativity with quantum physics. In essence, it tries to unify the four fundamental forces of physics into a coherent whole. It is also called unified field theory.
Why Study Physics?
Why should you study physics? What is the use of a physics education? If you aren't going to become a physicist, you may have questions such as these ... but there are good reasons for everyone to study physics.
Dry Ice
A description of the physics of dry ice and how it is used to create smoke and fog.
Huygens' Principle
We explain Huygens' Principle of wave diffraction, which is applied in many experiments with sound and light.
Adiabatic Process
definition of an adiabatic process
Thermodynamic Process
What is a thermodynamic process? How can it be used to analyze the energy within a system? These and more questions are answered here.
Quark
definition of quark, one of the fundamental particles in physics. Quarks compose protons and neutrons.
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.
Doppler Radar
A description of the physical principle behind Doppler radar.
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.
Momentum
Definition of momentum
Electron
definition of electron - electron as a fundamental physics particle
Mad Scientist Costume
Learn how to create a great mad scientist costume.
Nuclear Fusion
Definition of nuclear fusion
Spectroscopy
Definition of spectroscopy
Common Densities
Find out the density of common substances.
Rocket Balloon
We explain how to create a rocket balloon using common household items, and what makes it move. Learn the wonders of the rocket balloon!
Doppler Effect
The Doppler effect takes place when source or observer of waves (generally sound) are moving, creating an alteration in the perceived frequency.
Niels Bohr
Information about the physicist Niels Bohr, who was key in the development of quantum physics. Bohr devised the simplified Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. He was central to the development of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum physics.
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.
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.
Physics of a Car Collision
In physics, the distinction between the concepts of energy and force can be very subtle, but important. Energy is an absolute measure of the system, whereas the force is specifically related to the set-up of the situation.
Two-Dimensional Motion
The equations necessary to analyze motion in a two-dimensional plane.
Formulating a Hypothesis
Information on formulating a scientific hypothesis. Here you will also find discussions of models, theories, and laws, as well as the differences between them.
Kepler's Laws
Kepler's Laws describe, in three concise rules, the motion of orbital bodies in the solar system.
A headshot of Albert Einstein
Photographs of Albert Einstein.
Dark Matter
Definition of dark matter.
Physics Experiment Books
A list of books that contain physics experiments and projects.
A photograph of Albert Einstein riding his bicycle in Santa Barbara.
A photograph of Albert Einstein riding his bicycle in Santa Barbara.
Albert Einstein Books
A list of diverse books that focus on Albert Einstein's life and work.
One-Dimensional Motion
Learn the necessary equations and relationship to analyze one-dimensional motion, such as a car driving on a flat road or a free-falling body, especially in the case of a constant acceleration
Proton
Definition of a proton
Cosmic Ray Detector
We teach you how to build your own cosmic ray detector.
Hawking Radiation
Hawking radiation is an explanation of how radiation can be emitted from a black hole, despite its attractive power, due to quantum effects.
Physics Toys & Games
A variety of physics toys & games, many of which have educational uses.
Isobaric Process
definition of an isobaric process
Wormhole
definition of a wormhole
Sir Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton is one of the most significant physicists in western history. Considered the founder of classical physics, he took the disparate concepts that existed at his time and brought them together into a cohesive field of study.
Physics Myths
A list of popular physics myths.
Induction
definition of electromagnetic induction
Physics of the Greeks
A description of Aristotle's contributions to physics, or natural philosophy, as it was called at the time.
Dimensional Analysis
Dimensional analysis is a process by which you can use the units of certain values to help figure out how to achieve the solution you need. Learn how to use dimensional analysis to help you solve physics problems.
Buoyancy
Definition of Buoyancy
Torque
Definition of torque
A photograph of Albert Einstein.
Photographs of Albert Einstein.
Physics of the Impossible
In this book, physicist and popular author Dr. Michio Kaku explores what physics really has to say about "impossible" concepts such as teleportation, invisibility, telepathy, starships, and perpetual motion machines. Kaku classifies these and other concepts by their level of impossibility and describes the significant scientific principles at work in trying to unlock the secrets of them.
Vaporization
definition of vaporization
Experimental Methods
An overview of how to conduct a scientific experiment.
Superconductor
definition of a superconductor
Dark Energy
Definition of dark energy
Ice Diet
Does the Ice Diet work? Find out the reasons why the ice diet, which is based on calories burned by warming water, doesn't actually work the way so many think it should.
Higgs Boson
definition of a Higgs Boson
Bose-Einstein Condensate
Definition of the Bose-Einstein condensate.
specific gravity
Definition of specific gravity
Isothermal Process
definition of an isothermal process
Quantum Physics Books
A list of books about quantum physics.
Stephen Hawking
Physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking is probably one of the most popular modern physicists, mostly because of his popular bestselling book describing the state of cosmology and astrophysics and appearances on popular entertainment shows ... oh, and Hawking's quite a bright physicist who has revolutionized our understanding of black holes.
Quantum Enigma
In Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness, two physics professors explore the "skeleton in the closet" of quantum physics. What is the role of the observer, a conscious observer, in quantum theory? In lucid terms, the authors outline the issues and debates surrounding the quantum enigma.
Biophysics
A description of the essential details of biophysics.
Neutron
definition of a neutron
Grand Ideas of Science
In his 2007 book, Why Science?, James Trefil outlines a number of topics, "Grand Ideas" of science he calls them, which form a basis of scientific literacy. In other words, these are the topics that Trefil believes everyone must know to be able to intelligently function in society on issues where science is involved.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is a growing, dynamic field of research involving tiny nanoparticles, which are much smaller in width than a human hair. Here you'll learn the definition of nanotechnology, as well as some of its history.
Oscillation
Definition of oscillation
Idealized Models
Physicists generally break problems down into idealized models, which are simplified versions of the problems that look only at the elements they need to look at. This primer will give you tips on how to use such models properly
brane
Definition of a brane
Physics Movie List
A list of films which prominently feature physics or physicists, generally in an inspiring (and entertaining) way.
What is Quantum Optics?
Learn about quantum optics, the field of physics where the study of individual photons is crucial to understanding the nature of the behavior of electromagnetic waves as a whole.
Phase Diagram
definition of phase diagram
Superfluid
Definition of a superfluid
Isochoric Process
definition of an isochoric process
Quantum Computer
Quantum physics allows for many wondrous things, but perhaps none will have more impact than quantum computing ... if anyone ever builds a quantum computer that works (for more than a few nanoseconds).
A picture of Albert Einstein from 1905
Photographs of Albert Einstein.
Loop Quantum Gravity
Loop quantum gravity explains the universe in terms of tangles in spacetime.
Physics - Articles
An index of articles for the Physics guide site.
Pressure
Definition of pressure
Muon
definition of a muon particle
Michio Kaku
Physicist & science popularizer Michio Kaku is a known face from television and voice from radio, where he presents physics concepts to a broad lay audience.

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