There are a number of terms that we use every day while we are studying Physics. These terms make our understanding of the subject matter easier. In this article, you will find some of the most commonly used terms along with their usage.
Atom
Atoms are considered to be the basic unit of matter. This term is the most commonly used term. The atom consists of a nucleus which has a positively charged matter known as protons and negatively charged matter known as electrons. Neutrons are the zero-charged matter. The size of an atom may vary from 32 to 225 picometers. An interesting fact is that the width of a human’s hair is about 1 million carbon atoms.
Absolute zero
The term absolute zero is defined as the low temperature that is possible and this temperature is equal to 0 degrees in the Kelvin scale. At this temperature, the atoms cease and move together so that the energy invested is minimal. This concept has been explained in the third law of thermodynamics.
Temperature
The temperature definition is based on the measure of hotness or coldness of a given object. These temperatures are measured on different scales such as the Celsius scale, Fahrenheit scale, and Kelvin scale. Temperature is an example of an intensive property. Intensive property defined as the property which is independent of the quantity of matter.
Electric field
Electric field is similar to the magnetic field but the force of the field is dependent on the electric charges. When the electric field and the magnetic field are together, it is known as the electromagnetic field. Change in either of the fields will induce a change in the other.
Angular momentum
The term angular momentum is used to measure the momentum of a body which is in the rotational motion about its center of mass. Angular momentum is defined as the product of the position vector and the velocity vector. Until an external force acts on the object, the total of the angular momentum and its constituent particles are conserved.
Electromagnetic force
The electromagnetic force is also known as electromagnetism. The force is exerted by the electrically charged particles. Also, an electromagnetic force is one of the fundamental forces of Physics. The other fundamental forces are gravitational force, strong and weak nuclear forces.
Star
We see stars in the night sky. Even the sun that we see in the morning is called the star. A star is a massive and luminous ball of gas that is held together by gravity. The composition of a star is usually hydrogen and helium. These stars are the creation of nuclear fusion and the process takes millions of years. Dwarf stars, supernovas, quasars, etc are the different types of stars.
Work
In physics, work definition is based on the amount of energy that has been transferred when an object is being moved from one place to another until and unless an external force acts on it. The mathematical way of expressing work would be
W = Fd
Where W is the work done, F is the force applied, and d is the distance moved.
The SI unit of work is 1 Newton.meter. 1 erg is the CGS unit of work.
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