Fundamental Physics

We will soon be adding a new section to the Windows to the Universe web site. The new section will be a broad overview of the science of physics. We have set up a temporary page, with links to many physics topics currently scattered around our site, for you to use until the new physics section is ready. Physics is the study of basic properties, materials, and forces in our Universe. Our new physics section will start off with some background material about space, time, and matter. It will also include sections on mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, atomic physics and particle physics, and tools for math and science (vectors, coordinate systems, units of measurement, etc.). The new physics section will also have links to many data sources relevant to Earth and space science. The links below provide access to some of the physics-related materials currently on the site. They are organized roughly into the categories we will use in the forthcoming physics section.

Starting Points for Science

• Space - Distance - Astronomical Unit (AU), Angstrom, Wavelength
• Time - Year, The Seasons
• Matter
• What is Mass?, Atomic Mass
• States of Matter
• The Four States of Matter, Changes of State: Solids, Liquids, and Gases
• Solid, Liquid (Fluid), Gas, Plasma

Mechanics

• Gravity
• The Four Fundamental Forces
• Orbital Mechanics
  • Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion - 1st Law, 2nd Law, 3rd Law
  • Elliptical Orbits - Eccentricity, Perihelion & Aphelion
  • Interactive Animation illustrating Orbital Elements
• Fluid Mechanics
• What is a Fluid?
• Liquid, Gas, Plasma
• Pressure
• Turbulence: All Mixed Up

Electricity and Magnetism

• Electricity
  • The Basics of Electric Circuits
  • The Basic Facts About Direct (DC) and Alternating (AC) Current
  • Transformers - the Point of Power Grid Disruption
  • Home Delivery of Voltage - You Supply the Electrons
  • Conductors versus Semiconductors
  • Lightning Formation
• Magnetism
  • The Magnetic Field
  • Magnetism
  • The Force of Magnetism
  • The Invisible World of Magnetic Fields
  • Disk Magnet and Compass interactive (Flash)
  • Bar Magnet and Compass interactive (Flash)
  • Material which is magnetic
  • Generating a Magnetic Field
  • Basic Facts About the Effects of Magnetic Fields on Charged Particles
  • Basic Facts About Spiral Motion
  • Basic Facts About Bounce Motion
  • The Facts About Drift Motion
• Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum
    • Radio Waves, Infrared (IR) Radiation, Visible Light, Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation, X-rays , & Gamma Rays
  • ExploraTour - Looking at the World in a Different Light
  • Photon
  • Spectra

Thermal Physics

• No entries here yet. The new physics section will include topics like heat, temperature, the laws of thermodynamics, conduction & convection, etc.

Atomic Physics and Particle Physics

• A Model of the Atom
  • Atomic Nucleus
  • Atomic Number, Atomic Mass
  • Isotope
• Elementary Particles
  • Proton, Neutron, Electron
  • Cosmic Rays
  • Neutrinos & Neutrino History
• Fundamental Forces
  • The Nuclear Force
• Fusion Reactions
• Elements (Chemical Elements), The Periodic Table of the Elements
• Radiation
  • Particle Radiation
  • Radioactive, Radioactive Decay, Half-Life
• What's a molecule?

Tools for Math and Science

• No entries here yet. The new physics section will include topics like vectors, coordinate systems, units of measurement, etc.

Data

Podcast about a flexible, safe contact lens with an imprinted electronic circuit and lights

Page created February 3, 2004 by Randy Russell. Last modified August 31, 2009 by Randy Russell.
The source of this material is Windows to the Universe, at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/ at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). © The Regents of the University of Michigan. Windows to the Universe® is a registered trademark of UCAR. All Rights Reserved. Site policies and disclaimer