Physics

Items

• annihilate

  When a particle and its opposite (antiparticle) meet and destroy each other, turning into energy.
• anode

  The part of a circuit or device where current flows in. It is often where oxidation happens (electrons are lost).
• antenna

  A device used to send or receive electromagnetic waves, especially radio waves.
• antinode

  The point on a standing wave where the vibration is the largest. It is the opposite of a node, which is a point that doesn’t move at all.
• antiphase

  Two waves are in antiphase when they are exactly out of phase with each other; when one wave is at a peak, the other is at a trough.
• antiproton

  An antiproton is the antiparticle of a proton. Generally, a proton has a positive charge, and antiproton has the same mass as a proton but a negative charge.
• aperture

  An opening or hole that allows light, sound, or other waves pass through. In cameras, the aperture controls how much light enters the lens. A bigger aperture means more light and a brighter picture; a smaller aperture means less light.
• apparent

  Apparent means "seems like" or "looks like," even if it's not exactly true. In physics, we use the word apparent when something looks a certain way because of the observer’s position or conditions, not because it truly is that way.
• application

  How we use or apply a scientific idea or principle in real life. It’s about taking what we learn in physics and putting it to practical use.
• approximation

  Using a value or method that is close enough to the exact answer, usually to simplify a problem.
• area

  The amount of space inside a flat surface or shape. It tells you how much surface something covers.
• arithmetic

  Refers to using basic number operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to calculate physical quantities and solve problems.
• assume

  To accept it as true without proof, usually to help solve a problem or make it simpler.
• astronomy

  The study of the universe beyond Earth. It looks at things such as stars, planets, moons, galaxies, black holes and how universe works.
• atmosphere

  The layer of gases that surrounds a planet, like Earth. It protects us and helps life exist.
• atom

  The smallest unit of ordinary matter that makes up everything around us. It consists of a nucleus in the centre, made of protons (positive charge) and neutrons (no charge), and electrons (negative charge) that move around the nucleus.
• attenuate

  To reduce the strength, power, or intensity of something, usually a wave, signal, or sound. A sound becomes quieter as it travels through air, i.e., it’s attenuated.
• attraction

  A force that pulls objects toward each other. So, in physics, attraction means one object pulling another closer.
• audible

  Able to be heard by the human ear
• aurora

  A beautiful natural light show in the sky, often seen near the North or South Poles.
• average

  The value that represents the typical amount when you combine several measurements or quantities.
• axiom

  Basic truths or assumptions used to develop laws and formulas. An axiom is a statement or idea that is accepted as true without needing proof.
• ballistic

  The motion of an object that is moving under the influence of gravity only, after being launched or projected. It follows a curved path called a trajectory.
• bandgap

  The energy difference between the valence band and the conduction band in a material.
• baryon

  A baryon is a type of particle in physics made of three quarks. The most common baryons are protons and neutrons, which are the building blocks of atomic nuclei.