to be strong on physics
81unified field theory — Physics. 1. See electroweak theory. 2. any field theory, esp. Einstein s, that attempts to combine the gravitational and electromagnetic fields in a single mathematical framework, thus extending the general theory of relativity. * * * Attempt to… …
82quantum chromodynamics — Physics. a quantum field theory that describes quarks and gluons and their interactions, with the color of the quarks playing a role analogous to that of electric charge. Abbr.: QCD Also called chromodynamics. Cf. color (def. 18). [1975 80] * * * …
83fusion reactor — Physics. a reactor for producing atomic energy by nuclear fusion. Cf. reactor (def. 4). * * * Introduction also called fusion power plant or thermonuclear reactor a device to produce electrical power from the energy released in a nuclear… …
84solids, mechanics of — ▪ physics Introduction science concerned with the stressing (stress), deformation (deformation and flow), and failure of solid materials and structures. What, then, is a solid? Any material, fluid or solid, can support normal forces.… …
85field emission — Physics. the removal of electrons from a metallic conductor by a strong electric field. [1925 30] * * * ▪ physics also called Cold Emission, discharge of electrons from the surface of a material subjected to a strong electric field. In… …
86cosmic ray — Physics. a radiation of high penetrating power that originates in outer space and consists partly of high energy atomic nuclei. [1920 25, Amer.] * * * High speed particle (atomic nucleus or electron) that travels through the Milky Way Galaxy.… …
87Stark effect — Physics. (often l.c.) the splitting into two or more components of the spectral lines of atoms in an electric field. [named after J. STARK, who described it in 1913] * * * ▪ physics the splitting of spectral lines observed when the… …
88avalanche effect — ▪ physics in physics, a sudden increase in the flow of an electrical current (electric current) through a nonconducting or semiconducting solid when a sufficiently strong electrical force is applied. The ability of most nonmetallic solids… …
89gauge theory — ▪ physics class of quantum field theory, a mathematical theory involving both quantum mechanics and Einstein s special theory of relativity that is commonly used to describe subatomic particles and their associated wave fields. In a gauge… …
90amorphous solid — ▪ physics Introduction any noncrystalline solid in which the atoms and molecules are not organized in a definite lattice pattern. Such solids include glass, plastic, and gel. Solids and liquids (liquid) are both forms of condensed… …
