# All Questions

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### Definition of entropy in nonequilibrium states

Thermodynamical definition of entropy $$S(p)=-\int p\ln p~dx$$ is defined only on equilibrium system. But why can't we use it for non-equilibrium system? Is there a well-accepted definition for it?
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### Can a $\gamma$-ray photon give some of his energy to an atom and accelerate it?

I know gamma-ray photon can only give its momentum energy to the electrons of an atom. My question is: Can a photon give some of its momentum to the atom (including its nucleus) to give it heat or ...
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### How can you calculate how fast a spinning ring/cylinder will accelerate a mass via gravitomagnetism? [duplicate]

Lets say you have a cylinder of length L, radius R, and mass M. How fast will it accelerate a mass of mass M2 that is entering the "throat" of the cylinder, considering the effects of ...
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### Expanding universe space through matter or matter through space? [duplicate]

So the universe is expanding, rather space is expanding. By expanding we mean space is coming into existence at all points.  Is that an equal rate of expansion everywhere? Now the expansion does not ...
402 views

### How is electric field strength related to potential difference?

I was looking at the derivation of drift velocity of free electrons in a conductor in terms of relaxation time of electrons. Here a metallic conductor XY of length $\ell$ is considered and having ...
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### Is real voltage always the real part of complex voltage?

If I have a complex voltage $V_z$ is real voltage $V$ (i.e. the voltage used in the normal ohms law and the voltage we normally talk about) always given by $V=Re(V_z)$. Does the same apply to current? ...
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### When sliding down steep hill, is it safer to go down back or front against the hill? [closed]

Assume you are sliding down a steep hill. Is it safer to go down with your back against the hill or the front of your body against the hill? I assumed that since the surface area of your body which is ...
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### Riemann curvature tensor notation in Wald

This question is entirely on tensorial notation in Wald's General Relativity. When specifying the properties of the Riemann tensor on pg39, he states: $R_{[abc]}^{\quad \ \ \ d} = 0$ and For the ...
298 views

### Wave Packets, Group velocity, and Phase velocity [duplicate]

Mathematically, you find that the wave function of a particle $\Psi (x,t)$ moves with the same velocity as the velocity of the particle ($v_{particle} = v_{group}$). Is there a reason why the ...
783 views

### Special Relativity, 2nd Postulate — Why? [duplicate]

As a lowly physics undergrad who has been chewing on this 2nd postulate of special relativity for a year or more, I simply can't wrap my head around reasons why it is true or how Einstein might have ...
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### Regarding the 'Arrow of Time'

I read according to 'Newtonian' Mechanics any set of physical activity of particles can be reversed ( I think) so a set of complicated dynamic systems of particles and matter can reverse their '...
7k views

### Why are orbits elliptical? [duplicate]

Just wanted to know why planetary orbits get to be elliptical? I'm not debating how stable these orbits are (obviously almost completely stable), but why don't planets revolve in the special ellipse ...
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A chemist who dumped liquid nitrogen on his head described the act as very dangerous; yet, at the same time, he mentioned that the Leidenfrost effect would protect him from the dangers of this act. ...
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### Invariant tensors of Symplectic and Exceptional groups.

We know that for special orthogonal groups $SO(N)$ there exists invariant tensors (invariant under the group action). These are $\delta_{ij}$ and the totally anti-symmetric $\epsilon_{m_1,m_2,...m_N}$ ...
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### Particle-hole symmetry and the sign of the superconducting gap

Time-reversal (TR) symmetry leads to topological insulator property. As expected, the topological invariant depends on TR (Pfaffian) operator. TR+particle-hole symmetry leads to topological ...
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### Quantum to String: making the transition

We have a Hamiltonian containing a quantum simple harmonic oscillator coupled to a meter and a force. There is a term in the Hamiltonian that involves the oscillator position and the force, a term ...
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### Definition of buoyancy

Hi I'm trying to figure out the definition of buoyancy, is this correct? So say for example I have 1 cubic meter of water which weighs 1 ton, and I placed a cubic foot of a material that at a 1 ton ...
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### An ideal condition in Heisenbergs uncertainity principle

We all know that the Heisenberg uncertainity principle implies $\Delta x\, \Delta p\geq\frac{\hbar}{2}.$ But is there an ideal condition where we can measure $\Delta x$ to a particular precision and ...
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### Calculus of variations applied to a rotating liquid

I thought I knew how to use calculus of variations, but then I started thinking about the problem of a rotating liquid and it confused me a great deal. It would be nice to hear your thoughts on the ...
141 views

### Tension in a chain around a cone

A chain of some mass, forming a circle, is slipped on a smooth cone. If we consider an infinitesimally small section of the chain, a component of gravity will try to accelerate it along the surface of ...
669 views

### Number of blades in a fan

How does the number of blades in a fan affect the flux of air? I read that 3 blades are the best option but some companies uses more blades because there's a misconception among people that more ...
134 views

### How to create antineutrons?

Creating a beam of antiprotons allows to create antineutrons by charge exchange. How does this exchange work? The question pops up after the question "Is there a strong evidence of antineutron ...
520 views

### Why is water vapor released when an empty water bottle is squeezed?

I recently came across this tutorial and wondered why vapor will come out when the cap comes off. Heres the Tutorial
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### Atomic absorption question

My book says that when a photon carrying a certain amount of energy hits an electron, that gets excited and goes on an higher energetic level, absorbing the energy of the photon. When it comes back to ...
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### Can we measure a mass increase for a system with more energy?

This question is about whether the mass of a particle increases with its speed. Here is my related question from which this question spawned: Why is there a controversy on whether mass increases with ...