# Tags

A tag is a keyword or label that categorizes your question with other, similar questions. Using the right tags makes it easier for others to find and answer your question.

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the discipline that studies electromagnetic phenomena – such as electric and magnetic fields, radiation, and the dynamics of charged bodies – in classical terms.
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A postulated symmetry between bosonic and fermionic fields in quantum field theories and string theories.
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The temperature-dependent emission of electromagnetic waves. Combine this tag with [tag:thermodynamics] for a macroscopic view or [tag:quantum-mechanics] for a microscopic explanation.
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A unitary linear operator which resolves a function on $\mathbb{R}^N$ into a linear superposition of "plane wave functions". Most often used in physics for calculating the response of a time shift inv…
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is used in situations where the question is either about how some term or concept is defined or where the validity of an answer depends on a subtle definition of some term or concep…
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Use this for questions pertaining to curvature of manifolds. Does not need to be specific to general relativity, but also for curvature of e.g. a [tag:calabi-yau] manifold.
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Any of the various explanations of gravity as a quantum theory, including string theory and loop quantum gravity.
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A law in classical electromagnetism and Newtonian gravity which relates (charge) density to the divergence of a field, or alternatively the charge in a volume to the flux through the bounding surface.
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standards of measurement used for different types of quantities.
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a quantum field theory that is invariant under conformal transformations. In 2D, the infinite-dimensional algebra of local conformal transformations normally permits …
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The double slit experiment involves passing light through two parallel slits to demonstrate that the light from one slit interferes with that from the other.
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the rate of repetitive aspect in the amplitude over a given dimension.
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Object moving through space due to the exertion of a force.
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Interference describes different waves superposing to form a resultant wave of greater, lower, or the same amplitude. Normally, it involves interaction of waves that are correlated (coherent) with eac…
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the transmission of current with no resistive losses, and is one of the most active areas of condensed matter physics research.
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the planet on which we live, the 3rd planet from the Sun. Questions using this tag should be about Earth the planet and not Earth-like planets nor earth, as in dirt or soil.
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According to the current cosmological theories, it's the model that explains the early life of the universe, starting from a rapid expansion of hot and dense matter.
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The central term in the hamiltonian formalism. Can be interpreted as an energy input, or "true" energy.
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the set of techniques and results from Differential Calculus, concerning the calculation of derivatives of functions or distributions.
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A set of four equations that define electrodynamics. They comprise the Gauss laws for the electric and magnetic fields, the Faraday law, and the Ampère law. Together, these equations uniquely determin…
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An object such as a metal coil or air-filled tube which provides a force opposing the direction of deformation.
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physics taught and learned. Teaching strategies, class examples and demonstrations; learning resources, career advice, etc. For explicit problems, use the 'homework' tag instead.
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For questions about probability, probability theory, probability distributions, expected values and related matters. Purely mathematical questions should be asked on Math.SE.
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The study of the composition or dynamics of the gaseous layers around planets, often applied to questions on Earth's atmosphere but can be applicable to all planets & moons in the solar system.
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A diagrammatic technique introduced by Richard Feynman to describe the quantum behaviour of subatomic particles and their interactions. Do not use for general questions on diagrams that are not of the…
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Path integral formulation (Due to Feynman) is a major formulation of Quantum Mechanics along with Matrix mechanics (Due to Heisenberg and Pauli), Wave Mechanics (Due to Schrodinger), and Variational M…
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A region of space devoid of any fluid molecules resulting in a zero pressure in ideal cases. In practice, even space has a small but finite number of molecules. In QFT, it signifies the ground state d…
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a change in the nature of a phase or in the number of phases of a system as a result of a change in the external conditions. Examples: melting/freezing, vaporization/condensation…
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The subfield of optics in which light propagation is approximated in terms of rays. It mainly includes reflection and refraction on surfaces.
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The special-relativistic relation connecting energy with mass, $E^2 - (m c^2)^2= (pc)^2$. May be used to provide accounting constraints in energy and momentum, both conserved in total, even in reac…
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A tag for questions about rotational motion, including angular velocity and angular acceleration.
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A gas that behaves as randomly moving, non-interacting molecules. This allows a simplified equation of state.