Binding Energy: The Nuclear Glue Holding Atoms Together
Binding energy is the amount of energy needed to break apart an atomic nucleus into its individual protons and neutrons
Critical Mass: The Threshold for Sustained Nuclear Reactions
Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissile material (such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239) required to maintain a self-sustaining nuclear
Isotropy: Uniformity in All Directions
Isotropic materials are substances whose physical properties are identical in every direction. This means that characteristics such as strength, thermal
Anisotropy: Direction-Dependent Material Properties
Anisotropic materials are substances whose physical properties vary depending on the direction in which they are measured. Unlike isotropic materials,
Polarization of Light: Aligning the Electric Field
Polarization refers to the direction in which the electric field of a light wave oscillates as the wave travels through
Brewster’s Angle: The Polarization Point of Perfect Transmission
Brewster’s angle, also known as the polarizing angle, is the specific angle of incidence at which light striking a surface
Compton Effect: Proof of Light’s Particle Nature
The Compton effect, discovered by Arthur H. Compton in 1923, provided compelling evidence that light behaves like particles, not just
Rutherford Model: A Nuclear-Centered Atom
The Rutherford model of the atom, proposed by Ernest Rutherford in 1911, marked a major breakthrough in understanding atomic structure.
Bremsstrahlung Radiation: Light from Slowing Charged Particles
Bremsstrahlung, a German term meaning “braking radiation,” refers to the electromagnetic radiation emitted when a charged particle (typically an electron)
Nuclear Reactors: Harnessing Controlled Fission for Power Generation
A nuclear reactor is a device designed to safely control nuclear fission reactions to produce heat, which is then used