PhysicWords.docVIP

Physics Words Absolute humidity (or Saturation value) The maximum amount of water vapor, which could be present in 1 m3 of the air at any given temperature, is called absolute humidity. Absolute magnitude A classification scheme, which compensates for the distance, differences to stars. It calculates the brightness that stars would appear to have if they were all at a defined, standard distance of 10 parsec Absolute scale Temperature scale set so that zero is at the theoretical lowest temperature possible. This would occur when all random motion of molecules has ceased Absolute zero The theoretical lowest temperature possible, which occurs when all random motion of molecules has ceased Acceleration due to gravity The acceleration produced in a body due to the earths attraction is called acceleration due to gravity. It is denoted by the letter g. Its SI unit is m/s2. On the surface of the earth, its average value is 9.8m/s2. The value of g on the surface of the earth increases in going towards the poles from the equator. The acceleration due to gravity of the earth decreases with altitude and with depth inside the earth. The value of g at the center of the earth is zero. Acceleration The rate of change of velocity of a moving object is called its acceleration. The SI units of acceleration are m / s2. By definition, this change in velocity can result from a change in speed, a change in direction, or a combination of changes in speed and direction Adiabatic cooling The decrease in temperature of an expanding gas that involves no additional heat flowing out of the gas. It is the cooling from the energy lost by expansion Adiabatic heating The increase in temperature of compressed gas that involves no additional heat flowing into the gas. It is heating from the energy gained by compression Air mass A large, more or less uniform body of air with nearly the same temperature and moisture conditions throughout Allotropic forms Elements that can have several different structu