Published in European Journal of Physics
Two thermodynamic processes, an adiabatic gas compression and an isothermal gas compression, taking place in a moving lab are analysed using a four-vector fundamental equation, dE μ = δ W μ + δ Q μ , a relativistic generalization of the first law of thermodynamics dE = δ W + δ Q. These processes are first described in frame S, with the lab at rest,...
Published in European Journal of Physics
Digital signal processing is a valuable practical skill for the contemporary physicist, yet in physics curricula, its central concepts are often introduced either in method courses in a highly abstract and mathematics-oriented manner or in lab work with little explicit attention. In this paper, we present an experimental task in which we focus on a...
Published in European Journal of Physics
In radiation physics classes, point sources are typically used, for which it is relatively easy to describe the signal obtained by a radiation detector, such as the NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. The use of large extended radiation sources is generally avoided due to the mathematical complexity that their description may involve. However, the use ...
Published in European Journal of Physics
This pedagogical article elucidates the fundamentals of trapped-ion quantum computing, which is one of the potential platforms for constructing a scalable quantum computer. The evaluation of a trapped-ion system’s viability for quantum computing is conducted in accordance with DiVincenzo’s criteria.
Published in European Journal of Physics
Finding wavefunctions for even the simplest of interacting particle systems consisting of two particles is extremely difficult. It is therefore highly desirable that an accurate and easily implementable method be available to instructors and students of quantum-mechanics for obtaining wavefunctions for these particles. The usual approach taken to d...
Published in European Journal of Physics
In this work, we demonstrate explicitly the unified nature of electric and magnetic fields, from the principles of special relativity and Lorentz transformations of the electromagnetic field tensor. Using an operational approach we construct the tensor and its corresponding transformation law, based on the principle of relativity. Our work helps to...
Published in European Journal of Physics
Analytical solutions in physics are always preferred for the sake of mathematical completeness. For this, using the Lambert W function, I derive closed-form analytical expressions for the equilibrium interionic distance in an ionic crystal, the formation energy of a vacancy in a crystal, the zero-temperature energy gap of a clean-limit superconduct...
Published in European Journal of Physics
An ideal classical gas under uniform gravity is a commonly discussed problem in statistical thermodynamics. At an introductory level, the condition of hydrostatic equilibrium gives rise to the barometric formula, which describes the variation of gas pressure with height. At an advanced level, the partition function can be used to find the density a...
Published in European Journal of Physics
In light of a recent direct experimental confirmation of a Lorentz contraction of Coulomb field (an electric field of a point charge in a uniform motion), we revisit some common confusions related to it, to be mindful of in teaching the subject. These include questions about the radial nature of the field, the role of the retardation effect due to ...
Published in European Journal of Physics
We consider the Earth moving through empty space at 30 km s−1 (in the Sun’s frame of reference). Associated with this motion is a convective flow of kinetic and internal energy. Since there is high pressure inside the Earth, and since the Earth is moving, there is yet another ‘hydraulic’ energy flow. This latter is what this article is about. Altho...
