Physics

Forsterite Definition Forsterite is any of a group of magnesium iron silicates, (Mg,Fe)2SiO4, occurring in olive-green to gray-green masses as an important constituent of basic…

Phenakite Definition Phenakite is a colourless or white glassy mineral consisting of beryllium silicate in hexagonal crystalline form: occurs in veins in granite with formula:…

Phonon Definition Phonon is a quantized sound wave – a collective vibrational mode of a solid (or liquid). It is the quantum of acoustic or…

Cristobalite Definition Cristobalite is chemically identical to quartz, with the chemical formula SiO2, but has a different crystal structure. Crystals are always microscopic, and usually…

Polymorphism Definition Polymorphism in materials science is refers to the ability of a solid material to exist in more than one form or crystal structure.…

Phosphorus Pentoxide Definition Phosphorus pentoxide is a white odourless solid produced when phosphorus burns: has a strong affinity for water with which it forms phosphoric…

Tricresyl Phosphate Definition Tricresyl phosphate (TCP) is a colorless, odorless liquid. Insoluble in water and slightly denser than water. Toxic by ingestion and skin absorption.…

Tellurium Definition Tellurium is a metalloid element that occurs as either a brittle, shiny, silvery-white crystal or a gray or brown powder. It is far…

Polonium Definition Polonium is a radioactive metallic element, occurring naturally in small quantities as a product of radium disintegration and produced synthetically by bombarding bismuth…

Bismuth Definition Bismuth is a brittle, pinkish-white, crystalline metallic element that occurs in nature as a free metal and in various ores. Bismuth is the…

Cadmium Definition Cadmium is a rare, soft, bluish-white metallic element that occurs mainly in zinc, copper, and lead ores. Its atomic number 48; atomic weight…

Atomic Clock Definition Atomic clock is an extremely precise clock whose rate is controlled by a periodic process, such as vibration, or the absorption or…