Examples for
Physics
Physics studies features of the universe, ranging from natural to manmade phenomena. With Wolfram|Alpha, you can explore data about phenomena in the areas of quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics, thermodynamics and Newtonian mechanics. Wolfram|Alpha also knows a variety of physical formulas and constants. With all of this built-in data and interactive calculators, it is easy to get answers to your physics questions, either for homework or general curiosity.
Explore the physical laws that describe the behavior of one or more bodies under a system of forces.
Compute mechanical work:
work F=30N, d=100mCompute centripetal acceleration:
centripetal acceleration, 30mph, 500 ftDo a gravitation calculation:
gravitation calculationExplore the motion of fluids using statistical methods.
Find the Maxwell speed distribution of a gas:
msd for neon at 800 KCompute entropy with the Sackur–Tetrode equation:
Sackur-Tetrode equationStudy the properties and behaviors of light.
Do computations using the thin lens equation:
lens, f=20ft, o=400ftCompute a diffraction pattern for a circular aperture:
circular aperture a=0.2mm, lambda=650nmCompute a diffraction pattern for a single slit:
single slit diffraction d=1/16 inch, lambda=200nmUse the Rydberg formula to compute spectral lines:
Rydberg formula ni=2, nf=5Explore quantum phenomena, such as scattering and quantum states.
Compute the energy of a photon given its wavelength:
photon energy 435nmCompute a Compton wavelength:
Compton wavelength protonLook up atomic spectra:
atomic spectrum of nitrogenExplore details, values and definitions for various physical constants.
Get the value of a physical constant:
speed of lightSchwinger field strengthDo computations involving constants:
Planck mass / mass of electronExamine the behavior of fluid systems and objects moving through them.
Calculate flow through a pipe:
water flow through a pipe 4" diameterDetermine change in fluid speed from pressure change:
velocity of water hammer with pressure difference of 20 atmCompute fluid flow around an object:
flow around a cylinderExplore oscillatory motion, from pendulums to electromagnetic waves.
Analyze a harmonic oscillator:
damped harmonic oscillator with forcingAnalyze the motion of a spring pendulum:
spring pendulum l0=0.12m, li=0.24m, thetai=80degCompute a Doppler shift:
Doppler shift 300Hz, 75mphExplore heat, energy and entropy and how they relate to thermodynamic systems.
Do computations with Joule's law:
Joule's law u=3V, R=1ohm for 10sAnalyze an adiabatic process:
adiabatic process Vi=10L, Vf=2L, pi=1atmDo an ideal gas law computation:
ideal gas law 2.2mol, 2.0atm, 500KAnalyze an Atkinson cycle:
Atkinson cycle Tc=150C, Th=900C, compression ratio=3Explore Einstein's theories of special and general relativity and how they relate to gravity, time and space.
Do relativistic addition of velocities:
add velocities, 8e7 m/s, 8e7 m/sCompute relativistic momentum:
relativistic momentum electron, 0.8cDetermine gravitational time dilation near massive objects:
gravitational time dilation at 1000 km and 100 solar massesGet information about particles and their interactions.
Get information about a particle:
protonDo a calculation with particle properties:
mass proton / electronCompare the values of a property for a class of particles:
mass bosonExplore physical laws, principles and effects.
Find out about Newton's laws:
Newton's lawsFind out about Brownian motion:
Brownian motionLearn about a paradox in quantum mechanics:
EPR paradoxGO FURTHER
Step-by-Step Solutions for PhysicsRELATED EXAMPLES
Explore the physics of the electromagnetic force.
Use input fields to specify data for an Ohm's law computation:
Ohm's law calculatorFind equations associated with a magnetized object:
magnetized ballAnalyze an RLC circuit:
RLC circuit 10ohm, 12H, 400uFDo a Coulomb's law computation:
Coulomb's law 2.0mC, 5.0mC, 250cmExplore aspects of nuclear physics, including radiation and nuclear power.
Compute the stopping power of a material:
stopping power air 0.5MeV electronGet information about an isotope:
iodine 131Compute characteristics of Cerenkov radiation:
Cerenkov radiation, 0.8MeV electron, n=1.4Explore the nature of celestial objects, including black holes, stars and planets.
Compute the orbital period of a massive body orbiting another:
Kepler's third law, 4 solar masses, 5 Earth masses, 2.5 AUCompute cosmological properties of the universe:
1 billion years after the big bangCompute properties of a black hole:
black hole 10 solar massesGet information on physical effects and compare them.