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Related Concept Videos

The Scope of Physics01:17

The Scope of Physics

Physics is concerned with the interactions of energy, matter, space, and time, in order to discover the underlying mechanisms that underpin all phenomena. The word "physics" comes from the Greek word "phúsis", which means nature. Physics seeks to comprehend the natural world around us at its most fundamental level. It emphasizes the use of quantitative laws to do this, which could be valuable in other fields that want to push the performance boundaries of present technologies.
Physics knowledge...
Newton's First Law: Introduction01:17

Newton's First Law: Introduction

Motion draws our attention. Motion itself can be beautiful, causing us to marvel at the forces needed to create spectacular sights, such as that of a dolphin jumping out of the water, the flight of a bird, or the orbit of a satellite. The study of motion is kinematics, but kinematics only describes the way objects move—their velocity and acceleration. Dynamics considers the forces that affect the motion of moving objects and systems. Newton's laws of motion are the foundation of dynamics. These...
Newton's First Law: Application01:12

Newton's First Law: Application

Experience suggests that an object at rest remains at rest if left alone, and that an object in motion tends to slow down and stop unless some effort is made to keep it moving. However, Newton's first law gives a deeper explanation of this observation. The study of Newton's laws is like recognizing patterns in nature from which further patterns can be discovered. The genius of Galileo, who first developed the idea for the first law of motion, and Newton, who clarified it, was to ask the...
First Law: Particles in One-dimensional Equilibrium01:10

First Law: Particles in One-dimensional Equilibrium

Newton's first law of motion states that a body at rest remains at rest, or if in motion, remains in motion at constant velocity, unless acted on by a net external force. It also states that there must be a cause for any change in velocity (a change in either magnitude or direction) to occur. This cause is a net external force. For example, consider what happens to an object sliding along a rough horizontal surface. The object quickly grinds to a halt, due to the net force of friction. If we...
Apparent Weight01:09

Apparent Weight

True weight is the measure of the gravitational force acting on an object. However, if the object accelerates, its measured weight is different from its true weight. Similar observations can be made when the object is submerged in water. An object's weight in water is its apparent weight, which is equal to the difference between its true weight and the buoyant forces.
Consider a person standing on a bathroom scale inside an elevator. If the scale is accurate at rest, its reading equals the...
Conservation of Mechanical Energy01:05

Conservation of Mechanical Energy

The mechanical energy E of a system is the sum of its potential energy U and the kinetic energy K of the objects within it. What happens to this mechanical energy when only conservative forces cause energy transfers within the system—that is, when frictional and drag forces do not act on the objects in the system? Also assume that the system is isolated from its environment; in other words no external force from an object outside the system causes energy changes inside the system.
When a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Building Langmuir Probes and Emissive Probes for Plasma Potential Measurements in Low Pressure, Low Temperature Plasmas
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Building Langmuir Probes and Emissive Probes for Plasma Potential Measurements in Low Pressure, Low Temperature Plasmas

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PHYSICS: Will NIF Live Up to Its Name?

C Seife

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |September 11, 2007
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    The National Ignition Facility aims to achieve fusion ignition by directing nearly 2 million joules of laser energy at a hydrogen pellet. However, significant doubts remain about whether this will result in a sustained nuclear reaction.

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    Area of Science:

    • Nuclear Fusion Science
    • High-Energy Laser Physics
    • Inertial Confinement Fusion

    Background:

    • The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is designed for inertial confinement fusion experiments.
    • NIF utilizes powerful lasers to compress and heat a fuel target.
    • Achieving 'ignition' signifies a self-sustaining fusion reaction.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the feasibility of achieving fusion ignition at the National Ignition Facility.
    • To assess the energy requirements and potential outcomes of NIF's experimental setup.
    • To analyze the scientific consensus and uncertainties surrounding fusion ignition.

    Main Methods:

    • Directing approximately 2 million joules of laser energy.
    • Targeting a BB-sized pellet containing hydrogen isotopes.
    • Monitoring for the onset of a sustained nuclear fusion reaction.

    Main Results:

    • The potential for NIF to deliver the required laser energy is under scrutiny due to reported issues.
    • The primary outcome of achieving or failing to achieve fusion ignition remains uncertain.
    • Scientific opinions are divided, with cautious optimism tempered by significant doubts.

    Conclusions:

    • The success of NIF in achieving its stated goals, particularly fusion ignition, is not guaranteed.
    • Significant scientific and technical challenges may impede the realization of sustained fusion reactions.
    • Further research and development are critical to overcoming obstacles in inertial confinement fusion.