Piezoelectricity is the electrical charge that accumulates in certain materials (known as piezoelectric materials) in response to applied mechanical stress. When these materials are deformed—either by compression, tension, or shear—they generate an electrical voltage. Conversely, applying an electrical voltage to these materials can induce a mechanical deformation. The term "piezoelectric" comes from the Greek word "piezein," which means "to press.

Stoletov's law refers to a principle in the field of photoconductivity and describes the relationship between the intensity of light and the electrical conductivity of certain materials, particularly semiconductors. Formulated by the Russian physicist Alexander Stoletov in the late 19th century, the law states that the photoelectric effect leads to an increase in the electrical conductivity of a material when it is exposed to light.

Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) is a technique used in materials science and condensed matter physics to probe the dynamics of atoms or molecules within a sample. It is particularly useful for studying systems that exhibit localized or diffusive motions, such as glasses, polymers, proteins, and various other materials. ### Key Features of QENS: 1. **Neutron Scattering**: QENS is based on scattering neutrons off a sample.

Safety switches, also known as residual current devices (RCDs), ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), or earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCBs), are electrical devices designed to prevent electrical shocks and electrical fires. They monitor the flow of electricity in a circuit and can quickly disconnect the power if they detect an imbalance between the live (hot) and neutral wires, which could indicate a leakage of current to the ground or a fault condition.

Veerse Gat is a body of water located in the Netherlands, specifically in the province of Zeeland. It is a tidal inlet that connects the North Sea to the inner waters of the Zeeland region, primarily the Veerse Meer lake. The area is known for its natural beauty, recreational activities, and as a habitat for various wildlife species. The Veerse Gat is significant for its role in local navigation and its impact on the ecosystem.

Copper-clad steel is a composite material that consists of a core of steel covered with an outer layer of copper. This combination leverages the beneficial properties of both metals, resulting in a product that offers the strength and structure of steel along with the excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal of copper.

Electrical conduit is a type of protective tubing used to encase and protect electrical wiring. It serves several important purposes in electrical installations: 1. **Protection**: Conduit protects wires from physical damage, moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors that could cause wear and failure. 2. **Safety**: By containing electrical wires within a conduit, the risk of electrical shock is reduced, as the conduit can also help prevent accidental contact with live wires.

A Residual Current Device (RCD), also known as a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) or Earth Fault Circuit Interrupter (EFCI), is a crucial safety device used in electrical systems to prevent electric shock and reduce the risk of electrical fires. It functions by monitoring the electrical current flowing through a circuit.

A vacuum interrupter is an electrical device used to interrupt high voltage electric current, typically in circuit breakers and contactors. It operates in a vacuum environment, which provides excellent insulation and arc-extinguishing properties. ### Key Features of Vacuum Interrupters: 1. **Construction**: - The vacuum interrupter consists of two main contacts enclosed in a sealed chamber that has been evacuated to create a vacuum.

A jackhammer, also known as a pneumatic drill or demolition hammer, is a powerful tool used for breaking up concrete, asphalt, and other hard materials. It typically consists of a hand-held or mounted device that delivers rapid impacts to the surface being worked on. Jackhammers can be powered by compressed air, electricity, or hydraulic systems. The tool features a chisel-like bit that is driven up and down at high speed, allowing it to penetrate hard surfaces effectively.

London's water infrastructure encompasses the systems and facilities that supply, manage, and treat water in the city. This infrastructure is crucial for providing clean drinking water, managing wastewater, and preventing flooding. Key components include: 1. **Water Supply**: - **Source**: London’s drinking water primarily comes from a mix of river sources (like the River Thames and River Lea), reservoirs, and underground aquifers.

Tubing refers to hollow cylindrical materials used in various applications, typically for the conveyance of fluids or gases. It can be made from a variety of materials, each chosen based on specific requirements such as pressure, temperature, corrosion resistance, flexibility, and cost. Common materials for tubing include: 1. **Metals**: - **Steel**: Used for high-pressure applications; can be galvanized for rust resistance.

Armourstone is a type of large, durable rock used in construction and civil engineering, primarily for coastal and riverbank protection, as well as for landscaping and erosion control. It serves as a key component in the creation of breakwaters, sea walls, and revetments, designed to absorb and deflect the energy of waves and prevent soil erosion. Typically, armourstone is quarried from natural stone such as granite, limestone, or basalt due to its strength and resilience.

Hushing can refer to different concepts depending on the context. Here are a couple of interpretations: 1. **General Meaning**: In everyday language, "hushing" can mean to make something quiet or to calm someone down by asking them to be silent. This is often used in a context where a loud environment needs to be toned down, such as asking children to be quiet.

Hydraulic mining is a form of mining that uses high-pressure jets of water to dislodge rock material or move sediment. This technique is often employed to extract gold or other valuable minerals from alluvial deposits, where these elements are mixed in with soil or gravel. The process involves directing high-pressure streams of water onto a hillside or riverbank, which breaks apart the ground material and washes it down into sluices or other collection devices where the valuable minerals can be separated from the less valuable materials.

MIKE SHE is a comprehensive, integrated modeling system developed for simulating the hydrological processes in various catchment areas. It is part of the MIKE by DHI suite of software tools, which are used for water resource management and environmental modeling. MIKE SHE incorporates various hydrological processes, including surface water flow, groundwater flow, evapotranspiration, and the interaction between these components.

The Manning formula is an empirical equation used to estimate the flow of water in open channels, such as rivers, streams, and ditches. It provides a way to calculate the velocity of flow based on the channel characteristics and the roughness of the channel's surface. The formula is particularly popular in hydraulic engineering and floodplain management.

Starling refers to a structural model used to describe the movement of fluids across capillary walls in biological tissues. The Starling forces, developed by British physiologist Ernest Starling in the early 20th century, account for the processes of filtration and reabsorption that govern fluid exchange between the capillaries and the interstitial spaces in tissues.

The wetted perimeter is a term commonly used in fluid mechanics and hydraulics to describe the lineal measurement of the boundary or perimeter of a wetted cross-section of a channel or conduit that is in contact with the flowing fluid. Specifically, it refers to the portion of the perimeter that is submerged in fluid. In open channels, the wetted perimeter includes the bottom of the channel and the sides that are in contact with the water.

Winsor Dam is a significant dam located in Massachusetts, specifically on the Swift River in the Quabbin Reservoir area. Completed in 1950, it is part of the larger Quabbin Reservoir project, which was developed to provide drinking water for the Greater Boston area. The dam holds back the reservoir and is vital for water supply management as well as flood control. The Quabbin Reservoir is the largest water supply reservoir in Massachusetts and serves as a critical infrastructure component in the state's water system.