Paper bag problem 1970-01-01
The "paper bag problem" generally refers to a conceptual puzzle or problem in computer science, mathematics, or optimization relating to how to efficiently pack items—often in a constrained space, like a bag—while maximizing the usage of that space or minimizing wasted space. However, it's important to note that the phrase "paper bag problem" might not refer to a widely recognized specific problem by that name; it often points toward more general concepts in combinatorial optimization, such as the knapsack problem.
Periodic table of shapes 1970-01-01
The "Periodic Table of Shapes" is an educational tool used to categorize and illustrate various geometric shapes based on their properties and characteristics, similar to how the periodic table classifies chemical elements. While there is no standardized version of a "Periodic Table of Shapes" widely recognized in mathematics or science, various representations exist that display shapes in a systematic way. Typically, such tables may include: - **Basic Shapes**: Circles, squares, triangles, polygons, etc.
Alhazen's problem 1970-01-01
Alhazen's problem, named after the medieval Arab mathematician and physicist Ibn al-Haytham (known as Alhazen), addresses the challenge of determining the position of a point light source based on the angles of incidence and reflection in a concave mirror. Specifically, it involves finding the location of a point source of light (such as a candle) outside a spherical mirror when given the angles at which the light reflects off the mirror's surface.
Angle of view (photography) 1970-01-01
In photography, the angle of view (AOV) refers to the extent of the observable world that can be captured by a camera lens at a given focal length and distance from the subject. It is typically measured in degrees and describes the width of the scene that the camera can capture horizontally and vertically.
Aperture 1970-01-01
Aperture has a couple of different meanings depending on the context, but it is most commonly associated with photography and optics. Here are the main definitions: 1. **Photography**: In photography, aperture refers to the size of the opening in a lens through which light passes. It is one of the three critical elements of exposure, alongside shutter speed and ISO. Aperture is usually measured in f-stops (f/numbers), where a lower f-stop (e.g., f/1.
Cardinal point (optics) 1970-01-01
In optics, cardinal points refer to specific points in an optical system, such as a lens or a mirror, that are important for describing the behavior of light as it passes through the system. These points include: 1. **Focal Points**: - **Focal Point (F)**: The point where parallel rays of light converge after passing through a converging lens (or mirror).
Caustic (optics) 1970-01-01
In optics, a caustic refers to the envelope of light rays that are refracted or reflected by a curved surface or by a light source, typically creating a concentrated pattern of light. The term "caustic" can also refer to the pattern of light created on a surface when light shines through a transparent medium like water or glass.
Chromatic aberration 1970-01-01
Chromatic aberration is a type of optical distortion that occurs in camera lenses, telescopes, and other optical systems due to the different wavelengths of light being focused at different points. This phenomenon happens because lenses are made of materials that refract (bend) light differently based on its color (wavelength).
Defocus aberration 1970-01-01
Defocus aberration is an optical distortion that occurs when light rays entering a lens do not converge at the intended focal point. This aberration typically results in images that appear blurred. It is primarily caused by the positioning of the lens relative to the image sensor or film plane, which can be affected by factors such as: 1. **Incorrect Focus**: If the subject is not perfectly in focus, the light rays will fail to converge at the correct point, leading to blurriness.
Optical path 1970-01-01
The optical path refers to the total distance that light travels through a medium, taking into account the refractive index of the medium. It is an important concept in optics and is typically used to understand and analyze the behavior of light as it travels through different media, such as air, glass, or water. **Key Points about Optical Path:** 1.
History of the Manhattan Project 1970-01-01
The Manhattan Project was a pivotal research and development project during World War II that produced the first nuclear weapons. Below is an overview of its history: ### Origins (1939-1942) - **Early Concerns:** Following the discovery of nuclear fission in 1938 by German scientists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann, concerns emerged that Nazi Germany might develop atomic bombs. Prominent physicists, including Albert Einstein and Leo Szilard, urged the U.S.
Stripe (pattern) 1970-01-01
The "Stripe" pattern refers to a design pattern in software engineering, particularly in the context of programming and data structures. It is commonly used in object-oriented programming to separate concerns and facilitate extensibility. ### Key Features of the Stripe Pattern: 1. **Separation of Responsibilities**: The Stripe pattern encourages the separation of different aspects of an application, such as data handling, business logic, and presentation. This can make the code easier to manage and maintain.
Surface 1970-01-01
"Surface" can refer to several different things depending on the context: 1. **General Definition**: In common terms, the surface of an object is the outermost layer or boundary that can be seen or touched. It can refer to any kind of physical surface, such as the surface of a table, water, or the skin of a fruit. 2. **Physics and Mathematics**: In these fields, a surface is often described as a two-dimensional manifold.
Surface of constant width 1970-01-01
A surface of constant width is a geometric shape in three-dimensional space such that any two parallel planes that intersect the surface have the same distance between them, regardless of the orientation of the planes. In other words, the distance between parallel tangents to the surface is constant, serving as a uniform measure of width. One of the classic examples of a surface of constant width is the **sphere**, where the distance between any two parallel planes that touch the sphere is equal to the diameter of the sphere.
Toroid 1970-01-01
Tri-oval 1970-01-01
The term "tri-oval" commonly refers to a specific type of racetrack design that features a shape resembling a three-oval configuration. The most famous example of a tri-oval is the NASCAR racetrack, which has its roots in oval racing but incorporates a unique design that allows for a better racing experience. A tri-oval track typically has three distinct corners and straights that create a flow intended to enhance speed and promote competitive racing.
Triple helix 1970-01-01
The term "Triple Helix" refers to a model of innovation that emphasizes the collaboration between three key sectors: academia, industry, and government. This concept is used to explain how these three entities can interact and collaborate to foster economic growth, technological advancement, and social innovation. 1. **Academia**: Represents research institutions and universities that generate knowledge, conduct research, and develop new technologies.
Depth of focus 1970-01-01
Depth of focus is a term used in optics that refers to the range of distances over which a lens can create a sharp image of a subject on a sensor or film. It is closely related to depth of field, but the two concepts apply to different aspects of the imaging process. 1. **Depth of Focus**: This is the distance between the nearest and farthest points from the lens at which the image remains in acceptable focus on the imaging plane (like a film or digital sensor).
Distortion (optics) 1970-01-01
In optics, distortion refers to the deviation of an image from the ideal shape or proportions of the object that is being photographed or viewed through a lens system. Unlike other optical aberrations, such as spherical aberration or chromatic aberration, distortion specifically affects the geometry of the image rather than its sharpness or color fidelity.
Eikonal equation 1970-01-01
The Eikonal equation is a fundamental equation in the field of geometric optics and wave propagation. It is typically expressed in the form: \[ |\nabla u(x)| = n(x) \] where \( u(x) \) is the wavefront (or phase) function, \( \nabla u \) denotes the gradient of this function, and \( n(x) \) represents the refractive index at point \( x \) in space.