G

The accuracy of the measured value of G has increased only modestly since the original Cavendish experiment. G is quite difficult to measure, as gravity is much weaker than other fundamental forces, and an experimental apparatus cannot be separated from the gravitational influence of other bodies. Furthermore, gravity has no established relation to other fundamental forces, so it does not appear possible to calculate it indirectly from other constants that can be measured more accurately, as is done in some other areas of physics.

— Wikipedia on Gravitational constant

2012.08.30 Thursday ACHK

Angels

Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly; devils fall because of their [own] gravity.

– G. K. Chesterton

In order to develop yourself and transcend yourself, you have to decentralize yourself.

— Me@2011.11.04

2012.08.30 Thursday (c) All rights reserved by ACHK

蘋果 與 Apple

Electric Field and Electric Potential

這段改編自 2010 年 6 月 9 日的對話。

千萬不要以為,「electric field」(電場)和「electric potential」(電勢)是兩種不同的東西。實情是,它們只不過是,描述同一類物理現象的兩種不同的語言。換言話說,同一個電學現象,你既可以用「electric field」來解釋,亦可以用「electric potential」來說明。

例如,有一對金屬板,左邊帶正電,右邊帶負電。如果放一粒正電荷於兩者之間,該正電荷會向右走。

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這個現象,一方面,你可以用「electric field」來解釋:因為 electric field lines(電力線)向右指,而正電荷的天性是,跟著電力線的方向走,所以該正電荷會向右走。

另一方面,你亦可以用「electric potential」來解釋:因為左邊的 electric potential 高於右邊,而正電荷的天性是,由高 potential 的地方,流向低 potential,所以該正電荷會向右走。

記住,「electric field」(電場)和「electric potential」(電勢)不是兩種東西,而是同一種東西的兩種語言。就正如「蘋果」和「apple」,它們是同一種東西的兩種語言。至於用哪一種語言,則要視乎情況而定,哪一種比較方便就用哪一個。例如,見到中國人時,就用「蘋果」;見到英國人時,則用「apple」。

— Me@2012.08.30

2012.08.30 Thursday (c) All rights reserved by ACHK