by Thomas Lee Abshier | Apr 25, 2026 | Particle Theory
The Octahedron in Magnesium The story of SS-8: how a formula written for the strict-N=Z alpha-chain turned out to hide a deeper combinatorial structure, how a Platonic solid two-and-a-half thousand years old appeared inside a magnesium nucleus, and how the same...
by Thomas Lee Abshier | Apr 25, 2026 | Particle Theory
Eight Nuclei in a Row The story of SS-7: how a formula written for the smallest atomic nuclei turned out, almost by accident, to predict the weights of nuclei a hundred times larger — and how the first thing that seemed wrong about the result, when it was finally...
by Thomas Lee Abshier | Mar 14, 2026 | Physics, Quantum Mechanics
How the Compton Frequency Connects to Experimental Atom Interferometry Measurements The connection between the Compton frequency and atom interferometry is one of the most elegant examples of fundamental quantum mechanics appearing in precision experiments....
by Thomas Lee Abshier | Mar 11, 2026 | Physics
📐 Theorem vs. Postulate — The Clean Distinction ⭐ Postulate (Axiom) A postulate is a statement you accept as true without proof. It’s a starting point, a foundational assumption of a mathematical system. Think of it as: “We agree to begin here.” Examples: Through any...
by Thomas Lee Abshier | Mar 6, 2026 | Newtonian Mechanics, Physics
Energy in Conventional Physics Energy, in conventional physics, is defined as a quantitative property of a physical system that expresses its capacity to do work or to produce heat. It is conserved, transferable, and measurable in joules. ⚡ Core...
by Thomas Lee Abshier | Dec 21, 2025 | Particle Theory
Strong Spin–Orbit Coupling in Nuclear Physics In nuclear physics, strong spin–orbit coupling is the crucial interaction that makes the nuclear shell model work and explains the observed magic numbers. Below is a clear, step-by-step explanation of what it is, why it is...
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