Planck's constant
1
8.4
- noun
- /plæŋks ˈkɒnstənt/
- Specialized
:
constante de Planck
- If the numerical value of Planck's constant were slightly different, life could not have evolved on a planet like ours.
- the value of Planck's constant
- Planck's constant h
Examples
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Planck's constant also contributes to the overall physical character of the universe as a whole.
Academic text (1991) -
In this way, the value of Planck's constant is essential to the global, physical character of the universe.
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In this way, the value of Planck's constant is essential to the global, physical character of the universe.
Academic text (1991) -
To see this, let us focus on one of the natural constants, Planck's constant h.
Academic text (1991) -
Planck's constant is intimately linked to each part of the universe through which life evolved.
Academic text (1991) -
Planck's constant is a fundamental part of the study of atomic and subatomic processes in atomic physics.
Academic text (1991) -
We see clear evidence of this unity in the unique role Planck's constant (and the other natural constants) plays at both cosmic and ordinary scales.
Academic text (1991) -
The product of the uncertainty in position and momentum must be greater than or equal to Planck's constant divided by 2π or h/2π.
Academic text (1991) -
We might take solace in the fact that Planck's constant is so small that quantum graininess is not apparent in the everyday world, but quantum effects are seen in two extraordinary ways in the cosmos.
Academic text (2004) -
Scientists measure Planck's constant using precisely known standards, including those for mass and electrical current.
Synonyms
2
9.9
A very small number that relates a light particle's energy to its frequency
Surface Forms
Morphology
Planck's + constant
The construction 'Planck's constant' transparently signals a specific fixed value named after the person Planck: a learner who knows 'constant' and understands possessive eponyms can infer it is a particular numerical/scientific constant. However, the detailed scientific meaning (the energy–frequency relation in quantum mechanics) is specialized domain knowledge not derivable from the parts, so the relation is only partially predictable.
Etymology
The name Planck's constant comes from the scientist Planck and the word constant (a number that does not change). He found that energy comes in very small steps, and this very small fixed number shows the size of those steps. That's why the term means the fixed number that links a particle's energy and its frequency.