Recent content by cedricuk

That makes sense. Comparing a model’s predictions with experimental results gives a practical way to judge whether its assumptions are still adequate. If the results consistently diverge, it’s a sign that some neglected factor may need to be included or the model refined. Thanks for sharing your...

That’s an interesting point about choosing approximations based on the problem rather than trying to include every possible factor. The condensed matter example highlights this especially well: even when a more complete calculation is possible in principle, its computational cost can make an...

That’s a good example of how the purpose of a model affects how much simplification is acceptable. Ignoring air resistance works well for learning the basic principles, but when accuracy matters, factors like drag and crosswinds can make a significant difference. It really comes down to whether...

Physics often uses simplified models to explain real-world behaviour. These models can make complicated systems easier to understand, but they also rely on assumptions that may not hold in every situation. For example, frictionless surfaces, point masses and ideal gases are useful starting...

Thanks for pointing that out. This was intended as a general question about measuring energy conversion efficiency, rather than specifically about optical diffusers. Moving it to the Thermodynamics Forum sounds appropriate. I appreciate your help!

Thanks for clarifying. I see your point, efficiency is based on the useful output divided by the total input, so there’s no need to measure every individual loss separately. I appreciate the explanation.

That makes sense. Measuring the total input and useful output seems much more practical than trying to quantify every individual loss mechanism. The specific setup also matters when deciding what counts as useful output. Thanks for the explanation!

Energy conversion looks straightforward in theory, but measuring efficiency in real systems can be challenging. How do you account for energy converted into heat or other forms that are difficult to measure? Which instruments or experimental methods give the most reliable results? I'd be...

The checkpoint advice is especially useful. AI can save a lot of time, but keeping a working version to fall back on seems essential when it starts making changes across a project. I also think being able to explain what you want in plain language is a big part of what makes these tools so useful.

Thanks, that clarifies the distinction between scattering and absorption. An integrating sphere sounds like a useful way to compare total light output before and after adding a diffuser, since it captures light emitted in different directions. Would a simple lux meter at a fixed distance risk...

I’m interested in the physics of light scattering in frosted plastic. Does a diffuser mainly redirect light, or does it also reduce the total light transmitted? How would its transmission be measured experimentally?

I've been trying to understand voltage drop in longer low-voltage LED circuits from a physics perspective. If the supply voltage is constant, increasing the length of the conductor increases the total resistance. With the same current flowing through the circuit, this should produce a larger...

I've been looking into the relationship between temperature and LED efficiency, particularly with LED strip lighting. I understand that LEDs can become less efficient as their junction temperature increases, but I'm interested in the physics behind this effect. How does increasing junction...

Hi everyone, I’m based in the UK and have a background in Computer Science. I’ve always been interested in science and technology, particularly electronics, engineering and how things work in practice. I joined Physics Forums because I’d like to learn from the discussions here, especially...