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Physics vocabulary · Experiments and Problem Solving

Inversely proportional

Meaning in physics, with examples

adjectiveCore term

In physics, inversely proportional means: Describes two quantities linked so that when one doubles, the other halves. Their product stays constant, and a graph of one against the other is a curve, not a straight line.

In Turkish: ters orantılı

How it is used

Common in gas laws (at constant temperature, pressure is inversely proportional to volume) and waves (wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency). To get a straight line, plot one quantity against 1/x of the other. It is not the same as an inverse square law.

Example sentences

  1. At constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume.

  2. Plot t against 1/v to check whether the time is inversely proportional to the speed.

Common collocations

  • inversely proportional to
  • inverse proportion
  • inverse square law
  • directly proportionalDescribes two quantities that change at the same rate, so that if one doubles the other doubles too. Their graph is a straight line through the origin.
  • ideal gas lawThe equation pV = nRT, which links the pressure, volume, temperature and amount of an ideal gas. Real gases follow it closely at low pressure and high temperature.
  • line of best fitA straight line or smooth curve drawn on a graph so that it passes as close as possible to all the plotted points, showing the overall trend of the data.
  • wavelengthThe distance between two neighbouring points on a wave that are at the same stage of their cycle, such as two crests. It is shown by the Greek letter lambda (λ).

More terms: Experiments and Problem Solving

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