Action (physics)

Action (physics)

In physics, action is an attribute of the dynamics of a physical system. It is a mathematical functional which takes the trajectory, also called path or history, of the system as its argument and has a real number as its result. Generally, the action takes different values for different paths. Action has the dimensions of •, and its SI unit is joule•second. This is the same units as angular momentum.

Read more about Action (physics):  Introduction, History, Mathematical Definition, Euler–Lagrange Equations For The Action Integral

Famous quotes containing the word action:

    I feel like a white granular mass of amorphous crystals—my formula appears to be isomeric with Spasmotoxin. My aurochloride precipitates into beautiful prismatic needles. My Platinochloride develops octohedron crystals,—with a fine blue florescence. My physiological action is not indifferent. One millionth of a grain injected under the skin of a frog produced instantaneous death accompanied by an orange blossom odor.
    Lafcadio Hearn (1850–1904)