Al

Al: Aluminium is the basis for a number of alloys.
Al₂Br₆: Chemical formula for Aluminium Bromide.
Al₂I₆: Chemical formula for Aluminium Iodide.
Al₂O₃: Chemical formula for aluminium oxide.
Al₂O₃2H₂O: Chemical formula for Bauxite.
Al₂S₃: Chemical formula for Aluminium Sulphide.
Al₅Lu₃O₁₂: Chemical formula for Lutetium Aluminium Garnet.
Alabamine: The name originally proposed for Astatine.
Alanine: C₃H₇NO₂
An a-amino acid. It plays a key role in glucose-alanine cycle between tissues and liver.
Albedo: The ratio of the amount of radiation reflected from an object's surface compared to the amount that strikes it.
Albedometer: An instrument used for the measurement of the reflecting power, the albedo, of a surface.
Alcian Blue: C₅₆H₆₈Cl₄CuN₁₆S₄
A phthalocyanine dye that contains copper.
AlCl₃: Chemical formula for Aluminium Chloride.
Alclad: Alclad is a trademark of Alcoa used as a generic term to describe corrosion resistant aluminium sheet formed from high-purity aluminium surface layers metallurgically bonded to high strength aluminium alloy core material.
Alcohol: An alcohol is an organic compound with a carbon bound to a hydroxyl group.
Alcohol Brine: A water and alcohol solution, which remains as a liquid below 0°C.
Alcohol by Volume: A standard measure of how much alcohol is contained in an alcoholic beverage, expressed as a percentage of total volume.
Alcohol by Weight: A measure of how much alcohol is in a beverage, expressed as a percentage of the total beverage weight.
Alcohol Fermentation: The anaerobic conversion of glucose to ethanol via anaerobic glycolysis.
Alcohol Thermometer: A liquid-in-glass thermometer containing an alcohol liquid, such as ethanol.
ALCONS: The measured percentage of Articulation Loss of Consonants by a listener.
Aldehyde: Prepared by the oxidation of primary alcohols so that the OH group loses its hydrogen to give an oxygen joined by a double bond to a carbon atom.
Alder: This wood is very durable in water and not so durable in dry conditions. Historically it was used a lot in pumps, piles and sluices.
Aldose: A simple sugar in which the carbonyl carbon atom is an aldehyde.
Aldosterone: C₂₁H₂₈O₅
A hormone that causes the tubules of the kidneys to retain sodium and water.
AlF₃: Chemical formula for Aluminium Fluoride.
Alfven, Hannes: Swedish plasma physicist who won the 1970 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work developing the theory of magnetohydrodynamics.
Alfven, Hannes Olof Gosta: Won the 1970 Nobel Prize in Physics for fundamental work and discoveries in magneto-hydrodynamics with applications in different parts of plasma physics.
Alfven Waves: Waves moving perpendicularly through a magnetic field.
Algae: A large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms.
Algaecide: A chemical that when added to a solution prevents the growth of fungus and algae.
Algal Bloom: Sudden spurts of algae growth, which can affect water quality adversely and indicate potentially hazardous changes in local water chemistry.
Algebra: First major treatise written by Al-Khawarizmi in AD 810.
Algebra Books: Lists all Algebra Books in the Encyclopaedia
Algebra Calculations: Lists all Algebra Calculations in the Encyclopaedia
Algebra Conversions: Lists all Algebra Conversions in the Encyclopaedia
Algebra Weblinks: Lists all Algebra Weblinks in the Encyclopaedia
Algebraic: Defined by the basic algebra operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication (including powers), and division.
Algebraic Equation: An equation of the form f(x)=0 where f is a polynomial.
Algebraic Multiplicity of an Eigenvalue: The algebraic multiplicity of an eigenvalue c of a matrix A is the number of times the factor (t-c) occurs in the characteristic polynomial of A.
Algebraic Number: A number that is the root of an algebraic polynomial.
Algol: A high-level programming language developed in the 1950s.
Algorithm: A logical sequence of instructions that explain how to accomplish a task. It must explain exactly how to go from one step to the next and have a finite amount of steps.
AlH₃: Chemical formula for Aluminium Hydride.
Alias: A false lower frequency component that appears in sampled data acquired at too low a sampling rate.
Aliasing: The erroneous interpretation of high-frequency signals as lower-frequency signals.
Alidade: That part of an optical measuring instrument comprising the optical system, indicator, vernier, etc.
Align: To adjust or set to a line or centre.
Aligning Punch: A tool shaped like a thin rod used to make sure holes line up when assembling two or more components.
Alignment: A condition whereby the axes of machine components are either coincident, parallel or perpendicular, according to design requirements, during operation.
Alignment Pin: A pin or stud used to align one part with another.
Alimentary Canal: A long tube in the body through which food passes along so that it can be digested.
Aliphatic: An organic compound that does not contain ring structures.
Aliquot: A sample of precisely determined amount taken from a material.
Alkali: A substance that dissolves in water to give a solution of aqueous hydroxide ions that is capable of turning red litmus blue.
Alkali Fuel Cell: Operate on compressed hydrogen and oxygen and generally use a solution of potassium hydroxide in water as their electrolyte. Operating temperatures inside alkali cells are around 150 to 200°C.
Alkali Metal: A metal in group IA of the periodic table that form strongly alkaline hydroxides.
Alkaline: Having a pH greater than 7.
Alkaline Air: An old name for ammonia gas.
Alkaline Battery: A storage battery which uses an alkaline electrolyte.
Alkaline Earth: An oxide of an alkaline earth metal, which produces an alkaline solution in reaction with water.
Alkaline Earth Metal: A metal in group IIA of the periodic table.
Alkaline Error: A systematic error that occurs when glass electrodes are used to read the pH of an extremely alkaline solution.
Alkaline Water Electrolysis: A solution of 20�40% sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide aqueous solution is used for electrolyte instead of pure water, since pure water is highly resistive to electricity.
Alkalinity: A measure of a material's ability to neutralize acids.
Alkaloid: A class of bitter-tasting, basic organic compounds with nitrogen-containing rings.
Alkalosis: A metabolic condition in which blood pH decreases, usually the result of a metabolic condition or vomiting.
Alkane: A series of organic compounds with general formula C_nH_2n+2.
Alkene: A compound that consists of only carbon and hydrogen, that contains at least one carbon-carbon double bond.
Alkoxide: An ionic compound formed by removal of hydrogen ions from the hydroxyl group in an alcohol using reactive metals.
Alkyl: A molecular fragment derived from an alkane by dropping a hydrogen atom from the formula -C_nH_2n+1.
Alkyl Halide: An alkyl group attached to a halogen atom.
Alkylphenol: A family of organic compounds obtained by the alkylation of phenols.
Alkyne: A compound that consists of only carbon and hydrogen, that contains at least one carbon-carbon triple bond.
All Electric Range: The distance over a given drive cycle that a hybrid vehicle can travel on electric power only.
All Terrain Vehicle: A vehicle used in rough surface conditions.
Allen Key: A hexagonal shaped tool in cross section that is used to turn allen screws.
Allen Type Bolt: A bolt with a recessed hex shaped head.
Allergen: A substance that causes an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to it.
Allo-: A prefix that designates the more stable of a pair of geometric isomers.
Allobar: A form of an element that has isotopic abundances that are different from the naturally occuring form.
Allomer: Substances with different chemical composition but the same crystalline form.
Allosteric Activator: Any molecule which positively modulates the activity of an allosteric enzyme.
Allosteric Effect: A change in the behaviour of one part of a molecule caused by a change in another part of the molecule.
Allosteric Enzyme: A regulatory enzyme, with catalytic activity modulated by the noncovalent binding of a specific molecule at a site other than the active site.
Allosteric Site: The specific site on the surface of an allosteric enzyme molecule, distinct from the active site, to which a modulator molecule binds.
Allotriomorphic Crystal: A crystal having a normal lattice structure, but with an imperfect outward shape due to the influence of its surroundings.
Allotropy: The reversible phenomenon by which certain metals may exist in more than one crystal structure.
Allowance: The prescribed difference in dimensions of mating parts to provide a certain class of fit.
Alloy: A metal produced by mixing other metals.
Alloy Wheel: A generic term used to describe any non-steel road wheel. The usual alloys are either aluminum or magnesium.
Alloying Elements: Chemical elements added for improving the properties of the finished materials.
Allusive Listening: Allusive listening is a presumed listening mode that may be said to occur where a listener relates moments or features of the music to similar moments or features in other musical works.
Alluvial: Relating to and/or sand deposited by flowing water.
Allyl: A molecular fragment derived by removing a methyl hydrogen from propene.
Allyl Alcohol: Used in the manufacture of resins and many pharmaceuticals this is a colourless pungent liquid.
Allyl Aldehyde: Alternative name for Acrolein.
Almond Artificial Essential Oil: Alternative name for Benzaldehyde.
AlN: Chemical formula for Aluminium Nitride.
Alnico Magnet: A magnet using aluminum, nickel, and cobalt in its construction.
Alpakka: A nickel silver made from 65% copper, 22% zinc, 13% nickel.
Alpha: The first letter of the Greek alphabet.
Alpha Iron: The body-centered cubic (BCC) form of pure iron, stable below 910�C.
Alpha Particle: The nucleus of helium consisting of two protons and two neutrons.
Alpha Radiation: A stream of alpha particles. Alpha rays rapidly dissipate their energy as they pass through materials, and are far less penetrating than beta particles and gamma rays.
Alpha Risk: The probability of rejecting a null hypothesis when it is true. It is the probability of making a Type I error.
Alpha Rockwell Hardness: Index of the resistance of a plastic to surface penetration by a specified indenter under specified load applied with a Rockwell hardness tester.
Alpha Stirling Engine: A striling engine that has two separate power pistons, one hot and one cold.
Alphabetics: The science of representing spoken sounds by letters.
Alphametic: A cryptarithm in which the letters, which represent distinct digits, form related words or meaningful phrases.
Alphanumeric: A character set that contains both letters and digits.
Alternate Exterior Angles: Exterior angles on alternate sides of the transversal ie not on the same parallel line.
Alternate Interior Angles: Interior angles on alternate sides of the transversal ie not on the same parallel line.
Alternating Copolymer: A polymer, composed of two different repeating mers, in which the different mer units systematically alternate positions along the molecular chain.
Alternating Current: An electric current whose direction changes direction with a frequency independent of circuit components.
Alternative Energy: Energy derived from non-fossil-fuel sources.
Alternative Fuels: Substitutes for traditional liquid, oil-derived motor vehicle fuels like gasoline and diesel.
Alternator: An electric generator for producing alternating current.
Altimeter: An instrument for measuring height above a reference datum.
Altitude: Height in space of an object or point relative to sea level or ground level.
Altitude Acclimatization: Physiological adaptation to reduced atmospheric and oxygen pressure.
Altitude Chamber: A chamber that can simulate conditions at different altitudes.
Altitude of a Conic Solid: The length of a segment whose endpoints are the vertex and a point on the plane of the base that is perpendicular to the plane of the base.
Altitude of a Cylindric Solid: The distance between the planes of the bases.
Altitude of a Trapezoid: The distance between the bases of a trapeziod.
Altitude of a Triangle: The perpendicular segment from a vertex to the line containing the opposite side of a triangle.
Altitude Sickness: Sickness brought on by exposure to reduced oxygen tension and barometric pressure.
Altitude Wind Tunnel: A wind tunnel in which the air pressure, temperature, and humidity can be varied to simulate conditions at different altitudes.
Altocumulus: Composed of flattened, thick, gray, globular masses, this middle cloud genus is primarily made of water droplets.
Altocumulus Castellanus: A middle cloud with vertical development that forms from altocumulus clouds.
Altostratus: Middle cloud genus is composed of water droplets, and sometimes ice crystals.
Alumel: Trade name for an alloy of nickel with up to 5% aluminium, manganese and silicon, used with chromel in K-type thermocouples.
Aluminium: Basis for a number of alloys.
Aluminium 1000 series: High purity aluminium with excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity, high electrical conductivity, excellent workability, but the downside is low mechanical properties
Aluminium 1050: Part of the 1000 series. This particular alloy is 99.5% pure aluminium.
Aluminium 1060: Part of the 1000 series. This particular alloy is 99.6% pure aluminium.
Aluminium 1100: Part of the 1000 series. This particular alloy is 99.0% pure aluminium.
Aluminium 1199: Part of the 1000 series. This particular alloy is 99.99% pure aluminium.
Aluminium 2000 series: The principal alloying element is copper and can be heat treated to achieve mechanical properties that can exceed mild steel. The downsides are: solution heat treatment required to get optimum properties, corrosion resistance not as good as other aluminium alloys, tend to be brittle and exhibit poorer corrosion resistance than other alloy series.
Aluminium 2014: Among the strongest available aluminium alloys, as well as having high hardness. Difficult to weld, as it is subject to cracking.
Aluminium 2024: Aluminium alloy, with copper as the primary alloying element.
Aluminium 3000 series: The principal alloying element is manganese - up to 1.5%, moderate strength, higher manganese alloys have good machinability, particularly resistant to pitting corrosion.
Aluminium 3003: Commercially pure aluminum with the addition of manganese that increases the strength. 3003 has excellent corrosion resistance and workability.
Aluminium 4000 series: The principal alloying element is silicon, in significant amounts it lowers the melting point. Most alloys non-heat treatable and good casting qualities.
Aluminium 5000 series: The principal alloying element is magnesium, alloys with high magnesium and manganese result in high strength but non-heat treatable, good welding characteristics, anodizes well and good resistance to corrosion even in marine environments. The downsides are: limited cold working and lower safe operating temperatures due to magnesium content.
Aluminium 5005: Aluminium alloy with good resistance to atmospheric corrosion.
Aluminium 5052: Aluminium alloy, primarily alloyed with magnesium and chromium.
Aluminium 5083: Aluminium alloy with magnesium and traces of manganese and chromium. It is highly resistant to attack by seawater and industrial chemicals. Alloy 5083 retains exceptional strength after welding. It has the highest strength of the non-heat treatable alloys, but is not recommended for use in temperatures in excess of 65°C.
Aluminium 5086: Primarily alloyed with magnesium. It is strengthened by strain hardening, or cold mechanical working of the material. Since heat treatment doesn′t strongly affect the strength, 5086 can be readily welded and retain most of its mechanical strength.
Aluminium 6000 series: The principal alloys silicon and magnesium. This series is heat treatable, has good formability, good corrosion resistance and medium strength. Relatively easy to roll extrude and forge.
Aluminium 6061: A precipitation hardening aluminium alloy, containing magnesium and silicon as its major alloying elements. Good mechanical properties and exhibits good weldability. It is one of the most common alloys of aluminium for general purpose use.
Aluminium 6063: An aluminium alloy, with magnesium and silicon as the alloying elements. Generally good mechanical properties and is heat treatable and weldable.
Aluminium 6066: An aluminium alloy used in forgings and extrusion for welded structures.
Aluminium 7000 series: The principal alloy is Zinc. The addition of magnesium results in heat-treatable and very high strength and sometimes other elements added such as copper and chromium.
Aluminium 7005: Similar physical properties to 6061 aluminium alloy, except it has a higher density.
Aluminium 7075: An aluminium alloy, with zinc as the primary alloying element. It is strong, with a strength comparable to many steels, and has good fatigue strength and average machinability, but has less resistance to corrosion than many other Al alloys. Its relatively high cost limits its use to applications where cheaper alloys are not suitable.
Aluminium 7079: A high strength aluminium alloy used in the aircraft industry.
Aluminium 8000 series: This series of aluminium is mainly used for lithium alloys. May contain tin, iron or silicon. Can be rolled into thin sheets.
Aluminium Alloys: Aluminum containing specified quantities of alloying elements added to obtain the necessary mechanical and physical properties.
Aluminium Brazing: Aluminium with a thin outer high silicon coating may be brazed.
Aluminium Bromide: Al₂Br₆
White or very pale yellow crystalline solid.
Aluminium Bronze: A copper-aluminum alloy with high tensile strength and resistance to corrosion.
Aluminium Chloride: A chloride used as a wood preservative or catalyst.
Aluminium Fluoride: AlF₃
White crystalline solid.
Aluminium Hexabromide: Alternative name for Aluminium Bromide.
Aluminium Hexachloride: Alternative name for Aluminium Chloride.
Aluminium Hexaiodide: Alternative name for Aluminium Iodide.
Aluminium Hydride: AlH₃
White crystalline solid.
Aluminium Hydroxide: White crystalline compound that occurs naturally as the mineral gibbsite.
Aluminium Iodide: Al₂I₆
White solid.
Aluminium Nitride: AlN
Bluish white crystalline solid.
Aluminium Oxide: Al₂O₃
Alminium oxide is the most widely used oxide ceramic, either in pure form or as raw material to be mixed with other oxides.
Aluminium Production: Aluminum metal is produced by electrolysis of aluminum oxide dissolved in a high-temperature molten-salt electrolyte.
Aluminium Sulphide: Al₂S₃
Yellow or yellow grey powder.
Aluminium Temper: The heat treatment and coding as applied to aluminium.
Aluminium Tribromide: Alternative name for Aluminium Bromide.
Aluminium Trichloride: Alternative name for Aluminium Chloride.
Aluminium Triiodide: Alternative name for Aluminium Iodide.
Aluminizing: Formation of an aluminum or aluminum-alloy coating on a metal by hot dipping, hot spraying or diffusion.
Alvarez, Luis Walter: American physicist who produced free protons with a particle accelerator.

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