The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. 1 cal = 4.19 J.
Celsius
A scale for measuring temperature, defined such that water freezes at 0oC and boils at 100oC. 0oC = 273 K.
Center of curvature
With spherical mirrors, the center of the sphere of which the mirror is a part. All of the normals pass through it.
Center of mass
Given the trajectory of an object or system, the center of mass is the point that has the same acceleration as the object or system as a whole would have if its mass were concentrated at that point. In terms of force, the center of mass is the point at which a given net force acting on a system will produce the same acceleration as if the system’s mass were concentrated at that point.
Centripetal acceleration
The acceleration of a body experiencing uniform circular motion. This acceleration is always directed toward the center of the circle.
Centripetal force
The force necessary to maintain a body in uniform circular motion. This force is always directed radially toward the center of the circle.
Chain reaction
The particles and energy released by the fission or fusion of one atom may trigger the fission or fusion of further atoms. In a chain reaction, fission or fusion is rapidly transferred to a large number of atoms, releasing tremendous amounts of energy.
