gsl 1.12.109 → 1.14.5

data/rdoc/const.rdoc

@@ -0,0 +1,546 @@
+#
+# = Physical Constants
+#
+# The GSL physical constants are defined as Ruby constants under the
+# modules 
+# * <tt>GSL::CONST::MKSA</tt> (MKSA unit)
+# * <tt>GSL::CONST:CGSM</tt>  (CGSM unit)
+# * <tt>GSL::CONST:NUM</tt>   (Dimension-less constants)
+# For example, the GSL C constant 
+# <tt>GSL_CONST_MKSA_SPEED_OF_LIGHT</tt> is represented by a Ruby constant,
+#       GSL_CONST_MKSA_SPEED_OF_LIGHT  ---> GSL::CONST::MKSA::SPEED_OF_LIGHT
+#
+# The following lists a part of the constants. Most of the constants are
+# defined both in the modules <tt>GSL::CONST::MKSA</tt> and <tt>GSL::CONST::CGSM</tt>.
+# See also the {GSL reference}[http://www.gnu.org/software/gsl/manual/gsl-ref_37.html#SEC479"target="_top]
+#
+# Contents:
+# 1. {Fundamental Constants}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#1]
+# 1. {Astronomy and Astrophysics}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#2]
+# 1. {Atomic and Nuclear Physics}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#3]
+# 1. {Measurement of Time}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#4]
+# 1. {Imperial Units}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#5]
+# 1. {Nautical Units}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#6]
+# 1. {Printers Units}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#7]
+# 1. {Volume}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#8]
+# 1. {Mass and Weight}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#9]
+# 1. {Thermal Energy and Power}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#10]
+# 1. {Pressure}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#11]
+# 1. {Viscosity}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#12]
+# 1. {Light and Illumination}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#13]
+# 1. {Radioactivity}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#14]
+# 1. {Force and Energy}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#15]
+# 1. {Prefixes}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#16]
+# 1. {Examples}[link:files/rdoc/const_rdoc.html#17]
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="1] Fundamental Constants
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::SPEED_OF_LIGHT
+#
+#   The speed of light in vacuum, c.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::VACUUM_PERMEABILITY 
+#
+#   The permeability of free space, \mu (not defined in GSL::CONST::CGSM).
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::VACUUM_PERMITTIVITY
+#
+#   The permittivity of free space, \epsilon_0 (not defined in GSL::CONST::CGSM).
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::PLANCKS_CONSTANT_H
+#
+#   Planck's constant, <tt>h</tt>.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::PLANCKS_CONSTANT_HBAR
+#
+#   Planck's constant divided by 2\pi, \hbar.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::AVOGADRO
+#
+#   Avogadro's number
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::FARADAY
+#
+#   The molar charge of 1 Faraday.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::BOLTZMANN
+#
+#   The Boltzmann constant, k.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::STEFAN_BOLTZMANN_CONSTANT
+#
+#   The Stefan-Boltzmann constant, \sigma.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::MOLAR_GAS
+#
+#   The molar gas constant, R_0.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::STANDARD_GAS_VOLUME
+#
+#   The standard gas volume, V_0.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::GAUSS
+#
+#   The magnetic field of 1 Gauss.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="2] Astronomy and Astrophysics
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::ASTRONOMICAL_UNIT
+#
+#   The length of 1 astronomical unit (mean earth-sun distance), AU.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::GRAVITATIONAL_CONSTANT
+#
+#   The gravitational constant, G.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::LIGHT_YEAR
+#
+#   The distance of 1 light-year, ly.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::PARSEC
+#
+#   The distance of 1 parsec, pc.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::GRAV_ACCEL
+#
+#   The standard gravitational acceleration on Earth, g.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::SOLAR_MASS
+#
+#   The mass of the Sun.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="3] Atomic and Nuclear Physics
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::ELECTRON_CHARGE
+#
+#   The charge of the electron, e.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::CGSM::ELECTRON_CHARGE_ESU
+#
+#   The charge of the electron, e, in esu unit (not defined in GSL::CONST::MKSA).
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::ELECTRON_VOLT
+#
+#   The energy of 1 electron volt, eV.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::UNIFIED_ATOMIC_MASS
+#
+#   The unified atomic mass, amu.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::MASS_ELECTRON
+#
+#   The mass of the electron, m_e.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::MASS_MUON
+#
+#   The mass of the muon, m_\mu.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::MASS_PROTON
+#
+#   The mass of the proton, m_p.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::MASS_NEUTRON
+#
+#   The mass of the proton, m_n.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::FINE_STRUCTURE
+#
+#   The electromagnetic fine structure constant alpha.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::RYDBERG
+#
+#   The Rydberg constant, Ry, in units of energy. This is related to the Rydberg inverse wavelength R by Ry = h c R.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::THOMSON_CROSS_SECTION
+#
+#   The Thomson cross section of photon scattering by electrons.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::BOHR_RADIUS
+#
+#   The Bohr radius, a_0.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::ANGSTROM
+#
+#   The length of 1 angstrom.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::BARN
+#
+#   The area of 1 barn.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::BOHR_MAGNETON
+#
+#   The Bohr Magneton, mu_B.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::NUCLEAR_MAGNETON
+#
+#   The Nuclear Magneton, mu_N.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::ELECTRON_MAGNETIC_MOMENT
+#
+#   The absolute value of the magnetic moment of the electron, mu_e. The physical magnetic moment of the electron is negative.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::PROTON_MAGNETIC_MOMENT
+#
+#   The magnetic moment of the proton, mu_p.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="4] Measurement of Time
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::MINUTE
+#
+#   The number of seconds in 1 minute.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::HOUR
+#
+#   The number of seconds in 1 hour.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::DAY
+#
+#   The number of seconds in 1 day.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::WEEK
+#
+#   The number of seconds in 1 week.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="5] Imperial Units
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::INCH
+#
+#   The length of 1 inch.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::FOOT
+#
+#   The length of 1 foot.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::YARD
+#
+#   The length of 1 yard.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::MILE
+#
+#   The length of 1 mile.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::MIL
+#
+#   The length of 1 mil (1/1000th of an inch).
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="6] Nautical Units
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::NAUTICAL_MILE
+#
+#   The length of 1 nautical mile.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::FATHOM
+#
+#   The length of 1 fathom.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::KNOT
+#
+#   The speed of 1 knot.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="7] Printers Units
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::POINT
+#
+#   The length of 1 printer's point (1/72 inch).
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::TEXPOINT
+#
+#   The length of 1 TeX point (1/72.27 inch).
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="8] Volume
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::ACRE
+#
+#   The area of 1 acre.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::LITER
+#
+#   The volume of 1 liter.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::US_GALLON
+#
+#   The volume of 1 US gallon.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::CANADIAN_GALLON
+#
+#   The volume of 1 Canadian gallon.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::UK_GALLON
+#
+#   The volume of 1 UK gallon.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::QUART
+#
+#   The volume of 1 quart.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::PINT
+#
+#   The volume of 1 pint.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="9] Mass and Weight
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::POUND_MASS
+#
+#   The mass of 1 pound.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::OUNCE_MASS
+#
+#   The mass of 1 ounce.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::TON
+#
+#   The mass of 1 ton.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::METRIC_TON
+#
+#   The mass of 1 metric ton (1000 kg).
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::UK_TON
+#
+#   The mass of 1 UK ton.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::TROY_OUNCE
+#
+#   The mass of 1 troy ounce.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::CARAT
+#
+#   The mass of 1 carat.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::GRAM_FORCE
+#
+#   The force of 1 gram weight.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::POUND_FORCE
+#
+#   The force of 1 pound weight.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::KILOPOUND_FORCE
+#
+#   The force of 1 kilopound weight.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::POUNDAL
+#
+#   The force of 1 poundal.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="10] Thermal Energy and Power
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::CALORIE
+#
+#   The energy of 1 calorie.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::BTU
+#
+#   The energy of 1 British Thermal Unit, btu.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::THERM
+#
+#   The energy of 1 Therm.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::HORSEPOWER
+#
+#   The power of 1 horsepower.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="11] Pressure
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::BAR
+#
+#   The pressure of 1 bar.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::STD_ATMOSPHERE
+#
+#   The pressure of 1 standard atmosphere.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::TORR
+#
+#   The pressure of 1 torr.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::METER_OF_MERCURY
+#
+#   The pressure of 1 meter of mercury.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::INCH_OF_MERCURY
+#
+#   The pressure of 1 inch of mercury.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::INCH_OF_WATER
+#
+#   The pressure of 1 inch of water.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::PSI
+#
+#   The pressure of 1 pound per square inch.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="12] Viscosity
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::POISE
+#
+#   The dynamic viscosity of 1 poise.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::STOKES
+#
+#   The kinematic viscosity of 1 stokes.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="13] Light and Illumination
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::STILB
+#
+#   The luminance of 1 stilb.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::LUMEN
+#
+#   The luminous flux of 1 lumen.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::LUX
+#
+#   The illuminance of 1 lux.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::PHOT
+#
+#   The illuminance of 1 phot.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::FOOTCANDLE
+#
+#   The illuminance of 1 footcandle.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::LAMBERT
+#
+#   The luminance of 1 lambert.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::FOOTLAMBERT
+#
+#   The luminance of 1 footlambert.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="14] Radioactivity
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::CURIE
+#
+#   The activity of 1 curie.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::ROENTGEN
+#
+#   The exposure of 1 roentgen.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::RAD
+#
+#   The absorbed dose of 1 rad.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="15] Force and Energy
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::NEWTON
+#
+#   The SI unit of force, 1 Newton.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::DYNE
+#
+#   he force of 1 Dyne = 10^-5 Newton.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::JOULE
+#
+#   The SI unit of energy, 1 Joule.
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::MKSA::ERG
+#
+#   The energy 1 erg = 10^-7 Joule.
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="16] Prefixes
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::YOTTA
+#
+#   10^24
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::ZETTA
+#
+#   10^21
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::EXA
+#
+#   10^18
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::PETA
+#
+#   10^15
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::TERA
+#
+#   10^12
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::GIGA
+#
+#   10^9
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::MEGA
+#
+#   10^6
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::KILO
+#
+#   10^3
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::MILLI
+#
+#   10^-3
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::MICRO
+#
+#   10^-6
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::NANO
+#
+#   10^-9
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::PICO
+#
+#   10^-12
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::FEMTO
+#
+#   10^-15
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::ATTO
+#
+#   10^-18
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::ZEPTO
+#
+#   10^-21
+# ---
+# * GSL::CONST::NUM::YOCTO
+#
+#   10^-24
+#
+# == {}[link:index.html"name="17] Example
+# The following program demonstrates the use of the physical constants in a 
+# calculation. In this case, the goal is to calculate the range of light-travel 
+# times from Earth to Mars.
+#
+#      require("gsl")
+#      include GSL::CONST::MKSA
+#
+#      puts("In MKSA unit")
+#
+#      c  = SPEED_OF_LIGHT;
+#      au = ASTRONOMICAL_UNIT;
+#      minutes = MINUTE;
+#
+#      # distance stored in meters 
+#      r_earth = 1.00 * au;  
+#      r_mars  = 1.52 * au;
+#
+#      t_min = (r_mars - r_earth) / c;
+#      t_max = (r_mars + r_earth) / c;
+#
+#      printf("light travel time from Earth to Mars:\n");
+#      printf("c = %e [m/s]\n", c)
+#      printf("AU = %e [m]\n", au)
+#      printf("minutes = %e [s]\n", minutes)
+#      printf("minimum = %.1f minutes\n", t_min / minutes);
+#      printf("maximum = %.1f minutes\n\n", t_max / minutes);
+#
+# {prev}[link:files/rdoc/bspline_rdoc.html]
+# {next}[link:files/rdoc/graph_rdoc.html]
+#
+# {Reference index}[link:files/rdoc/ref_rdoc.html]
+# {top}[link:files/rdoc/index_rdoc.html]
+#
+#