physics.class-ph papers

This collection explores the fundamental physics concepts that govern how matter and energy interact across the universe. From the invisible forces shaping our daily lives to the complex mechanics driving cosmic phenomena, these studies reveal the underlying rules of reality. Here, we translate cutting-edge research into insights anyone can understand, bridging the gap between abstract theory and tangible discovery.

Every new preprint in this category originates from arXiv, where researchers first share their latest findings with the global community. At Gist.Science, we process each of these submissions to provide both detailed technical summaries and clear, plain-language explanations. This dual approach ensures that whether you are a seasoned physicist or a curious learner, you can grasp the significance of every breakthrough without getting lost in dense equations.

Below are the latest papers in Class-Ph, freshly processed and ready for you to explore.

🔬 physics

Generalization of Rayleigh's high-frequency theory for the 2D Helmholtz equation in a half-space subject to a radiation condition at infinity and a Dirichlet condition on a 1D periodically-uneven boundary

This paper revisits and generalizes Lord Rayleigh's 1896 high-frequency perturbation theory for the 2D Helmholtz equation, correcting and extending his method to provide explicit solutions for wave diffraction by arbitrarily shaped, periodically uneven impenetrable boundaries under arbitrary angles of incidence.

Armand Wirgin2026-07-17✓ Author reviewed ⓘ

🔬 condensed matter

Cooling rate and glassy behavior in the Fermi--Pasta--Ulam system

This study numerically demonstrates that a Fermi--Pasta--Ulam system cooled at a rate $\xi$ falls out of equilibrium below a stochastic threshold, retaining a residual energy $E_0$ at zero temperature that scales as $(\xi N)^{2/3}$ with system size $N$ and cooling rate $\xi$ .

Matteo Razza, Andrea Carati, Luigi Galgani2026-07-16

🔬 condensed matter

Density evolution at fluid-fluid interfaces: A generalized Gibbs-Duhem theory

This paper introduces a generalized Gibbs-Duhem framework that unifies classical thermodynamics with Newtonian mechanics by incorporating kinetic effects, leading to a new density evolution equation for fluid-fluid interfaces that naturally recovers fundamental physical laws such as the speed of sound, Bernoulli's law, and the van der Waals equation of state.

Fei Wang2026-07-15

🔬 physics

Surface charge density of current-carrying conductors: An exact analytical solution for infinitely thin wires of arbitrary shape

This paper presents an exact asymptotic solution demonstrating that for steady currents in infinitesimally thin wires of arbitrary shape, the surface charge density varies linearly with arc length, mirroring the behavior of the electrostatic potential along the conductor.

Roberto Merlin2026-07-14

⚛️ quantum physics

Quantum Origin of (Newtonian) Mass and Galilean Relativity Symmetry

This paper presents a revised group-theoretical formulation of quantum mechanics that redefines the Galilei group's role by identifying Newtonian mass as a Casimir invariant, establishing a symmetry-dictated center of mass, and necessitating the exclusion of time translational symmetry to allow for particle interactions.

Otto C. W. Kong2026-07-10

🔬 physics

Phase-space structure and nonlinear dynamics of a charged particle on a helicoidal manifold under a magnetic field

This paper analyzes the classical and semiclassical dynamics of a charged particle on a helicoidal manifold under a uniform magnetic field, demonstrating how the interplay between geometry and the field creates an effective one-dimensional nonlinear Hamiltonian system that governs transitions in phase-space topology, asymptotic harmonic behavior, and chirality.

Abdullah Guvendi, Hassan Hassanabadi, Semra Gurtas Dogan, Omar Mustafa2026-07-10

🔬 physics

An advanced undergraduate derivation of acceleration thermality

This paper presents an advanced undergraduate-level derivation demonstrating that an exactly soluble non-uniformly accelerated electron trajectory emits radiation with a Planckian spectrum, thereby modeling the thermal nature of acceleration.

Michael R. R. Good2026-07-10

🔬 physics

Memory-like effects and kinematics of trajectories in Cyclotron motion

This paper investigates how a short-duration electric pulse induces a persistent "memory" effect in the collective cyclotron motion of charged particles, characterized not by trajectory focusing but by a lasting restructuring of the shear component within the trajectory congruence.

Manthan Kashyap Datta, Mantra Mehta, Sayan Das2026-07-09

⚛️ general relativity

What if active and passive gravitational masses were not equal?

This paper critically re-examines the common textbook argument that active and passive gravitational masses must be equal to satisfy Newton's third law, demonstrating that this theoretical proof is not compelling and highlighting the need to revisit foundational assumptions in Newtonian mechanics.

Domenico Giulini2026-07-07

🔬 condensed matter

Finite-Time Thermodynamics of Battery Discharging: Power-Efficiency Trade-Off and Optimization

This paper establishes a universal parabolic power-efficiency trade-off in battery discharging and derives an optimal multistage constant-current schedule that minimizes dissipation by balancing real-time load demands against a global deadline.

Rui-Han Liu, Yun-Qian Lin, Yu-Han Ma2026-07-07