Fermat's principle — In optics, Fermat s principle or the principle of least time is the idea that the path taken between two points by a ray of light is the path that can be traversed in the least time. This principle is sometimes taken as the definition of a ray of … Wikipedia
Fermat’s principle — Ferma principas statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. Fermat’s law; Fermat’s principle vok. Fermatsches Prinzip, n rus. принцип Ферма, m pranc. principe de Fermat, m … Fizikos terminų žodynas
Fermat's principle of least time — (physics) see ↑principle of least time under ↑principle … Useful english dictionary
fermat's principle — (ˈ)fer|mäz noun Usage: usually capitalized F Etymology: after Pierre de Fermat died 1665 French mathematician, its formulator : a statement in optics: the path actually followed by a ray of light undergoing reflection or refraction is one of… … Useful english dictionary
principle of least time — noun A statement that the path of a ray, eg of light, from one point to another will be that taking the least time (also ↑Fermat s principle of least time) • • • Main Entry: ↑principle … Useful english dictionary
Fermat, Pierre de — born Aug. 17, 1601, Beaumont de Lomagne, France died Jan. 12, 1665, Castres French mathematician. Of Basque origin, Fermat studied law at Toulouse and developed interests in foreign languages, Classical literature, ancient science, and… … Universalium
Principle of least action — This article discusses the history of the principle of least action. For the application, please refer to action (physics). In physics, the principle of least action or more accurately principle of stationary action is a variational principle… … Wikipedia
Fermat's theorem — The works of 17th century mathematician Pierre de Fermat engendered many theorems. Fermat s theorem most commonly refers to one of the following theorems: * Fermat s Last Theorem * Fermat s little theorem * Fermat s theorem on sums of two squares … Wikipedia
Fermat, Pierre de — (1601 1665) mathematician Born in Beaumont de Lomagne, Pierre de Fermat was a magistrate who had a passion for mathematics. In his youth, with his friend blaise pascal,he made a series of investigations into the properties of figurative… … France. A reference guide from Renaissance to the Present
Principle of least effort — The principle of least effort is a broad theory that covers diverse fields from evolutionary biology to webpage design. It postulates that animals, people, even well designed machines will naturally choose the path of least resistance or effort … Wikipedia
