HyperPhysics Concepts

HyperPhysics is a premier repository of physics content created in 1998 by Associate Professor Emeritus Dr. Carl Rod Nave of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Georgia State University, Atlanta GA. The website serves as a copy of lecture materials for use in physics courses and consists of a wide and substantial array of topics in physics and astrophysics. Since its inception, HyperPhysics has become an intensely used resource across the world.

Overview

Added

March 18, 2026

Subject & domain

physics · ac-circuits-electromagnetic-waves

Grade range

Grade 9 (Freshman)–Grade 12 (Senior)

Page kind

Article

Introduction

About HyperPhysics

  • Overview: HyperPhysics is an extensive, interconnected repository of physics and astrophysics instructional materials designed as an exploration environment.
  • Origin: Created in 1998 by Dr. Carl Rod Nave, Associate Professor Emeritus at Georgia State University.
  • Structure: Uses a "neural network" style of navigation with thousands of interconnected links and concept maps, originally based on HyperCard "cards."
  • Features:
    • Includes active Javascript-enabled formulas and problems for numerical exploration.
    • Provides visual concept maps to help users navigate between related topics.
    • Covers a wide array of physics, chemistry, geophysics, and biology applications.
  • Usage and Reach:
    • Used by over 3 million users per year (based on historical data of 50 million hits annually).
    • Distributed to 86 countries via physical media (DVD/USB).
    • Translations are underway in German, Italian, Chinese, and Spanish.
  • Licensing and Access:
    • The website is free for individual use.
    • It is not freeware or shareware; unauthorized mirroring or copying is prohibited.
    • A USB version is available for $50 to support site maintenance and development.
    • The project remains independent of commercial or university financial support to maintain educational flexibility.
  • Contact: Maintained by the HyperPhysics Committee at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Georgia State University.

Community reviews

No published reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.