HyperPhysics is a website for the teaching and learning of physics, created by Professor Rod Nave of Georgia State University in the United States. Its content covers the main areas of undergraduate physics, extending to some advanced topics and applications. The website organises knowledge through interconnected concept maps, combining concise explanations, intuitive illustrations and interactive calculation tools to help readers understand the connections between physical concepts and explore the relationship between fundamental principles and specific applications. Originally designed for secondary school physics and science teachers, it is also suitable for first-year university students, high school pupils with a solid foundation, and self-directed learners for lesson preparation, concept reference and revision. Official website description: From an educational perspective, its primary value lies in illustrating the interconnections between knowledge, supporting problem-driven exploration, and providing material for classroom instruction. As the content is presented through interconnected knowledge entries, it is best suited as a supplement to structured courses and textbooks; its use should still be combined with step-by-step learning, problem-solving exercises and experimental activities. Its value is particularly prominent in the age of artificial intelligence.

The Chinese version of HyperPhysics has been translated and published with the authorisation of its original creator, Professor Rod Nave. The translation project began over a decade ago but, due to constraints on time and energy, remained unfinished for a long period. We have continued to pursue this work because the website’s approach to presenting physical concepts and their interconnections through a knowledge graph remains of great educational value to this day; the computational tools and intuitive diagrams it contains also provide valuable support for the study of physics.

The translation in this section has been produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence, and specialist terminology has been checked against ‘Terminology Online’ wherever possible. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the translation may still contain omissions, mistranslations or inaccuracies. The Chinese content is provided for educational reference only; should any doubts arise, please cross-reference the English original, and do not rely solely on the translation when making professional judgements.

This edition retains the original English text and presents it in a side-by-side, paragraph-by-paragraph comparison with the Chinese translation to enable readers to verify the meaning and study the two versions in parallel. In addition, a site-wide search function has been added to the original version to facilitate the retrieval of relevant concepts and content.

Please feel free to point out any errors and send us your comments and suggestions: gnii@lzu.edu.cn.

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