"The worthwhile problems are the ones you can really solve or help solve, the ones you can really contribute something to. … No problem is too small or too trivial if we can really do something about it."
- Richard Feynman
Physics is my favorite science. It is so tangible! It requires visualization, computation, application. It's useful and it's aesthetic. Denotatively, physics is the "the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them.” That definition alone shows you just how powerful comprehension of physics is and can be; you are literally exploring the art of the universe. My favorite physicist is Richard Feyman, heralded by many a scientist-in-training as the god of (understanding) small and large things. His lectures have been open-sourced to the benefit of humanity.
Basics
Physical Qualities
Concepts of Motion
- Classical Mechanics: the study of motion at a macroscopic level, primarily dominated by Newton's laws.
- Quantum Mechanics: the study of motion at a microscopic (atomic) level.
- Average Speed:
- s= d/t
- The units are meters (m) per second (s). Speed is denoted with a "v" symbol.
- Speed is considered a "scalar" quality which means it does not describe both direction AND magnitude, just magnitude is given
- Acceleration:
- a = (vi - vf)/t where vi is initial velocity and vf is final velocity
- Acceleration may be positive or negative. Deceleration is represented by negative acceleration
- Can be described as speeding up, slowing down, or changing directions
- Acceleration on earth in "free fall" meaning without any air resistance is 9.8 meters per second
Questions:
- Momentum:
- p (momentum) = mv in units kg*m/s
- vector quantity meaning must have direction and magnitude
Derivation:
- Impulse
Work and Power
When a force pushes or pulls a particle through a distance, the force does work on the particle. |
Work
Thermal Energy
System Energy
Energy Transfer
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Gravitation
Conceptual Questions: |
Answers: |