Tag: Introduction to Physics

  • Chapter 25: Oscillators and Mechanical Waves

    25.1 Introduction to Mechanical Waves In this chapter, we will explore oscillators and mechanical waves. Oscillators are systems that exhibit periodic motion, while mechanical waves are disturbances that propagate through a medium. Understanding these phenomena is essential for grasping various aspects of physics, such as sound, light, and energy transfer. 25.2 Oscillators 25.2.1 Simple Harmonic…

  • Chapter 26: Law of Universal Gravitation

    26.1 Introduction to the Law of Universal Gravitation In this chapter, we will explore the Law of Universal Gravitation which describes the attractive force between two masses. This law, formulated by Sir Isaac Newton, is a fundamental principle in classical physics and forms the basis for understanding planetary motion, celestial mechanics, and the behavior of…

  • Chapter 24: Torque and Equilibrium

    24.1 Introduction to Torque and Equilibrium In this chapter, we will explore the concepts of torque and equilibrium. Torque is a measure of the force required to cause an object to rotate, while equilibrium is the state in which the net force and net torque on an object are both zero. These concepts are crucial…

  • Chapter 23: Inertia and Angular Momentum

    23.1 Introduction to Rotational Motion In this chapter, we will explore inertia and angular momentum, two fundamental concepts in rotational motion. These concepts are essential for understanding how objects rotate, conserve angular momentum, and how external forces can change an object’s rotational motion. 23.2 Inertia Inertia is the inherent property of an object that resists…

  • Chapter 22: Momentum, Impulse, and Collisions

    22.1 Introduction to Momentum In this chapter, we will explore the concepts of impulse and momentum, two essential principles in the study of mechanics. We will discuss the relationship of these two topics, their role in analyzing collisions, and their relevance in real-life situations. 22.2 Linear Momentum Linear momentum, often simply referred to as momentum,…

  • Chapter 21: Buoyancy and Archimedes’ Principle

    21.1 Introduction to Buoyancy Buoyancy describes the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object that is partially or completely submerged. This force is responsible for objects appearing to weigh less in fluids and for objects floating or sinking. 21.2 Basic Understanding of Buoyancy Buoyancy occurs due to the pressure difference exerted by a…

  • Chapter 19: Thermal Energy

    19.1 Introduction to Thermal Energy In this chapter, we will explore yet another form of energy known as thermal energy. Thermal energy is the energy that arises due to the motion of particles within a substance. As the kinetic energy of the particles within a substance increases, the temperature of that substance also increases, thus…

  • Chapter 18: Elastic Potential Energy

    18.1 Introduction to Elastic (Spring) Potential Energy In this chapter, we will explore another form of potential energy, known as elastic potential energy. Elastic potential energy (also known as spring potential energy) is the energy stored in an object when it is deformed, such as when a spring is compressed or stretched. We will discuss…

  • Chapter 17: Gravitational Potential Energy

    The ball in this image has a location within the Earth’s gravitational field and thus has gravitational potential energy relative to other points in the field (like the ground below it).

  • Chapter 16: Kinetic Energy

    16.1 Introduction to Kinetic Energy In this chapter, we will focus on kinetic energy, one of the two main types of energy we introduced in the previous chapter. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, and it is directly related to an object’s mass and velocity. Understanding kinetic energy is crucial for solving various problems…