Physics Summary Notes
Physics Summary
VECTORS VS SCALARS
Scalar: A quantity that has only magnitude and no direction. Examples include:
- Speed (e.g., 60 km/h)
- Mass (e.g., 5 kg)
- Temperature (e.g., 25 degreesC)
Vector: A quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Examples include:
- Velocity (e.g., 60 km/h north)
- Force (e.g., 10 N downward)
- Acceleration (e.g., 9.8 m/s^2 downward)
RESULTANT FORCE
The resultant force is the single force that has the same effect as all the individual forces acting on an object.
Formula for Perpendicular Vectors:
If two forces F1 and F2 are perpendicular, the magnitude of the resultant force R can be calculated using the
Pythagorean theorem.
Practice Problem:
A 4 N force acts east, and a 3 N force acts north. What is the resultant force?
LINEAR MOTION
Speed:
Velocity:
Acceleration:
where v is final velocity, u is initial velocity, and t is time.
Equations of Motion:
FREE FALL
Acceleration due to gravity g.
Physics Summary Notes
In the absence of air resistance, the equations of motion apply.
PROJECTILE MOTION
In projectile motion, the horizontal and vertical components of motion are independent.
Horizontal Motion:
Vertical Motion:
UNIFORM CIRCULAR MOTION
Centripetal Force: F = mv^2/r, where m is mass, v is velocity, and r is radius.
Centripetal Acceleration: a = v^2/r
NEWTON'S THREE LAWS
Law of Inertia: An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a
net external force.
Second Law: F = ma
Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
UNIVERSAL LAW OF GRAVITATION
The force of gravity between two masses is given by: F = G(m1m2)/r^2
WORK, ENERGY, AND POWER
Work: W = Fd cos(theta)
Kinetic Energy: KE = ½mv^2
Potential Energy: PE = mgh
Power: P = W/t
SWINGING PENDULUM
At the highest point: Maximum PE, zero KE.
At the lowest point: Maximum KE, zero PE.
MOMENTUM & IMPULSE
Physics Summary Notes
Momentum: p = mv
Impulse: Ft = deltap
Law of Conservation of Momentum
MODES OF HEAT TRANSFER
Conduction, Convection, Radiation
ELECTRICITY
Ohm's Law: V = IR
Power: P = VI
Resistance: R = V/I
TYPES OF CIRCUITS
Series Circuit: Current is the same, voltage divides.
Parallel Circuit: Voltage is the same, current divides.
TYPES OF RADIATION (Strongest to Weakest)
Gamma (gamma), X-rays (X), Beta (beta), Alpha (alpha)
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
Radio > Microwave > Infrared > Visible > UV > X-rays > Gamma
WAVE PROPERTIES
Crest, Trough, Wavelength (lambda), Frequency (f), Amplitude, Period (T), Wave Speed (v = flambda)
LIGHT BEHAVIOR
Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction, Interference
STANDARD UNITS
Length - meter (m)
Mass - kilogram (kg)
Time - second (s)
Physics Summary Notes
Force - newton (N)
Energy - joule (J)
Power - watt (W)
Charge - coulomb (C)
Voltage - volt (V)
Current - ampere (A)
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. A 10 kg object accelerates at 2 m/s^2. What is the force acting on it?
2. A 5 kg mass is lifted 3 m high. What is its potential energy?
3. A wave has a frequency of 10 Hz and a wavelength of 2 m. What is its speed?
4. A 100 W bulb is used for 2 hours. How much energy does it consume?
5. Two cars collide. Car A: 1000 kg at 10 m/s; Car B: 1500 kg at 5 m/s. What is the total momentum before
impact?
6. A 15 kg object is moving at 4 m/s. What is its momentum?
7. Calculate the work done when a force of 20 N moves an object 5 m in the direction of the force.
8. A pendulum swings from a height of 2 m. What is its potential energy at the highest point?
