Core Principles of Modern Physics: Relativity and Quantum Theory
Frames of Reference
- Inertial frame of reference: A frame at rest or moving with constant velocity where Newton’s First Law of Motion holds true and no extra forces are required.
- Non-inertial frame of reference: A frame that is accelerating or rotating where Newton’s laws require fictitious (pseudo) forces to explain motion.
Laws of Radiation
- Wien’s displacement law: The wavelength at which a body emits maximum radiation is inversely proportional to its temperature (λmax ∝ 1/T and λmaxT = Constant)
Applied Physics Cheat Sheet: Mechanics and Thermal Physics
Applied Physics Cheat Sheet (Ch. 7–17)
Side A — Mechanics
Work
Work: The product of force and displacement in the direction of the force.
Important ideas:
- No displacement → no work
- Force perpendicular to motion → no work
Formula: W = Fd
Units: Joules (J)
Power
Power: The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.
Formula: P = W / t
Units: Watts (W)
Energy
Energy: The ability to do work.
Energy can change forms, but total energy remains constant (Conservation of Energy).
Forms include:
- Kinetic
- Potential
- Thermal
- Chemical
- Nuclear
Potential
Read MoreFundamental Physics Concepts: Semiconductors and Optics
PN Junction: Diffusion, Drift, and Barrier Potential
1. Diffusion Current: Due to the concentration gradient, majority carriers move across the junction (holes from the p-side to the n-side and electrons from the n-side to the p-side). This motion constitutes the diffusion current.
2. Drift Current: The electric field in the depletion region causes minority carriers to move across the junction (holes from the n-side to the p-side and electrons from the p-side to the n-side). This is called drift current.
Read MoreEssential Concepts in Alternating Current and Wave Optics
Alternating Current (AC)
AC (L-7): The current which changes continuously with time and reverses its direction periodically is called AC. The instantaneous AC is given by I = I0 sin ωt.
DC: The current which is unidirectional (constant) is called DC.
RMS of AC over a complete cycle: It is defined as the square root of the mean of the square value of AC over a complete cycle. i.e., Irms = I0 / √2 = 0.707 I0.
Impedance: The combined opposition offered by reactance and resistance to the flow of alternating
Read MoreClassical and Quantum Free Electron Theory Principles
1. Classical Free Electron Theory and Assumptions
The classical free electron theory explains the electrical behavior of metals by assuming that a metal consists of a lattice of positive ions surrounded by a gas of free electrons. These electrons move freely inside the metal and obey classical Newtonian mechanics. Electron–electron interactions are neglected, and collisions occur only with fixed ions. The electrons follow Maxwell–Boltzmann statistics, and an applied electric field causes a net
Read MorePrinciples of Light Reflection and Refraction
Image Formation by Mirrors and Lenses
1. If reflected or refracted rays never meet, the image is virtual because the rays only appear to meet when extended backward. This occurs in plane and convex mirrors, in diverging lenses, or in converging lenses when the object is inside the focal point (F).
Refraction Fundamentals
2a. Refraction is the bending of light as it changes speed moving between media.
2b. Rules for Bending Light:
- (1) Low $\to$ high density = toward the normal.
- (2) High $\to$ low density