Understanding Oscillatory Motion and Wave Phenomena
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
Simple harmonic motion is a straight-line oscillatory motion where the restoring force is proportional to the displacement and acts in the opposite direction. Key features include:
- Oscillation/Vibration
- Oscillation Center (O)
- Elongation (X)
- Amplitude (A) – always positive
- Period (T)
- Frequency (F) = 1/T
- Angular Frequency (ω)
Dynamics of SHM
-k: Restoring force constant
-F: Central force, proportional to displacement (r)
-T: Period depends on mass (m) and k, not amplitude (A)
Waves
A
Read MoreFundamentals of Electricity: Charge, Current, and Voltage
Electricity: Powering Modern Life
Electricity is crucial for modern life, enabling lighting, television, music, and electrical appliances. Without it, our world would nearly grind to a halt.
What is Electricity?
Electricity is a natural interaction originating in the elementary particles forming atoms. The term derives from the Greek word elektron (amber).
Electric Charge
- Electric Charge: An intrinsic property of elementary particles, like mass. Electrons have a negative charge, and protons have a positive
Gravity, Spacetime, and Motion Fundamentals
Gravity & Spacetime
Laws of Physics are determined by:
1. Size: Big & Small
2. Speed: Fast & Slow
- Larger than 10-9m (big)
- Smaller than 10-9m (small)
- Comparable to 3×108m/s (fast)
- Slower than 3×108m/s (slow)
- Classical Mechanics (big & slow)
- Quantum Mechanics (small & slow)
- Relativistic Mechanics (fast & large)
- Quantum Field Theory (small & fast)
General Relativity
- Space & time form a 4D “fabric”
- Can be curved by mass & energy
Gravitation is not a force but a curvature of
Read MoreUnderstanding Electrical Power, Loads, and Magnetism
Electrical Power
Electrical power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. Electric current is the orderly movement of electric charges through a material. These moving charges carry electrical energy, which can be transformed into other forms of energy such as light, heat, or motion. The greater the flow of charge through a material, the stronger the current.
Conductors and Insulators
Materials vary in their ability to conduct electricity. Conductors are materials
Read MoreElectromagnetism, Optics, and Light Phenomena
Electromagnetism and Induction
Faraday’s Experiment
When a magnet’s poles approach a coil connected to a galvanometer, the galvanometer detects current. A stationary magnet produces a zero reading, and when the magnet moves away, a reverse current is detected. This involves two components: the induced (loop) and the inductor (magnet).
Henry’s Experiment
A conductor moving perpendicular to a magnetic field creates a potential difference across its ends. This potential difference induces a current if
Read MoreExploring the Universe: Matter, Energy, and Change
Item 1: Matter and Energy
The universe consists of matter and energy. We need input from the field and energy to live. Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass and inertia. Energy is the ability to do work. The universe is the totality of matter and energy in constant change and evolution.
General Properties of Matter:
- Interaction: Indicates the existence of a force between two bodies, causing changes.
- Extension: Indicates the volume of a body, measured in cubic meters.
- Inertia: Indicates