Expert TA: College Physics
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Table of Contents

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Topic Page #
Chapter 1. Introduction: The Nature of Science and Physics
1.1. Physics: An Introduction 6-14
1.2. Physical Quantities and Units 14-22
1.3. Accuracy, Precision, and Significant Figures 22-28
1.4. Approximation 28-30
Chapter 2. Kinematics
2.1. Displacement 37-39
2.2. Vectors, Scalars, and Coordinate Systems 40-41
2.3. Time, Velocity, and Speed 41_45
2.4. Acceleration 45-56
2.5. Motion Equations for Constant Acceleration in One Dimension 56-67
2.6. Problem-Solving Basics for One-Dimensional Kinematics 67-69
2.7. Falling Objects 69-77
2.8. Graphical Analysis of One-Dimensional Motion 77-84
Chapter 3. Two-Dimensional Kinematics
3.1. Kinematics in Two Dimensions: An Introduction 98-101
3.2. Vector Addition and Subtraction: Graphical Methods 101-109
3.3. Vector Addition and Subtraction: Analytical Methods 110-116
3.4. Projectile Motion 116-124
3.5. Addition of Velocities 124-132
Chapter 4. Dynamics: Force and Newton’s Laws of Motion
4.1. Development of Force Concept 145-146
4.2. Newton’s First Law of Motion: Inertia 146-147
4.3. Newton’s Second Law of Motion: Concept of a System 147-153
4.4. Newton’s Third Law of Motion: Symmetry in Forces 153-157
4.5. Normal, Tension, and Other Examples of Forces 157-166
4.6. Problem-Solving Strategies 166-168
4.7. Further Applications of Newton’s Laws of Motion 168-175
4.8. Extended Topic: The Four Basic Forces—An Introduction 175-180
Chapter 5. Further Applications of Newton’s Laws: Friction, Drag, and Elasticity
5.1. Friction 192-198
5.2. Drag Forces 198-203
5.3. Elasticity: Stress and Strain 203-213
Chapter 6. Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation
6.1. Rotation Angle and Angular Velocity 222-226
6.2. Centripetal Acceleration 226-230
6.3. Centripetal Force 230-234
6.4. Fictitious Forces and Non-inertial Frames: The Coriolis Force 234-238
6.5. Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation 238-246
6.6. Satellites and Kepler’s Laws: An Argument for Simplicity 246-251
Chapter 7. Work, Energy, and Energy Resources
7.1 Work: The Scientific Definition 262-265
7.2 Kinetic Energy and the Work-Energy Theorem 266-271
7.3 Gravitational Potential Energy 271-276
7.4. Conservative Forces and Potential Energy 276-280
7.5. Nonconservative Forces 280-285
7.6. Conservation of Energy 285-289
7.7. Power 289-294
7.8. Work, Energy, and Power in Humans 294-297
7.9. World Energy Use 297-300
Chapter 8. Linear Momentum and Collisions
8.1. Linear Momentum and Force 314-317
8.2. Impulse 317-319
8.3. Conservation of Momentum 319-323
8.4. Elastic Collisions in One Dimension 323-326
8.5. Inelastic Collisions in One Dimension 326-330
8.6. Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions 330-334
8.7. Introduction to Rocket Propulsion 334-337
Chapter 9. Statics and Torque
9.1. The First Condition for Equilibrium 348-350
9.2. The Second Condition for Equilibrium 350-355
9.3. Stability 355-359
9.4. Applications of Statics, Including Problem-Solving 359-363
9.5. Simple Machines 363-367
9.6. Forces and Torques in Muscles and Joints 367-372
Chapter 10. Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum
10.1. Angular Acceleration 385-389
10.2. Kinematics of Rotational Motion 389-394
10.3. Dynamics of Rotational Motion: Rotational Inertia 394-399
10.4. Rotational Kinetic Energy: Work and Energy Revisited 399-407
10.5. Angular Momentum and Its Conservation 407-414
10.6. Collisions of Extended Bodies in Two Dimensions 414-418
10.7. Gyroscopic Effects: Vector Aspects of Angular Momentum 418-420
Chapter 11. Fluid Statics
11.1. What Is a Fluid 432-433
11.2. Density 433-436
11.3. Pressure 436-438
11.4. Variation of Pressure with Depth in a Fluid 438-442
11.5. Pascal’s Principle 442-445
11.6. Gauge Pressure, Absolute Pressure, and Pressure Measurement 445-449
11.7. Archimedes’ Principle 449-456
11.8. Cohesion and Adhesion in Liquids: Surface Tension and Capillary Action 456-465
11.9. Pressures in the Body 465-470
Chapter 12. Fluid Dynamics and Its Biological and Medical Applications
12.1. Flow Rate and Its Relation to Velocity 482-485
12.2. Bernoulli’s Equation 486-490
12.3. The Most General Applications of Bernoulli’s Equation 490-493
12.4. Viscosity and Laminar Flow; Poiseuille’s Law 493-501
12.5. The Onset of Turbulence 501-503
12.6. Motion of an Object in a Viscous Fluid 503-505
12.7. Molecular Transport Phenomena: Diffusion, Osmosis, and Related Processes 505-509
Chapter 13. Temperature, Kinetic Theory, and the Gas Laws
13.1. Temperature 520-527
13.2. Thermal Expansion of Solids and Liquids 528-534
13.3. The Ideal Gas Law 535-542
13.4. Kinetic Theory: Atomic and Molecular Explanation of Pressure and Temperature 542-549
13.5. Phase Changes 549-553
13.6. Humidity, Evaporation, and Boiling 553-558
Chapter 14. Heat and Heat Transfer Methods
14.1. Heat 568-570
14.2. Temperature Change and Heat Capacity 570-575
14.3. Phase Change and Latent Heat 575-582
14.4. Heat Transfer Methods 582-583
14.5. Conduction 583-588
14.6. Convection 588-593
14.7. Radiation 593-599
Chapter 15. Thermodynamics
15.1. The First Law of Thermodynamics 613-618
15.2. The First Law of Thermodynamics and Some Simple Processes 618-625
15.3. Introduction to the Second Law of Thermodynamics: Heat Engines and Their Efficiency 625-631
15.4. Carnot’s Perfect Heat Engine: The Second Law of Thermodynamics Restated 631-635
15.5. Applications of Thermodynamics: Heat Pumps and Refrigerators 635-640
15.6. Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics: Disorder and the Unavailability of Energy 640-648
15.7. Statistical Interpretation of Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics: The Underlying Explanation 648-653
Chapter 16. Oscillatory Motion and Waves
16.1. Hooke’s Law: Stress and Strain Revisited 667-671
16.10. Superposition and Interference 696-700
16.11. Energy in Waves: Intensity 701-704
16.2. Period and Frequency in Oscillations 671-673
16.3. Simple Harmonic Motion: A Special Periodic Motion 673-678
16.4. The Simple Pendulum 678-680
16.5. Energy and the Simple Harmonic Oscillator 680-683
16.6. Uniform Circular Motion and Simple Harmonic Motion 683-686
16.7. Damped Harmonic Motion 686-690
16.8. Forced Oscillations and Resonance 690-692
16.9. Waves 692-696
Chapter 17. Physics of Hearing
17.1. Sound 714-716
17.2. Speed of Sound, Frequency, and Wavelength 716-720
17.3. Sound Intensity and Sound Level 720-725
17.4. Doppler Effect and Sonic Booms 725-730
17.5. Sound Interference and Resonance: Standing Waves in Air Columns 730-738
17.6. Hearing 738-743
17.7. Ultrasound 744-752
Chapter 18. Electric Charge and Electric Field
18.1. Static Electricity and Charge: Conservation of Charge 764-769
18.2. Conductors and Insulators 769-772
18.3. Coulomb’s Law 772-774
18.4. Electric Field: Concept of a Field Revisited 774-776
18.5. Electric Field Lines: Multiple Charges 776-780
18.6. Electric Forces in Biology 780-781
18.7. Conductors and Electric Fields in Static Equilibrium 782-786
18.8. Applications of Electrostatics 786-791
Chapter 19. Electric Potential and Electric Field
19.1. Electric Potential Energy: Potential Difference 804-811
19.2. Electric Potential in a Uniform Electric Field 811-814
19.3. Electrical Potential Due to a Point Charge 814-816
19.4. Equipotential Lines 816-819
19.5. Capacitors and Dielectrics 819-827
19.6. Capacitors in Series and Parallel 827-831
19.7. Energy Stored in Capacitors 831-833
Chapter 20. Electric Current, Resistance, and Ohm’s Law
20.1. Current 844-850
20.2. Ohm’s Law: Resistance and Simple Circuits 850-852
20.3. Resistance and Resistivity 852-858
20.4. Electric Power and Energy 858-861
20.5. Alternating Current versus Direct Current 861-866
20.6. Electric Hazards and the Human Body 866-870
20.7. Nerve Conduction–Electrocardiograms 870-873
Chapter 21. Circuits and DC Instruments
21.1. Resistors in Series and Parallel 888-898
21.2. Electromotive Force: Terminal Voltage 898-906
21.3. Kirchhoff’s Rules 906-911
21.4. DC Voltmeters and Ammeters 911-915
21.5. Null Measurements 916-918
21.6. DC Circuits Containing Resistors and Capacitors 919-923
Chapter 22. Magnetism
22.1. Magnets 937-939
22.2. Ferromagnets and ElectromagnetsMagnets 939-943
22.3. Magnetic Fields and Magnetic Field Lines 943-944
22.4. Magnetic Field Strength: Force on a Moving Charge in a Magnetic Field 944-946
22.5. Force on a Moving Charge in a Magnetic Field: Examples and Applications 947-951
22.6. The Hall Effect 951-954
22.7. Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor 954-956
22.8. Torque on a Current Loop: Motors and Meters 956-960
22.9. Magnetic Fields Produced by Currents: Ampere’s Law 960-964
22.10. Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Conductors 964-966
22.11. More Applications of Magnetism 966-969
Chapter 23. Electromagnetic Induction, AC Circuits, and Electrical Technologies
23.1. Induced Emf and Magnetic Flux 985-987
23.2. Faraday’s Law of Induction: Lenz’s Law 987-990
23.3. Motional Emf 991-993
23.4. Eddy Currents and Magnetic Damping 993-997
23.5. Electric Generator 997-1001
23.6. Back Emf 1001-1002
23.7. Transformers 1002-1007
23.8. Electrical Safety: Systems and Devices 1007-1011
23.9. Inductance 1011-1016
23.10. RL Circuits 1016-1018
23.11. Reactance, Inductive and Capacitive 1016-1022
23.12. RLC Series AC Circuits 1022-1028
Chapter 24. Electromagnetic Waves
24.1. Maxwell’s Equations: Electromagnetic Waves Predicted 1043-1045
24.2. Production of Electromagnetic Waves 1045-1048
24.3. The Electromagnetic Spectrum 1048-1063
24.4. Energy in Electromagnetic Waves 1063-1065
Chapter 25. Geometric Optics
25.1. The Ray Aspect of Light 1077
25.2. The Law of Reflection 1078-1080
25.3. The Law of Refraction 1080-1087
25.4. Total Internal Reflection 1087-1092
25.5. Dispersion: The Rainbow and Prisms 1092-1098
25.6. Image Formation by Lenses 1098-1112
25.7. Image Formation by Mirrors 1112-1120
Chapter 26. Vision and Optical Instruments
26.1. Physics of the Eye 1130-1135
26.2. Vision Correction 1135-1139
26.3. Color and Color Vision 1139-1142
26.4. Microscopes 1142-1148
26.5. Telescopes 1148-1152
26.6. Aberrations 1152-1154
Chapter 27. Wave Optics
27.1. The Wave Aspect of Light: Interference 1162-1163
27.2. Huygens’s Principle: Diffraction 1163-1166
27.3. Young’s Double Slit Experiment 1166-1171
27.4. Multiple Slit Diffraction 1171-1175
27.5. Single Slit Diffraction 1175-1178
27.6. Limits of Resolution: The Rayleigh Criterion 1178-1183
27.7. Thin Film Interference 1183-1188
27.8. Polarization 1188-1197
27.9. Extended Topic Microscopy Enhanced by the Wave 1197-1200
Chapter 28. Special Relativity
28.1. Einstein’s Postulates 1213-1215
28.2. Simultaneity And Time Dilation 1215-1221
28.3. Length Contraction 1222-1226
28.4. Relativistic Addition of Velocities 1226-1232
28.5. Relativistic Momentum 1232-1233
28.6. Relativistic Energy 1234-1241
Chapter 29. Quantum Physics
29.1. Quantization of Energy 1251-1253
29.2. The Photoelectric Effect 1253-1257
29.3. Photon Energies and the Electromagnetic Spectrum 1257-1264
29.4. Photon Momentum 1264-1268
29.5. The Particle-Wave Duality 1268-1269
29.6. The Wave Nature of Matter 1269-1273
29.7. Probability: The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle 1273-1278
29.8. The Particle: Wave Duality Reviewed 1278-1281
Chapter 30. Atomic Physics
30.1. Discovery of the Atom 1290-1292
30.2. Discovery of the Parts of the Atom: Electrons and Nuclei 1293-1299
30.3. Bohr’s Theory of the Hydrogen Atom 1300-1307
30.4. X Rays: Atomic Origins and Applications 1307-1312
30.5. Applications of Atomic Excitations and De-Excitations 1312-1322
30.6. The Wave Nature of Matter Causes Quantization 1322-1325
30.7. Patterns in Spectra Reveal More Quantization 1325-1327
30.8. Quantum Numbers and Rules 1328-1332
30.9. The Pauli Exclusion Principle 1333-1339
Chapter 31. Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics
31.1. Nuclear Radioactivity 1350-1355
31.2. Radiation Detection and Detectors 1355-1358
31.3. Substructure of the Nucleus 1358-1363
31.4. Nuclear Decay and Conservation Laws 1363-1370
31.5. Half-Life and Activity 1370-1376
31.6. Binding Energy 1376-1380
31.7. Tunneling 1380-1382
Chapter 32. Medical Applications of Nuclear Physics
32.1. Medical Imaging and Diagnostics 1395-1398
32.2. Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation 1399-1406
32.3. Therapeutic Uses of Ionizing Radiation 1406-1409
32.4. Food Irradiation 1409-1410
32.5. Fusion 1410-1416
32.6. Fission 1416-1421
32.7. Nuclear Weapons 1421-1426
Chapter 33. Particle Physics
33.1. The Yukawa Particle and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Revisited 1439-1441
33.2. The Four Basic Forces 1441-1443
33.3. Accelerators Create Matter from Energy 1443-1446
33.4. Particles, Patterns, and Conservation Laws 1447-1452
33.5. Quarks: Is That All There Is 1452-1459
33.6. GUTs: The Unification of Forces 1460-1463
Chapter 34. Frontiers of Physics
34.1. Cosmology and Particle Physics 1474-1482
34.2. General Relativity and Quantum Gravity 1482-1488
34.3. Superstrings 1488
34.4. Dark Matter and Closure 1488-1492
34.5. Complexity and Chaos 1492-1494
34.6. High-temperature Superconductors 1494-1496
34.7. Some Questions We Know to Ask 1496-1498
Appendix A. Atomic Masses
Appendix B. Selected Radioactive Isotopes
Appendix C. Useful Information
Appendix D. Glossary of Key Symbols and Notation