Phys 206 Formula Sheet

1. Kinematics

• Displacement: Δx = x_f – x_i
• Velocity: v = Δx/Δt
• Acceleration: a = Δv/Δt
• Constant acceleration: v = v_i + at
• Constant acceleration: Δx = v_it + 1/2a*t^2
• Constant acceleration: v^2 = v_i^2 + 2aΔx

2. Force and Motion

• Newton’s second law: F = ma
• Weight: F_g = mg
• Friction: F_f = μ*N
• Normal force: N = F_g – F_f
• Tension: T = F_net

3. Work and Energy

• Work: W = F*d
• Kinetic energy: K = 1/2*mv^2
• Potential energy: U = mgh
• Conservation of energy: ΔK + ΔU = 0

4. Momentum

• Momentum: p = mv
• Impulse: J = Δp
• Conservation of momentum: p_i = p_f

5. Rotational Motion

• Angular displacement: θ = Δθ/Δt
• Angular velocity: ω = Δθ/Δt
• Angular acceleration: α = Δω/Δt
• Rotational inertia: I = Σmr^2
• Torque: τ = Iα

6. Fluid Mechanics

• Density: ρ = m/V
• Pressure: P = F/A
• Archimedes’ principle: F_b = ρgV_d
• Bernoulli’s principle: P + 1/2ρv^2 = constant

7. Heat and Thermodynamics

• Heat transfer: Q = mcΔT
• Specific heat: c = Q/(mΔT)
• Thermal conductivity: k = Q/(AtΔT)
• Ideal gas law: PV = nRT
• First law of thermodynamics: ΔU = Q – W

8. Waves

• Wave speed: v = fλ
• Frequency: f = 1/T
• Wavelength: λ = v/f
• Doppler effect: f_o = f_s(v ± v_o)/(v ± v_s)

9. Optics

• Speed of light: c = 3 x 10^8 m/s
• Index of refraction: n = c/v
• Snell’s law: n_1sinθ_1 = n_2sinθ_2
• Lens equation: 1/f = 1/d_o + 1/d_i

10. Electricity and Magnetism

• Coulomb’s law: F = kq_1q_2/r^2
• Electric field: E = kq/r^2
• Potential difference: V = Ed
• Resistance: R = V/I
• Ohm’s law: V = IR
• Magnetic field: B = μ_0I/2πr
• Lorentz force: F = q(E + v x B)

Tables

Table 1: Constants

Table 2: SI Units

Table 3: Prefixes

Table 4: Conversions

Applications of Physics

• Automotive engineering
• Aerospace engineering
• Civil engineering
• Medical physics
• Astrophysics
• Geophysics
• Computer science
• Energy production
• Environmental science
• Materials science

Effective Strategies for Studying Physics

• Attend lectures and take detailed notes
• Read the textbook and solve practice problems
• Participate in class discussions and ask questions
• Form study groups with classmates
• Seek help from your instructor or a tutor
• Use online resources and simulations
• Review material regularly and summarize key concepts

Tips and Tricks

• Break down complex problems into smaller steps
• Use diagrams and sketches to visualize concepts
• Derive formulas rather than memorizing them
• Use dimensional analysis to check your work
• Be patient and don’t give up easily

FAQs

1. What is the most important concept in physics?
   – The principle of causality.
2. What are the different branches of physics?
   – Mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics.
3. How can I get better at solving physics problems?
   – Practice regularly, use dimensional analysis, and refer to your notes.
4. What are some common misconceptions in physics?
   – Gravity is a force, heat is a fluid, and light is a particle.
5. How can I prepare for the Physics GRE?
   – Study the formula sheet, solve practice problems, and take mock exams.
6. What are some exciting new applications of physics?
   – Quantum computing, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence.