The Tools of Physics
The foundational mathematical and conceptual frameworks required to measure, describe, and calculate physical phenomena.
- Scope of physics
- SI base units (meters, kilograms, seconds)
- Unit conversion
- Dimensional analysis to check equations
- Significant figures
- Scalars vs. vectors
- Vector algebra
- Coordinate systems and components
Kinematics – The Description of Motion
The branch of mechanics concerned with describing the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause it.
- Position, displacement, velocity, acceleration
- One-dimensional motion
- Constant acceleration
- Free fall
- Projectile motion
- Circular motion
- Relative motion
Dynamics – Newton’s Laws of Motion
The study of the forces that cause objects and systems to move.
- Inertia (First law)
- F = ma (Second law)
- Action – Reaction (Third law)
- Free-Body Diagrams
- Static and kinetic friction
- Centripetal force on curves
- Drag force in fluids
Work and Energy
Physical concepts that relate force and displacement to the “quantity of motion” and its conservation.
- Work done by forces
- Kinetic energy
- Work – Energy Theorem (links net work to changes in speed)
- Conservative forces
- Gravitational and elastic potential energy
- Conservation of mechanical energy
Linear Momentum and Collisions
The study of the “quantity of motion” (mass × velocity) and how it is conserved during interactions.
- Impulse
- Elastic and inelastic collisions
- Center of mass of a system
- Rocket propulsion
Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum
The extension of mechanics to objects that spin around an axis rather than just moving in a line.
- Angular velocity, angular acceleration
- Torque
- Moment of inertia
- Rotational analogs of translational motion
- Rolling motion
- Conservation of angular momentum
- Spinning objects maintain orientation or change speed
Equilibrium and Gravitation
The study of stable, non-accelerating systems and the universal force governing all matter.
- Conditions for equilibrium (net force and torque are zero)
- Stress and strain
- Properties of materials
- Newton’s law of universal gravitation
- Kepler’s laws of planetary motion
- Tidal forces
PH 121 · The Big Picture — an overview & review map. Reveal from memory, then check.