Physics Equation Reference Comprehensive Flashcards

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, optics, electromagnetism, and modern physics based on the lecture's comprehensive equation reference sheets.

newton's 2nd law

The sum of forces equals the rate of change of momentum or mass times acceleration: $\sum F = ma$ or $\sum F = \frac{dp}{dt}$

dry friction

The force resisting lateral motion, defined by static friction $f_s \leq \mu_s N$ and kinetic friction $f_k = \mu_k N$

centripetal accel.

Acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path: $a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$ or $a_c = -\omega^2 r$

impulse-momentum

The relationship where impulse equals the change in momentum: $F\Delta t = m\Delta v$ or $\int F \, dt = \Delta p$

angular velocity

The rate of change of angular position: $\omega = \frac{\Delta \theta}{\Delta t}$ or $\omega = \frac{d\theta}{dt}$; related to linear velocity by $v = \omega \times r$

moment of inertia

A measure of an object's resistance to rotational acceleration: $I = \sum mr^2$ or $I = \int r^2 \, dm$

universal gravitation

The gravitational force between two masses: $F_g = -\frac{Gm_1 m_2}{r^2} \hat{r}$

escape speed

The minimum speed needed for an object to escape from the gravitational influence of a massive body: $v = \sqrt{\frac{2Gm}{r}}$

hooke's law

The force exerted by a spring is proportional to its displacement: $F = -k\Delta x$

bernoulli's equation

An expression of the conservation of energy in flowing fluids: $P_1 + \rho gy_1 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 = P_2 + \rho gy_2 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2$

reynolds number

A dimensionless quantity used to predict flow patterns: $Re = \frac{\rho vD}{\eta}$

stefan-boltzmann law

The total power radiated per unit surface area of a black body: $P = \epsilon \sigma A(T^4 - T_0^4)$

wien's law

Relates the temperature of a blackbody to its peak wavelength and frequency: $\lambda_{max} = \frac{b}{T}$ and $f_{max} = b'T$

1st law of thermo.

The change in internal energy of a system is the sum of heat and work: $\Delta U = Q + W$

snell's law

Describes the relationship between angles of incidence and refraction: $n_1 \sin(\theta_1) = n_2 \sin(\theta_2)$

coulomb's law

The electrostatic force between two point charges: $F = k \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}$ or $F = \frac{1}{4\pi \epsilon_0} \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2} \hat{r}$

ohm's law

Relates voltage, current, and resistance: $V = IR$; or in terms of field and current density: $E = \rho J$ or $J = \sigma E$

no one's law

The magnetic equivalent of Gauss's Law stating no magnetic monopoles exist: $\oint B \cdot dA = 0$ or $\nabla \cdot B = 0$

faraday's law

Relates the induced electric field to the changing magnetic flux: $\oint E \cdot ds = -\frac{\partial \Phi_B}{\partial t}$ or $\nabla \times E = -\frac{\partial B}{\partial t}$.

lorentz factor

A factor used in relativistic calculations for time dilation and length contraction: $\gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - v^2/c^2}}$.

mass-energy

The principle of equivalence between mass and energy: $E = mc^2$

photoelectric effect

The emission of electrons when light hits a material: $K_{max} = E - \phi$ or $K_{max} = h(f - f_0)$

uncertainty principle

A fundamental limit to knowing pairs of physical properties: $\Delta p_x \Delta x \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}$ and $\Delta E \Delta t \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}$

rydberg equation

Predicts the wavelengths of light emitted by electron transitions: $\frac{1}{\lambda} = -R_{\infty} (\frac{1}{n^2} - \frac{1}{n_0^2})$