Physics and Chemistry Formula Review

Comprehensive vocabulary and formula flashcards covering Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electrostatics, and Chemical Equilibrium based on lecture notes.

Specific Gravity ($SG$)

Defined as the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, expressed as $SG = \frac{\rho_{abs}}{\rho_{sol}}$

Gauge Pressure ($P_{gauge}$)

The difference between absolute pressure and atmospheric pressure, calculated as $P_{gauge} = (P_0 + \rho g z) - P_{atm}$

Archimedes' Principle ($F_{buoy}$)

The upward buoyant force exerted on a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid that the body displaces, expressed as $F_{buoy} = \rho g V_{disp}$ or $\rho g V_{subm}$

Bernoulli's Equation

Relates pressure, speed, and height in an ideal fluid flow: $P_1 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 + \rho g h_1 = P_2 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 + \rho g h_2 = \text{constant}$

Sound Intensity Level ($\beta$)

Measured in decibels and defined relative to a reference intensity $I_0$ as $\beta = 10 \text{log}(\frac{I}{I_0})$

Snell's Law

Describes the relationship between angles of incidence and refraction for a wave passing through different media: $n_1 \text{sin}(\theta_1) = n_2 \text{sin}(\theta_2)$

Lens Maker's Equation

Used to find the focal length of a lens based on its material and curvature: $\frac{1}{f} = (n - 1) (\frac{1}{r_1} - \frac{1}{r_2})$

First Law of Thermodynamics

The change in internal energy of a system is equal to the heat added minus the work done by the system: $\triangle U = Q - W$

Coulomb's Law ($F_e$)

The magnitude of the electrostatic force between two point charges: $F_e = \frac{k |q_1 q_2|}{r^2}$ where $k = 9 \times 10^9$

Electric Potential ($V$)

The amount of work energy per unit of charge, given as $V = \frac{U}{q} = \frac{k Q}{r}$

Ohm's Law

The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit: $V = IR$

Electrical Power ($P$)

The rate at which electrical energy is transferred: $P = IV = I^2 R = \frac{V^2}{R}$

Capacitance ($C$)

The ability of a system to store an electric charge, defined as $C = \frac{Q}{V}$ and for a parallel plate capacitor, $C = \frac{\frac{\text{A}}{\text{d}}}{\text{E}_0}$

Gibbs Free Energy Change ($\triangle G$)

Determines the spontaneity of a reaction: $\triangle G = \triangle H - T\triangle S$

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

Calculates the pH of a buffer solution: $pH = pK_a + \text{log}(\frac{A^-}{HA})$

Nernst Equation

Relates the reduction potential of an electrochemical reaction to the standard electrode potential: $E_{cell} = E_{cell}^\text{o} - \frac{RT}{nF} \text{ln}(Q)$

Faraday's Constant

The total electric charge carried by one mole of electrons: $96,500 \text{ C/mol } e^-$

Ideal Gas Law

The equation of state of a hypothetical ideal gas: $PV = nRT$ where $R = 8.08 \text{ l atm } \text{mol}^{-1} \text{K}^{-1}$

Root-Mean-Square Speed ($v_{rms}$)

The measure of the speed of particles in a gas: $v_{rms} = \frac{\frac{\text{3RT}}{\text{mm}}}{\text{Kg}}$

Henry's Law

Relates the concentration of a dissolved gas to its partial pressure: $[A] = k_H P_A$