Physics Notes on Motion, Electric Fields, and Electric Potential

In discussing linear motion, it was noted that a specific equation can be used to calculate the velocity after travel.
- This equation is essential for understanding the principles of motion in physics.
- If a calculation yields a velocity exceeding the speed of light, it indicates a mistake in the computations.
- It is reminded that throughout the semester, there may be scenarios when velocities approach the speed of light, but they should never exceed it.

A practical thought experiment was presented regarding whether an object would hang straight down when in motion.
- The answer is No; the object would hang at an angle.
- This scenario is compared to the "fuzzy dice problem" discussed in the previous semester, demonstrating how external forces affect the orientation of hanging objects.

The concept of three-body diagrams was briefly mentioned, indicating their relevance in visualizing forces acting upon multiple objects in motion.

The instructor announced being unavailable on an upcoming Friday, during which students are to watch a pre-recorded lecture video from COVID-19 times.
- An email update will be sent regarding the content to be covered following the Wednesday class.

Moving on from electric fields, the instructor introduced the concept of electric potential.
- Personal Definition of Electric Potential: A measurement of how much a charge desires to move away from a point in space, factoring in the effects of both propulsion and attraction.
- A negative charge would behave differently compared to a positive charge under similar circumstances given the nature of electric forces.
- It was mentioned that a charge is inclined to move away from one point in space less than another if it's farther away from that specific point, indicating a variation in electric potential.
Clarification about usage:
- Throughout discussions of electric potential, the specific word "electric" may often be omitted. Therefore, it connects with the more general concept of energy that includes gravitational potential energy as well.
- Important distinction: Students might confuse electric potential energy with gravitational potential energy; "energy" in these discussions is broader than just gravitational potential.

Electric potential is considered less complex than electric force and electric field:
- Unlike electric force and electric field, which are vector quantities indicating direction, electric potential is a scalar quantity (does not have a direction).

The instructor indicated that they intended to move onto the topic of electric potential. However, they anticipated some limitations in covering all topics in the current session, suggesting future classes will involve deeper exploration of electric potential concepts.