Contents:

1: Basic Physics

2: Kinematics

3: Dynamics

4: Statics

5: Work, Energy, & Power

6: Rotational Dynamics

7: Solids under Stress

8: Capacitance

9: Current Electricity

10: DC Circuits

A Level Physics
Module 1
Topic 1
Basic Physics


Dimensional Analysis

The basic units of:

Mass (kg -- kilograms)
Length (m -- metres)
Time (s -- seconds)
Electric Current (A -- amperes)
Temperature (K -- kelvins)
Amount of Substance (mol -- moles)
Lumionous Intensity (cd -- candelas)

provide the basis for all other measurements.

eg. Area is length squared.

[Area] = m2

eg. Speed is distance over time

[Speed] = m.s-1

eg. Force is mass multiplied by acceleration

[Force] = kg.m.s-2

In an equation, the dimensions must be the same on either side or the equation is incorrect.

eg. The equation for Kinetic Energy:

KE = 1/2. m. v2

kg. m2. s-2 = kg. (m. s-1)2

kg. m2. s-2 = kg. m2. s-2

This is proof that the equation is correct.

Vectors and Scalars

Vector quantities have both magnitude and direction. Scalar quantities have magnitude only.

Examples of Scalar quantities

Distance
Speed
Mass


Examples of Vector quantities

Displacement
Velocity
Force (weight)


Adding Coplanar vectors

Imagine a man walking from point A to point C and then to point B. He would achieve the same result if he walked straight from point A to point B. Although the distance walked is different, the overall displacement is the same.



The vector is the sum of the vectors and . This is shown as:

+ =

Also

= - = +

and

= -

Two cars playing 'chicken' on the road.



The Positive direction is in the direction of the biggest vector, so 50m/s becomes -50m/s.

The combined speed, as observed from the driver of one of the cars, is

= 60m/s - -50m/s

= 110 m/s

A car chasing another car.



The velocity of car B as seen from car A

= 50m/s - 60m/s = -10m/s

The velocity of car A as seen from car B

= 60m/s - 50m/s = 10m/s

Resolving Vectors into Perpendicular Components

Vectors can be resolved into perpendicular components from geometry.



eg. A ship leaves port and travels 30km north. It then changes course and travels 20km in a direction 30o east of north. Calculate its displacement.



PQ = 30km
QR = 20km

= +

(resolve vectors into perpendicular components)
QS = 20 Cos 30o

SR = 20 Sin 30o



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