What is Introductory physics: Definition and 111 Discussions

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to physics:
Physics – natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.

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  1. Q

    How to calculate average velocity given distance and time?

    Homework Statement A motorist drives north for 35.9min at 73.3km/hr and then stops for 15.4min. He then continues north, traveling 114.5km in 1.93hr. What is his average velocity? Homework Equations avg velocity = xf - xi / time The Attempt at a Solution 35.9 min * (1 hr / 60 min) = 0.5983...
  2. Q

    Find the tension in the rope pulling a box at an angle

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Here is what i have done so far: Fx = cos 45 T - Ff =ma Fy=sin 45 T -mg+ Fn =ma I found ff= uk * Fn = 0.5 *sin 45 +mg fn = sin 45 +mg Isolated for T in the x and y: Tx = ma + Ff / cos 45 = 13.404 Ty = ma +mg - Fn / sin 45 =...
  3. Q

    Conservation of Momentum Spaceship Question

    Homework Statement The mass of a spaceship is 10012 kg. The spaceship is at rest. Then one part of the ship with a mass of 1000 kg is ejected and emerges with a speed of 112 m/s. What is the speed of the other part? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I tried: pi=pf mivi=mfv2 10012...
  4. Mastermind01

    What causes the acceleration in a circular motion with a pulley system?

    Homework Statement A table with smooth horizontal surface is placed in a cabin which moves in a circle of a large radius R (figure attached). A smooth pulley of small radius is fastened to the table. Two masses m and 2m placed on the table are connected through a string going over the pulley...
  5. bachfromthedead

    Finding the deBroglie wavelength: conceptual issue

    Hello all! I am new to this forum, though I have been lurking for a long time. I intend to fill out my profile and introduce myself, but finals leave me with little time to spare at the moment. I have this final next week and would like to sort this out beforehand, hence the hasty post! Thank...
  6. A

    Coulomb's Law and the Force Between Charged Bodies Across Vast Distances

    Homework Statement We know that coulomb's law describes the force between two charged bodies as proportional to the magnitudes of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Of course, like charges repel and unlike attract. Now theoretically, if we placed two...
  7. P

    Classical How good are the MIT introductory physics series?

    I was wondering, are the MIT introductory series any good compared to, let's say, Halliday and Resnick ? Any opninion ?
  8. D

    How can I succeed in Physics this time? Will it get better?

    So last semester, I withdrew from Physics with algebra and trigonometry. I am currently enrolled with another professor and I hope I excel this time in the course. He seems more attentive and friendly, along with having a noticeable passion for Physics. Today was the first day of class and...
  9. KT KIM

    Introductory Physics question in Forces and Works chap.

    First of all, I am not from English-using country so excuse my short english skill. This is the question from Halliday. I have solved this problem and checked the answer from my reference which started its statement with below F + Fn − (m + M)g = (m + M)a where m = 0.250 kg is the mass of the...
  10. Yousufshad

    Introductory physics, energy conservation question

    Homework Statement A 226g block is pressed against a spring of force constant 1.25kN/m until the block compresses the spring 14.3cm. The spring rests at the bottom of a ramp inclined at 62.5° to the horizontal. Using energy considerations, determine how far up the incline the block moves before...
  11. Scott Hill

    Book idea: mathematical techniques in introductory physics

    I have a set of class notes that I've been thinking about publishing as a book, and I wonder what y'all thought about it. The book is intended for people who have taken introductory physics, and it is organized by mathematical topic or technique, with a specific focus on calculus. There are...
  12. BlackDeveraux

    Intro Physics: Advice for 13yo

    Hello all, I'm currently 13 and I'm currently looking to pursue physics studies, but I'm not entirely sure my math backgrounds are sufficient for me to understand elementary physics. I'm on the verge of completing Algebra 2, moving onto Pre-Calc once summer ends. Any ideas?
  13. S

    How to Obtain a Magnification of -2 from a Convex Lens?

    Homework Statement You wish to obtain a magnification of -2 from a convex lens of focal length f. The only possible solution is to: A) place a virtual object at a distance 2f/3 from the lens. B) place a virtual object at a distance 5f/3 from the lens. C) place a real object at a distance...
  14. M

    Energy-first approach to introductory physics

    I've heard that some professors choose to teach introductory physics by introducing energy and conservation of energy before anything else. This seems pedagogically convoluted to me. Could someone point me to a source that does this so I can get a better understanding of how it's done?
  15. S

    Phase Difference between Voltage and Current

    Homework Statement The circuit above has a 29 resistor and a 11.1 mH inductor. Calculate the theoretical phase difference between the current CPA and voltage VPB if the circuit is driven by a sinusoidal voltage source with a peak amplitude of 3.5 V at the following frequencies: 20 Hz 420 Hz...
  16. N

    Simple collision between rocks in outer space. Webassign

    Homework Statement [/B] Two rocks collide in outer space. Before the collision, one rock had mass 14 kg and velocity ‹4450, −2950, 2250› m/s. The other rock had mass 7 kg and velocity ‹−600, 1900,3600› m/s. A 1 kg chunk of the first rock breaks off and sticks to the second rock. After the...
  17. S

    Where between two charges does voltage = 0?

    Homework Statement If Q1 in the above figure is twice Q2 and both are positive, where can a point of zero potential be found?Homework Equations V = kq/r The Attempt at a Solution I know that eventually I'll have to set it up so that kq/r = kq/r, but my problem is, how do you know where this...
  18. S

    Net Electric Force Homework: Find Negative Charge Position

    Homework Statement [/B] In the above figure, if Q1 and Q2 are positive, where could a negative charge be placed and have a vertically upward net force on it? Homework Equations F = k|q||q| / (r^2) The Attempt at a Solution I wrote the force equations for the negative charge and both positive...
  19. S

    Calculate the equivalent resistance

    Homework Statement Ignore the internal resistance of the battery and assume it is merely a battery. Calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit. Homework Equations 1/Req = 1/R + 1/R ... (parallel) Req = R + R ... (series) The Attempt at a Solution I know this is fairly simple but I...
  20. S

    How do Kirchhoff's Rules apply to a circuit with multiple resistors in series?

    Homework Statement [/B] Consider the circuit above. You are given the following measured values: V = 1.5 V R1 = 100 R2 = 100 R3 = 50 R4 = 50 R5 = 50 Homework Equations Kirchhoff's Loop Rule and Junction Rule The Attempt at a Solution I tried setting this up using the junction and loop...
  21. S

    Centripetal Acceleration at top of Loop

    Homework Statement A roller coaster is on a track that forms a circular loop in the vertical plane. If the car is to just maintain contact at the top of the loop, what is the minimum value for its centripetal acceleration at this point? A) 2g downward B) g downward C) 2g upward D) g upward E)...
  22. S

    What is the acceleration of the crate?

    Problem: A 22.0-kg crate is pulled along a horizontal floor by the ideal arrangement shown in figure below. The force F is 300 N. The coefficient of friction between the crate and the floor is 0.270. What is the acceleration of the crate? Homework Equations F = ma Friction =...
  23. Q

    Photoelectric effect experiment: is current proportional to charging time?

    I'm not really sure where to put this question, but definitely this is just an introductory physics coursework. Let me refresh you first with the basics of the photoelectric effect. We all know that in the photoelectric effect the stopping voltage is just the kinetic energy obtained by the...
  24. T

    Sig figs introductory physics course

    I was reading a problem my brother was assigned in his introductory physics course. The problem specifically asks to give the velocity from viewing a graph. The velocity is 2/3 m/s and it asked to give it in two significant figures. So I thought it would be .66, however the online site he was...
  25. S

    Tutorial In Introductory Physics: charge

    link to problem: http://www.csu.edu/chemistryandphysics/msabella/ccli/UpdatedLabs/physics2-calc/HW%20packet.pdf I don't under part two of question two on the assignment with the Case C and D. my gut instinct tells me that they are equal, but I do not have justifacation and when I look back...
  26. S

    Introductory physics textbook: which to choose? =)

    Hello so lovely people! I present my self: Ali, 12 years old from Niger, I decided to start learning physics on my own.Some people first recommended me to read a book titled "Conceptual physics" to get the sense of what we are doing physics, I have read it and it is excellent! Now I try to go...
  27. P

    How Do You Calculate Current Flowing in a Wire Given Electron Count and Time?

    The question is: What current is flowing in a metal wire if 3.0*10^18 electrons pass a given point in a time of 0,10s? I know that 1 electron has a charge of 1.60*10^-19 I also know that one coulomb is 6.24*10^18 Lastly I know to find current I need to use the formula Q=I*t, but change it...
  28. M

    On the teaching of introductory physics

    I am a junior in high school enrolled in an AP Physics B course, and as you are probably aware the curriculum consists exclusively "classical physics". I understand the value of easy calculation in teaching physics without calculus, but I am concerned as to whether or not an education in...
  29. O

    What are the measurements and gravity on Planet X inhabited by the Xinbar?

    Hello, sorry if this is an easy question, but I don't quite get it. Here it is: Planet X is home to an alien culture called the Xinbar. The planets diameter is twice as large as the Earth's and made out of the same stuff (i.e., the densities are the same). The Xinbar are made out of the...
  30. U

    Concise introductory physics texts

    I am looking for a title on introductory physics meeting criteria that are seldom met these days. Concise, ideally 500 pages or less Not cluttered with lots of extraneous boxes and such. (This ties into the first criterion.) Has at least partial solutions in the back Calculus-based but...
  31. J

    Introductory Physics Learning Materials

    I am currently reading some of that material but started to wonder because some of it seem basic enough to me though I don't have a real concrete background yet. I was wondering if it is A-level equivalent because it couldn't be college physics. Oh yea and err can't I post on other sections...
  32. P

    Approaching Calculus-Based Introductory Physics

    I'm currently self-studying introductory physics. I am able to understand the derivation of equations in my notes, but I find myself struggling to apply calculus in the problem sets. I tend to instinctively solve the questions algebraically, and will begin to really contemplate using calculus...
  33. H

    Replacing introductory physics book with a set of more advanced books?

    Greetings. I have been reading the textbook recommendations and they help me greatly already, but I need to ask for little guidance. My question is this: If you were to replace the introductory physics book ("Fundamentals of Physics", "University Physics", "Physics for Scientists and...
  34. U

    Courses Is an introductory physics course necessary?

    Is an introductory physics course necessary?? I'm learning physics in my spare time, however, I hope to be professional in physics, so I took a look at many universities physics curricula and found that students must take an introductory general physics course at some universities, and at other...
  35. N

    What type of Book is 'Teaching Introductory Physics' by Arons.

    Any one used/read this book. What is contents deals with is it just a Introductory Physics Book having teaching methods. Please Share experience. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471137073/?tag=pfamazon01-20
  36. U

    Does Understanding Physics cover Introductory Physics course completely?

    There's a textbook called Understanding Physics by Michael Mansfield, and it is is used at Cambridge University. https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Physics-Michael-Mansfield/dp/0470746378 Although the book is less than 700 pages, the author says that his book is "comprehensive" and is...
  37. H

    Topic for Introductory physics project/case study

    We're having a case study project in our intro physics class. We can choose from the ff. topics: kinematics, Newton's laws, momentum, energy, gravitation, SHO, waves, and fluid mech. We are to investigate a case of physical phenomena which exhibits the theories we have studied in class. This...
  38. M

    Why Is Some Energy Wasted in a Boiler System?

    Information In a hot water system water is heated by burning gas in a boiler. The hot water is then stored in a tank. For every 111J of energy released from the gas, 100 J of energy is absorbed by the water in the boiler. Question B The energy released from the gas but not absorbed by the...
  39. K

    Help with introductory Physics (I keep getting different answers)

    Hey guys, Im fairly new to this, but I got this question, "Q1.A firefighter is 20m away from a burning building. She directs the fire hose at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal and the water has an initial speed of 30 m/s. At what height does the water hit the building?" I...
  40. P

    Introductory Physics Books For a High School Student?

    Hello, every one. I'm more of a lurker than a poster here on these forums, but I have my moments. Here's one. :3 Basically, all I search for is physics books not necessarily targeted at high school students, but shouldn't be overly complicated for one to understand: more specifically, for me...
  41. N

    Courses Ugh How different is introductory physics from high level courses?

    At this point I feel like my classical mechanics I course is an engineering course. While I do enjoy physics, I am much more interested in the theory behind it.. I find myself easily engulfed in calculus but when it comes to physics it is harder to motivate myself. I love proofs and mathematics...
  42. Z

    Recommend me an introductory physics textbook that is more theoretical?

    Hi there, I've started working through Spivak Calculus, and was wondering if there is an introductory physics textbook that is of similar level of difficulty? I have Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Knight but it's a little slow. Thanks.
  43. I

    Introductory physics force problems

    Homework Statement 1) http://i.imgur.com/JbK13.gif The figure below depicts the forces acting on a safe being pushed up an ramp by movers, Fa. The mass of the safe is 500 kg, the coefficient of static friction along the incline is μs = 0.41 and the coefficient of kinetic friction along the...
  44. G

    Should I take Introductory Physics or just forget about until I'm prepared?

    Hey folks, I'm about to graduate with a B.S. in Neuroscience from a public uni in Chicago, USA (not listing school to block search engines). We aren't required to take any physics classes for the B.S. in Neuroscience, but I've been thinking about going to medical school as of late, because...
  45. N

    Questions on Quantum Numbers (introductory physics)

    Hello, I'm taking a course in introductory modern physics, and I have a few questions on the nature of quantum numbers: Why is \Delta l = \pm 1? My book simply states this is due the angular momentum of photons, but we have that L_{photon} = \pm 1 \hbar and L_{electron} = \sqrt{l(l+1)} \hbar...
  46. R

    Rigorous Introductory physics textbook

    I'm wondering if anybody knows about or has used a good introductory physics textbook that is mathematically rigorous. I'm really interested in physics, but I'm a mathematics student and I CAN'T STAND any of the books I've tried to use so far (eg. Knight's Physics). I've really grown to dislike...
  47. E

    Courses Which Introductory Physics Course Sequence Should I Take?

    I'm going to be a freshman next year in college and the school I'm going to offers two sequences for possible physics majors. The "highly recommended" sequence is a modern introduction made up of three courses which introduces physics by incorporating relativity from the beginning. The other...
  48. Gamma

    Should I Include a Lab on Measurement Instruments in My Physics Course?

    I am going to teach in a two year private college in September. Currently I am in the process of determining what laboratory experiments will the students do so that I can be prepared with the necessary laboratory equipments. My question is, how important is it to have a lab on measurement...
  49. G

    HELP Book recommendations for introductory physics

    I really would appreciate your help. I will be starting college this September and physics will be one of my course. I know very little about physics because i didn't do it in high school (i attended an international high school). Do you know of any ebook that will be perfect for me to self...
  50. M

    Best Introductory Physics II books

    I'm going to be taking second semester physics (calculus based) which is basically the E&M portion of the book and waves. I want some good textbooks and book recommendations. Like good books for understanding the materials. Do you think A treatise on E&M by Maxwell is too advanced for me or...
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