Conceptual Definition and 874 Threads

  1. A

    Studying Good resources to learn physics?

    Hi, I am a first year college student who is currently taking intro to physics course. With the way this course is designed, it is definitely not beginner friendly as I took physics for two years straight in high school and is still a little confused. To add to injury, I also just bombed my...
  2. chwala

    Conceptual question on equations of the form ##x=ay^2+by+c##

    Now i just need some clarification; we know that quadratic equations are equations of the form ##y=ax^2+bx+c## with ##a,b## and ##c## being constants and ##x## and ##y## variables. Now my question is... can we also view/look at ##x=y^2+2y+1## as quadratic equations having switched the...
  3. Y

    Timing Marks on Engine, Timing Chain - Conceptual Question

    On an engine, the timing chain has colored links, and you have to line up these colored links on timing marks on the engine. There's typically marks on sprockets, bearing caps, gears. A understand that you have to line these up in order to get proper timing. I understand that is the reason why...
  4. E

    Fourier's Law of Heat Transfer: Conceptual Explanation

    Hello, I'm looking over some old school notes and re-learning some basic heat transfer. I have known Fourier's Law (1D: ##q = k\frac{dT}{dx}##) for a long time, but when I look at it now I find it strange that heat flux is inversely proportional to the length of the conductor. I would think...
  5. pandatime

    Conceptual question involving tension and angles

    I have actually already partly solved a), as I do get the concept behind how to find tension through making sure that the net force in the x and y direction are zero. Here are my answers for a) T1 = T5 = 2mg/sin(theta) T2 = T4 = mg/sin(phi) T3 = mg*cot(phi) The reason I am asking this...
  6. BiGyElLoWhAt

    B Intuitive, conceptual understanding of holography

    I'm trying to understand how optical holography works. I made a hologram using LitiHolo C_RT20 instant develop hologram film and am now trying to understand how this actually works. It almost makes sense to me. What I'm having trouble understanding, however, is this: Reference wave + object wave...
  7. A

    Electric Potential Difference -- Conceptual Question

    I am able to get V1 = kq/a - 4kq/b and V2 = kq/b + -4kq/b For some reason the solution says it is V1-V2 as opposed to V2-V1. Maybe has something to do with positive shell in the center and negative outer shell? I know the electric field goes from positive to negative, but I don't know how...
  8. E

    Simple conceptual question about Ohm's law

    Hİ :) as you know potential difference in point A to B is equal to the battery's voltage and point A's current is equal to point B's current.So current is I=Q/t , there should be equal charge passing through at same time so how could there be potential difference when there is equal amount of...
  9. Rubberduck2005

    Simple conceptual reference frame question

    If a train is moving at some constant V with a bed sitting still on top. When the train decelerates at some rate -A then the bed will move at some acceleration A. I can't seem to get an intuition for how this comes to be. I have looked online and find no help.
  10. Rubberduck2005

    Tricky conceptual Projectile motion question

    So far all I have determined is the equations of motion for the two and that is as follows. It is trivial that y(t)=v1sin(Q)t -gt^2/2 and that x(t)=v2cos(Q)t. Now the angle that is anticlockwise from the negative horizontal of the robber is 90 - Q using basic trigonometry, using this we can...
  11. L

    B Work and energy: conceptual doubt

    Suppose I am sliding a block very slowly on a rough surface. If the block has traveled ##d## distance then work done by me is ##W_1=\mu mg d## and that by friction is ##W_2=-\mu mg d##. Now the energy transferred from me to block is ##\mu mgd## and that taken by friction from block is ##\mu mgd...
  12. V

    Swinging a hanging copper ring with a bar magnet

    I thought of few scenarios and they ended up as follows: The ring must have an induced current. Due to the symmetry of the ring, if one part of the ring feels a force, the part of the ring radially opposite this part will feel a force opposite in direction, since the current will be opposite in...
  13. V

    B I have a conceptual question about relative mass

    If mass increases with velocity(v), can I say velocity is a quantity dependent on (v)? m=Ymo, m>mo so why can't we say that the mass (matter) increases and yes what increases is the energy to make your speed keep increasing?
  14. Ayandas1246

    Conceptual questions about Angular Momentum Conservation and torque

    List of relevant equations: Angular Momentum = L (vector) = r(vector) x p(vector) Angular velocity of rotating object = w(vector), direction found using right hand rule. Torque = T(vector) = dL(vector)/dt I have a few questions about torque and angular momentum direction and...
  15. aspodkfpo

    Three conceptual questions on centripetal acceleration in a cone

    Given such a diagram as shown above, we know that the normal force must be mg/sintheta. How is this normal force greater than the gravitational force conceptually? Is it due to the horizontal traveling (which must have been started by someone exerting a force?) compressing the sides of the cone...
  16. D

    (Conceptual- Planar Kinetics) How to maintain the position

    Relevant equations : Kindly advise whether this approach is correct, I am not sure whether the friction force should be considered.
  17. D

    Conceptual Problem - Static Equilibrium

    I am not sure whether I can prove like this, I am trying to explain it with the angle .
  18. P

    Rayleigh Scattering Conceptual Question about the Color of the Sky

    We know ##\lambda_{blue} < \lambda_{red}## so citing the formula above (in the relevant equations) it's apparent that blue light is scattered more than red light. But presumably this would hold for ##\theta = 0## as well but when we look at the sun head on we don't see blue, we see red/orange...
  19. P

    Complex Scattered polarization vector? (Conceptual)

    I guess I will show my work for substantiating equation 1 and hopefully by doing so someone will be able to point out where I could generalize. ##\langle \vec{S}_{rad} \rangle = \frac{1}{2 \mu} \mathfrak{R} \left( \vec{E}_{rad} \times \vec{B}^*_{rad}\right) = \frac{1}{2 \mu} \mathfrak{R} \left(...
  20. LCSphysicist

    Solid disk rolling down an inclined plane -- Some conceptual questions

    I was always a little confused about the rolling down of a body, let's say, a sphere. It's know that to body rotate, from the rest, in a referential frame on the ground [inertial], is necessary a friction, that will just act like a medium that transforms kinetic energy of translation into...
  21. N

    Conceptual Definition of Intelligence

    Summary:: We are fundamentally wrong in our understanding of what intelligence is. Intelligence is believed to be some manner of product of the size and scope of computing. Fundamentally stupid way of thinking. Intelligence is a function of the relationship between the size of a computation...
  22. W

    Simple Vector Boat Problem, Conceptual Misunderstanding

    Hi there, I have attached the problem I'm working with. I believe I must have the wrong idea of how to approach this question. My issue is with the stated width and calculating how long the boat will take to cross the river. It's using width; 110m and the boats velocity to determine how long...
  23. A

    Conceptual thermodynamics problem about ammonia executing a Carnot cycle

    Is there a mathematical explanation for why the work done in the condenser (in process 2 to 3) is zero? I am aware that ammonia does not expand or compress in the condenser, only changes phase, but without knowing that the process takes place in a condenser and only considering the graph...
  24. A

    Conceptual thermodynamics question regarding specific heat ratio

    The solution can be found at https://study.com/academy/answer/an-insulated-rigi... After using the two equations I can't see why (h2-h1)/(u2) should equal (T2)/(T1). Can someone explain why specific heat ratio is equal to temperature ratio?
  25. R

    Insight into the conceptual gap and how to fill it

    I recently started volunteer math tutoring in an after school program in a city near me. This is one of the poorest cities in the state, and the students' math preparation is about as bad as you'd expect. The after school program is not part of the school system, it's run by a non-profit. I work...
  26. C

    Understand a Conceptual question on Scattering

    Homework Statement: Hi I am totally lost here, my answer matches with one of the choice but i think my reasoning is total bs please help me Homework Equations: # 19
  27. Tryingtolearn123

    Conceptual understanding/question of guass and Coulomb’s law

    Homework Statement: This is more of a conceptual question for those already experienced with Gauss law and Coulomb’s law. As far as being able to look at a problem and knowing exactly how to solve it from the very beginning. Often looking at solutions and doing the math of a single problem can...
  28. C

    Conceptual question in regards to oscilloscope output

    can some one help me understand this problem conceptually I'm doubting the explanation given below (superposition happens on when they are on the same axis right but this problem two frequencies are on orthogonal basis). My thought was since frequency on Y is twice as many as on X. so i picked E
  29. warhammer

    A Conceptual doubt in a problem on Wien's Law

    Given λ=700nm, we use the equation mentioned above and find the Temperature to be 4140K. However, my doubt is that the wavelength specified to be used above is a maximum and I'm not sure if the answer is (a) or (d) considering that the latter is a range of the temperature.
  30. B

    Conceptual question about binding energy, from OCR paper

    https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/471908-question-paper-unit-h556-02-exploring-physics.pdf 24 A right near the end there is energy relased in this reaction of nuclear fusion but they want the binding energy per nucleon does that mean the binding energy released, as a gamma photon, per nucleon of the...
  31. S

    Rotating Sphere: Conceptual Question

    As shown in figure there's a homogeneous solid sphere. It is rotating about axis which is passing through point P directed perpendicular to the plane of paper. (In short like a pendulum). I'm neglecting gravity and assuming a force F which is directed perpendicular to the string. (The string...
  32. M

    Fluid Mechanics: Head Loss Question (Conceptual)

    I am not really worried about the numbers, but more about the simple concepts with head loss in these pipe flow questions. I want to confirm that head loss just means the change in static head, right? I have been advised that for a problem like this, it is nothing more than the conservation of...
  33. Callista

    Conceptual check: Newton's third law

    Homework Statement A spherical rubber balloon inflated with air is held stationary, with its opening, on the west side, pinched shut. (a) Describe the forces exerted by the air inside and outside the balloon on sections of the rubber. Homework Equations ? The Attempt at a Solution The air...
  34. Callista

    Why doesn't Newtons third law also apply to the frame?

    Homework Statement A locomotive has broken through the wall of a train station. During the collision, what can be said about the force exerted by the locomotive on the wall? a)The force exerted by the locomotive on the wall was less than the force exerted by the wall on the locomotive. b) The...
  35. G

    Conceptual difference between a motor and a generator

    Hi. In order to explain the motion of an (accelerating) electromotor, we need the Lorentz force which itself is not one of Maxwell's equations. Conversely, if we use the same electromotor inversely to generate electricity, Faraday's law (which is a Maxwell's equation) and the resistance of the...
  36. E

    Intro to Electromagnetism: five conceptual questions

    Hello! I'm working on an online assignment and am on my last chance to submit the right answer, so I figured I'd ask here for some help to see where my reasoning is wrong. Problem: For each of the five questions, I can choose one of four responses: Positive, Negative, Neutral, or Cannot Tell...
  37. S

    Conceptual problem in average/instantaneous velocity

    Homework Statement I am having a bit of confusion regarding this: When you write dr/dt (rate of change of position vector with time, sorry I don't know how to use LATEX), do you mean instantaneous or average velocity? As we are considering a very small time interval, I guess it is...
  38. K

    Conceptual Issue RE: electric potential difference

    Homework Statement My main conceptual issue here surrounds positives and negatives as they apply to electric potential difference. I will post two questions that illustrate my confusion, if that's ok. 1) The electrons in an old TV picture tube are accelerated through a potential difference of...
  39. haushofer

    I Conceptual question about the Coriolis force and the weather

    Dear all, there is something bugging me for a while now, and it's about a favourite topic of confusion: the Coriolis-force! A fictitious force is a force which disappears if you transform to an inertial frame. At the algebraic level I have a good understanding of this, I think (Newton's 2nd...
  40. devilish_wit

    Short conceptual question on Work, Energy and Forces

    Homework Statement (Please check the attached image) 2. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Those are my answers. I thought the magnitude of the applied force would be bigger because that would be responsible of keeping the block on that spot without having it pulled back by the...
  41. C

    What Exactly is Conceptual Physics?

    I have been wondering, what is conceptual physics? I remember taking a class in high school that was physics oriented, for example two trains leave a station at different speeds, and arrive at a central point, where do they overlap. Also there were trig functions on how to find the height of a...
  42. A

    Studying Conceptual Deficits in my Introductory Physics course

    Hello! I'm enrolled in PHY 1 in college and this is my first encounter with the subject. I'm usually able to derive the correct answers to the questions, but I consistently sense that I lack a firm understanding of what I'm calculating and or the justification of the steps involved. That...
  43. M

    Conceptual Question: Block on a wedge on a frictionless surface

    Homework Statement This is more of a conceptual question, but say a block was set on top of an inclined plane, which was set on top of a frictionless level surface. Would the inclined plane move? Why or why not Homework Equations None The Attempt at a Solution My thought...
  44. Marcin H

    Transmission Line Transposition - Conceptual Question

    This is more of a conceptual question and not a homework question. I am having a hard time understanding why we have to transpose transmission lines and how physically moving them changes anything. Do we only transpose in 3 phase transmission lines when we have 3 wires? Does the orientation...
  45. Krushnaraj Pandya

    Why Is Magnification Undefined for a Point Object in Ray Diagrams?

    Homework Statement I read that the magnification for a point object is undefined, but when we draw ray diagrams we consider the rays to be emanating from a point source and also define magnification for it- what am I missing? Homework Equations -- The Attempt at a Solution (conceptual query)
  46. S

    3-link planar manipulator: a statics conceptual question

    Not homework, but I hope this is the right forum to post in: 1. Homework Statement So we have a 3-link planar manipulator, with lengths L1,L2,L3 and angles q1,q2,q3. About each of the joints, we may apply a torque, t1,t2,t3. At the end effector, there will be a force and moment that will...
  47. Krushnaraj Pandya

    Conceptual integration question

    Homework Statement The value of ∫{[x]}dx (where {} and [] denotes the fractional part of x and greatest integer function) 1) 0 2) 1 3) 2 4)all are correct 2. The attempt at a solution Since [x] is always an integer, the given function will always have a value=0. I thought that since the...
  48. P

    Voltage drop conceptual questions

    I'm having trouble understanding how voltage drops. My understanding of voltage is a difference in potential, with potential being how much work is necessary to move a test charge to a specific orientation. So, if we have a circuit with say, a 12V battery and a 1 ohm resistor, and I had a +1...
  49. P

    Differences in velocity conceptual question

    Homework Statement If I want to find the difference in velocities of 2 objects A and B We know the sum of their velocities is A + B But but is the difference B - A Why not A - B? Homework Equations This is from the equation of calculating restitution where (greek letter) = (The difference in...
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