BackPhysics Study Guide: Momentum, Energy, Rotational Motion, Gravity, Projectile Motion, and Properties of Solids
Study Guide - Smart Notes
Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.
Chapter 6: Momentum
Momentum and Impulse
Momentum is a measure of the motion of an object and is defined as the product of its mass and velocity. Impulse is the change in momentum resulting from a force applied over a time interval.
Momentum (\( \vec{p} \)): Vector quantity. Formula:
Impulse (\( \vec{J} \)): Vector quantity. Formula:
Units: Momentum: kg·m/s; Impulse: N·s (equivalent to kg·m/s)
Conservation of Momentum
The total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it.
Law of Conservation of Momentum:
Applies to all types of collisions and explosions.
Types of Collisions
Elastic Collision: Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
Inelastic Collision: Only momentum is conserved; kinetic energy is not.
Partially Elastic/Inelastic: Some kinetic energy is lost, but objects may not stick together.
Newton’s Laws and Impulse
Newton’s 2nd Law: relates force to the rate of change of momentum (impulse).
Newton’s 3rd Law: In collisions, forces between objects are equal and opposite, leading to equal and opposite impulses.
Impulse in Practice
Impulse is the same if the change in momentum is the same, regardless of how force and time are distributed (e.g., catching a ball with bare hands vs. with a glove).
Example: Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
Two carts on a track colliding and sticking together (inelastic) vs. bouncing apart (elastic).
Chapter 7: Energy
Work
Work is done when a force causes displacement. It is a scalar quantity.
Formula:
Units: Joule (J)
Positive Work: Force and displacement in same direction.
Negative Work: Force and displacement in opposite directions.
Zero Work: Force perpendicular to displacement or no displacement.
Power
Definition: Rate at which work is done.
Formula:
Units: Watt (W)
Kinetic and Potential Energy
Kinetic Energy (KE):
Potential Energy (PE): (gravitational)
Elastic Energy and Hooke’s Law
Elastic Potential Energy:
Hooke’s Law:
Energy Conservation in a Pendulum
Potential Energy Highest: At the endpoints (maximum height)
Kinetic Energy Highest: At the lowest point (maximum speed)
Work-Energy Theorem
Theorem: Net work done equals change in kinetic energy:
Application: "Sad" and "happy" balls (energy loss in inelastic vs. elastic collisions)
Conservation of Energy in a Roller Coaster
Total mechanical energy (KE + PE) is conserved if no non-conservative forces (like friction) act.
Chapter 8: Rotational Motion
Rotational Displacement
Definition: Angle through which an object rotates.
Scalar/Vector: Vector (has direction)
Units: Radian (rad), degree (°), revolution (rev)
Conversions:
Rotational (Angular) Velocity
Definition: Rate of change of angular displacement.
Formula:
Units: rad/s
Rotational (Angular) Acceleration
Definition: Rate of change of angular velocity.
Formula:
Units: rad/s²
Relation Between Linear and Angular Velocity
Centripetal Force and Acceleration
Centripetal Acceleration:
Centripetal Force:
Both are vectors, directed toward the center of the circle.
Tangential Velocity
Definition: Linear speed along the edge of a rotating object.
Formula:
Direction: Tangent to the circle at any point.
Examples of Circular Motion
Centripetal force and acceleration always point toward the center of the circle.
Sources of Centripetal Force
Can be provided by tension (string), normal force (banked curve), friction (car tires), or gravity (planets).
Torque
Definition: A measure of the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis.
Formula:
Units: N·m
Vector: Yes
Center of Mass vs. Center of Gravity
Center of Mass: Point representing the average position of mass.
Center of Gravity: Point where the gravitational force can be considered to act.
Rotational Inertia (Moment of Inertia)
Definition: Resistance to change in rotational motion.
Formula:
Units: kg·m²
Vector: Scalar (but direction of rotation is vectorial)
Torque and Newton’s Second Law
Rotational analog:
Angular Momentum
Definition: Product of rotational inertia and angular velocity.
Formula:
Units: kg·m²/s
Vector: Yes
Conservation of Angular Momentum
In the absence of external torque, total angular momentum remains constant.
Example: Figure skater spinning faster by pulling in arms.
Chapter 9: Gravity
Gravitational Force
Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation:
G (Gravitational Constant): N·m²/kg²
g (Acceleration due to gravity): m/s² on Earth’s surface
Gravitational force is always attractive.
Weight vs. Weightlessness
Weight: Force of gravity on an object ()
Weightlessness: Apparent absence of weight, e.g., in free fall or orbit.
Ocean Tides
Caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon (and Sun) on Earth’s oceans.
Tides are not significant in small bodies of water like ponds or pools due to their size.
Spring and Neap Tides
Spring Tides: Occur when Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned; highest tides.
Neap Tides: Occur when Sun and Moon are at right angles; lowest tides.
Best time to collect clams: During spring tides (lowest low tides).
Gravitational Field
Region of space around a mass where another mass experiences a force of gravity.
Field Strength:
Chapter 10: Projectile and Satellite Motion
Projectile Motion
Definition: Motion of an object thrown into the air, subject only to gravity.
Characteristics: Parabolic trajectory, independent horizontal and vertical motions.
Horizontal and Vertical Components
Horizontal Velocity: Constant (no horizontal force if air resistance is neglected)
Vertical Velocity: Changes due to gravity (acceleration downward)
Fast-Moving Projectiles
Satellites and space probes are examples; their speed allows them to "fall around" Earth.
Energy in Orbits
Circular Orbit: Kinetic and potential energy are constant; total energy is negative.
Elliptical Orbit: Kinetic and potential energy vary, but total energy remains constant.
Escape Velocity
Definition: Minimum speed needed to escape a gravitational field.
Formula: (for Earth’s surface)
Earth: About 11.2 km/s
Solar System: Higher, depends on position and Sun’s gravity
Kepler’s Three Laws
1st Law (Law of Orbits): Planets move in ellipses with the Sun at one focus.
2nd Law (Law of Areas): A line joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal times.
3rd Law (Law of Periods): (square of orbital period proportional to cube of semi-major axis)
Chapter 12: Solids
Amorphous vs. Crystalline Solids
Crystalline: Atoms arranged in a regular, repeating pattern (e.g., salt, diamond).
Amorphous: Atoms lack long-range order (e.g., glass, plastic).
Mass Density vs. Weight Density
Mass Density (\( \rho \)): ; units: kg/m³; scalar
Weight Density: ; units: N/m³; scalar
Elasticity and Hooke’s Law
Elasticity: Ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation.
Hooke’s Law: (force proportional to extension/compression)
Tension vs. Compression
Tension: Force that stretches a material.
Compression: Force that squeezes a material.
Table: Comparison of Key Properties
Property | Crystalline | Amorphous |
|---|---|---|
Atomic Arrangement | Regular, repeating | Random, disordered |
Examples | Salt, diamond | Glass, plastic |
Quantity | Formula | Units | Scalar/Vector |
|---|---|---|---|
Momentum | kg·m/s | Vector | |
Impulse | N·s | Vector | |
Work | Joule (J) | Scalar | |
Power | Watt (W) | Scalar | |
Torque | N·m | Vector | |
Rotational Inertia | kg·m² | Scalar | |
Angular Momentum | kg·m²/s | Vector | |
Mass Density | kg/m³ | Scalar | |
Weight Density | N/m³ | Scalar |
Additional info: Some explanations and formulas have been expanded for clarity and completeness, and tables have been constructed to summarize key comparisons and properties.