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Essential Physics Formulas & Examples

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209 views4 pages

Essential Physics Formulas & Examples

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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Basic Physics Formulas and Examples

1. Motion

Formulas

• Velocity: v = s / t
• Acceleration: a = (v₂ − v₁) / t
• Equations of Motion:
• v = u + at
• s = ut + 1/2 at²
• v² = u² + 2as

Example

A body moves from rest with acceleration 4 m/s² for 5 s. Find velocity. - v = u + at = 0 + 4×5 = 20 m/s

2. Force & Newton’s Laws

Formula

•F=m×a

Example

Mass = 3 kg, acceleration = 2 m/s² - Force = 3×2 = 6 N

3. Momentum

Formula

•p=m×v

Example

A 2 kg ball moving at 4 m/s: - p = 2×4 = 8 kg·m/s

4. Work, Power, Energy

Formulas

• Work: W = F × d

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• Power: P = W / t
• Kinetic Energy: KE = 1/2 mv²
• Potential Energy: PE = mgh

Example

Find KE of a 3 kg object moving at 5 m/s: - KE = 1/2 × 3 × 25 = 37.5 J

5. Gravitation

Formula

• F = G (m₁m₂ / r²)
• Acceleration due to gravity: g = 9.8 m/s²
• Weight: W = m × g

Example

Mass = 10 kg → Weight = 10×9.8 = 98 N

6. Pressure

Formula

•P=F/A

Example

Force = 50 N, Area = 5 m² - P = 50/5 = 10 Pa

7. Density

Formula

• ρ = mass / volume

Example

Mass = 200 g, Volume = 100 cm³ - ρ = 200/100 = 2 g/cm³

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8. Heat & Temperature

Formulas

• Heat: Q = m × c × ΔT
• Change of phase: Q = m × L

Example

m = 2 kg, c = 4200 J/kg°C, ΔT = 5°C - Q = 2×4200×5 = 42,000 J

9. Sound

Formulas

• Speed of sound: v = f × λ

Example

Frequency = 100 Hz, wavelength = 3 m - v = 100×3 = 300 m/s

10. Electricity

Formulas

• Ohm’s Law: V = I × R
• Power: P = V × I
• Resistance: R = ρ (L/A)

Example

I = 2 A, R = 5 Ω - V = 10 V

11. Magnetism

Formula

• Magnetic Force: F = B I L

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12. Waves

Formula

• Wave Speed: v = f × λ

13. Light

Formula

• Refractive Index: n = c / v
• Mirror formula: 1/f = 1/v + 1/u

14. Power & Energy (Electricity)

Formulas

• P = I²R
• P = V² / R

If you want, I can add more chapters: optics, modern physics, thermodynamics, magnetism, or practice
questions.

Common questions

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Momentum (p=mv) and kinetic energy (KE=1/2 mv²) both describe aspects of motion, yet have different physical significances. Momentum is a vector quantifying the amount of motion, crucial in collision analysis under conservation laws. In contrast, kinetic energy, a scalar, measures work an object can perform due to its motion, providing insight into energy transformations. While both depend on mass and velocity, kinetic energy is affected by the square of velocity, making it more sensitive to speed changes. Thus, both are vital for analyzing dynamics but from different perspectives.

Ohm's Law states V = I × R, reflecting the direct proportionality between voltage across and current through a conductor, with resistance as a proportionality constant. This relation means for a fixed resistance, increasing voltage increases current, illustrating basic electrical principles. It provides foundational understanding for designing electrical circuits, predicting circuit behavior under varying conditions, and is essential in practical applications like adjusting electrical systems for desired outputs, showing its critical role in electronics and electrical engineering.

The speed of sound is calculated using the formula v = f × λ, where v represents speed, f is frequency, and λ is wavelength. This equation shows that the speed of sound in a medium depends on its frequency and wavelength. By measuring the frequency of the sound waves and their corresponding wavelengths, one can compute the speed, providing a link between wave properties and their propagation speed in various mediums.

Kinetic energy (KE) derives from work-energy principles, where work done (W) on an object translates to energy. From the work formula W = F × d, substituting F from F = m × a gives W = m × a × d. Considering the kinematic equation v² = u² + 2as, for an object starting from rest: v² = 2as, therefore a = v²/(2s). Substituting a in W = m × a × d results in W = m × (v²/(2s)) × d which simplifies to W = 1/2 mv². Hence, kinetic energy is 1/2 the product of mass and the square of velocity.

The density formula, ρ = mass/volume, is fundamental in determining whether an object will float or sink in a fluid—connecting directly with the buoyancy principle. An object submerged in a fluid experiences buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. By comparing the object's density to the fluid's density, one can predict buoyancy: if the object's density is less, it floats; if greater, it sinks. Thus, this formula aids in studying fluid dynamics and designing floating structures, emphasizing its practical significance beyond theoretical physics.

Pressure is defined by the formula P = F / A, indicating it is inversely proportional to the area over which a force is distributed. If a constant force is applied over a smaller area, the pressure increases, and conversely, if the force is distributed over a larger area, the pressure decreases. This relationship shows the significance of contact surface area in determining the pressure exerted by a force, essential in explaining phenomena like why sharp objects penetrate surfaces more easily compared to blunt objects.

The equations of motion under uniform acceleration, such as s = ut + 1/2 at², allow calculation of the distance traveled by an object. When starting from rest, the term ut is zero, simplifying to s = 1/2 at². This indicates the distance is proportional to the square of time and directly proportional to acceleration. By using initial velocity (u), acceleration (a), and time (t), this equation provides a comprehensive method to evaluate motion, demonstrating understanding of kinematic variables and their interplay.

In free fall, potential energy (PE = mgh) converts into kinetic energy (KE = 1/2 mv²) as height decreases. Initially, at height 'h', an object possesses maximum potential energy due to gravitational forces. As it falls, gravitational force continually acts, accelerating it downwards. The loss in height reduces potential energy, which concurrently raises kinetic energy since total mechanical energy is conserved (assuming no air resistance). At the lowest point, all potential energy converts into kinetic energy, maximizing velocity, demonstrating energy transformation in gravity-based systems.

The wave speed formula v = f × λ connects frequency (f) and wavelength (λ) to determine wave propagation speed (v). Interpreting this ensures comprehension of wave behaviors in various media, including light, sound, and water waves. Recognizing how speed varies with changes in frequency or medium, provides insight into phenomena like Doppler effect, dispersion, transmission, and reflection. Understanding this relationship is vital for applications in acoustics, optics, and communication technologies, where wave characteristics are crucial for system designs and scientific innovations.

According to Newton's Second Law, force is the product of mass and acceleration, expressed as F = m × a. This means that for a constant force, if the mass of an object increases, the acceleration decreases, and vice versa. In scenarios where the mass remains constant, any change in the acceleration directly affects the force applied. Thus, the law illustrates how mass and acceleration are directly proportional to the force, emphasizing their critical roles in determining motion dynamics.

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