College Physics I: study guide and practice
Also known as: phys 101, phys 1401, phys 2425, phys 1, college physics, college physics i, algebra-based physics, physics 1, general physics 1, general physics i, introductory physics i, phys 201
What you will be able to do
- Convert units, use significant figures sensibly and add vectors with components
- Solve one-dimensional kinematics problems, including free fall, with the constant-acceleration equations
- Analyse projectile motion by treating the horizontal and vertical parts separately
- Apply Newton's laws with free-body diagrams to problems with friction, ramps and connected objects
- Use work, energy and power to solve problems with conservation of energy
- Use conservation of momentum and impulse to analyse collisions and recoil
- Solve rotational problems using torque, moment of inertia and angular momentum
- Relate wave speed, frequency and wavelength, and explain beats, resonance and the Doppler effect for sound
Topics
- Units, significant figures and vectorsHow to convert units, keep sensible significant figures, and add vectors using components.
- Kinematics in one dimensionPosition, velocity and acceleration for straight-line motion, the constant-acceleration equations, and free fall.
- Projectile motion (two-dimensional kinematics)Splitting motion into horizontal and vertical parts to find range, height, time of flight and landing velocity.
- Newton's laws and forcesNewton's three laws, weight, normal force, friction, tension and ramps, solved with free-body diagrams.
- Work, energy and powerWork done by forces, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy, power and efficiency.
- Momentum and collisionsMomentum, impulse, conservation of momentum, and elastic and inelastic collisions.
- Rotational motion and torqueAngular velocity, centripetal acceleration, torque, moment of inertia and angular momentum.
- Waves and soundWave speed, frequency and wavelength, beats, standing waves, resonance, decibels and the Doppler effect.