Physics Theory Study PDF

**Vectors and Scalars** - **Vector**: A quantity that has both magnitude and direction (e.g., velocity). - **Scalar**: A quantity that has only magnitude (e.g., speed). **Categorizing Physical Quantities:** - **Vector Example**: Velocity - **Scalar Example**: Speed **Linear Motion*...

**Vectors and Scalars** - **Vector**: A quantity that has both magnitude and direction (e.g., velocity). - **Scalar**: A quantity that has only magnitude (e.g., speed). **Categorizing Physical Quantities:** - **Vector Example**: Velocity - **Scalar Example**: Speed **Linear Motion** - **Displacement**: The change in position of an object in a specific direction. - **Velocity**: The rate of change of displacement. - **Acceleration**: The rate of change of velocity. **Instantaneous vs. Average Velocity:** - **Instantaneous Velocity**: Velocity at a specific instant. - **Average Velocity**: Total displacement divided by total time. **Describing Motion with Linear Motion Graphs:** - **Displacement-Time Graphs**: The slope represents velocity. - **Velocity-Time Graphs**: The slope represents acceleration. **Newton's Laws of Motion** - **Forces on an Object**: Gravity, normal force, friction, tension. - **Newton's First Law**: An object remains at rest or moves at a constant velocity unless acted upon by a net force. - **Newton's Second Law**: Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). - **Newton's Third Law**: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. **Free-Body Diagrams:** - **Construction**: Illustrate all forces acting on an object. **Resultant Force in One Dimension:** - **Net Force**: The sum of all forces in the direction of motion. **Momentum** - **Momentum**: Mass times velocity. - **Impulse**: Change in momentum. - **Conservation of Momentum**: In a closed system, total momentum before and after a collision is conserved. **Elastic vs. Inelastic Collisions:** - **Elastic Collision**: Total kinetic energy is conserved. - **Inelastic Collision**: Kinetic energy is not conserved, and objects may stick together. **Energy** - **Mechanical Work**: Force applied over a distance. - **Kinetic Energy**: Energy of motion. - **Gravitational Potential Energy**: Energy due to height above a reference point. **Elastic vs. Inelastic Collisions:** - **Elastic Collision**: Objects bounce off each other, conserving kinetic energy. - **Inelastic Collision**: Some kinetic energy is lost as heat or sound during the collision.