Physics Review Sheet 1

As physics is largely a mathematical science, it is important that we rst discuss some key mathemat-
ical principles that are used frequently throughout the course.
The basic physical quantities used are mass, distance, and time. Other quantities become present later
in the course such as charge, but for now well limit our discussion to these three. Most physics courses
use SI units. The SI units for mass, distance, and time are kilogram (kg), meter (m), and second (s),
respectively. These three fundamental quantities form the basis for all other physical quantities. For
example, displacement is simply in meters, and velocity is in meters per second, but more complicated
units such as Newtons (unit for force) are kilogram times meter per second squared ( 1 N = 1 kgm/s^2)
The next important concept that must be discussed involves vectors and scalars. A vector is a math-
ematical object that has both magnitude and direction. A scalar is one that has only magnitude.
Vectors are usually denoted by a bold faced letter (v) or with an arrow overhead (v). Examples of vec-
tors include velocity, acceleration, force, and magnetic eld. Examples of scalars include mass, speed,
and time. Since vectors denote both magnitude and direction, they can often be drawn as arrows. The
length of the arrow corresponds to the magnitude, and the orientation corresponds to the direction.
Depending on how they are orientated, vectors may have more than one component. For example, if
we have a vector that is 4 units in length and orientated at an angle of 45 degrees above the horizontal,
then this vector will have both horizontal and vertical components. In general, a vector can be written
in the following way
V = V
x
+ V
y
= V cos + V sin (1)
Vectors may also be written in bracket notation
V =< V
x
, V
y
> (2)
Several mathematical operations with vectors can be carried out. For example, vectors may be added.
In order to add vectors, each vectors components must be added separately. In other words, the x-
components add and the y-components add. To add vectors by drawing them, simply place the tail of
the second vector (the one being added) onto the tip of the rst vector. For adding vectors,
V
1
+V
2
=< V
1x
+ V
2x
, V
1y
+ V
2y
> (3)
Since the x and y-components of the vectors are perpendicular to each other, as in a right triangle, we
can use the pythagorean theorem to calculate the magnitude of the resultant vector
|V | =

(V
1x
+ V
2x
)
2
+ (V
1y
+ V
2y
)
2
(4)
The angle is then
= arctan

V
yNet
V
xNet

(5)
Now lets discuss some actual physics. Usually the rst topic to be taught after vector math is kine-
matics. Kinematics is the study of motion without regard to the forces having caused the motion,
which is the study of dynamics. Both of these are encompassed in the general eld of physics called
classical mechanics, which is usually what a typical physics 1 course covers.
Displacement, denoted by x, is the net distance between two points. Velocity, denoted by v, is the
change in displacement with of time
v =
x
t
=
x
f
x
i
t
(6)
where x
f
and x
i
are the nal and initial positions, respectively. Be sure to remember that velocity is
NOT the same as speed, which is dened simply as change in distance with time. Speed is a scalar, not
a vector, just as distance is merely a scalar. For an object moving at constant velocity, displacement is
given by the following equation
x = vt (7)
1
Acceleration is dened as the change in velocity with time
a =
v
t
=
v
f
v
i
t
(8)
where v
f
and v
i
are the nal and initial velocities, respectively. Please note that it is not required
that the magnitude of an objects velocity change in order for it to accelerate. Since velocity is a
vector, it will sufce to only change its direction in order for it to accelerate. This occurs when an
object undergoes centripetal motion, where the velocity vector constantly changes in direction while
its magnitude remains constant.
There are two other kinematics equations with which you must be familiar. They are shown below.
Note that the rst is used when the nal velocity is not known. The second is used when the length of
time of the motion is not known. Both are used only when an object is accelerating- that is, when its
speed is changing. If speed remains constant, then the problem becomes even simpler and equation 7
can be used.
x = v
0
t +
1
2
at
2
(9)
v
2
f
= v
2
0
+ 2ax (10)
2