Introduction to Physics Lecture Notes

Sep 13, 2024

Lecture Notes: Introduction to Physics

Overview of the Course

  • Year-long course covering major ideas in physics from Galileo and Newton to modern revolutions (relativity, quantum mechanics).
  • Topics chosen for their fascination and potential usefulness across various fields (e.g., medicine).

Course Logistics

  • Lectures on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM.
  • Course will be recorded due to a pilot program funded by the Hewlett Foundation.
  • Course website will be the main source for information, assignments, and announcements.

Assignments

  • Problems assigned on Wednesdays, due before the next Wednesday's class.
  • Late submissions generally discouraged unless a reasonable excuse is provided.
  • Grading breakdown: 20% homework, 30% midterm, 50% final exam.
  • Amnesty Plan: Final exam score can potentially replace midterm and homework scores.

Teaching Assistance

  • Head TA: Mara Daniel (Baraban) for grading and problem set submissions.
  • Discussion sections led by TAs: Mark Caprio (Tuesdays 1:00-2:00 PM) and Steve Furlanetto (Tuesdays 8:00-10:00 PM).

Tips for Success

  • Attend Lectures: Important for understanding material not covered in textbooks.
  • Homework: Critical for grasping the material; collaboration is encouraged.
  • TA Assistance: Utilize TA office hours and the undergraduate lounge for support.
  • Classroom Etiquette:
    • No talking during lectures; it distracts from learning.
    • Sleeping is okay, but avoid sleeping talking.

Course Content: Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics

Predictions in Physics

  • Physics aims to predict future behavior based on present conditions.
  • Focus on kinematics (description of motion) and dynamics (causes of motion).

Kinematics and Dynamics

  • Kinematics: description of an object's motion (position, velocity, acceleration).
  • Dynamics: explanation of why motion occurs (forces, mass).

Key Concepts

  • Average velocity formula: ( v_{avg} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} )
  • Instantaneous velocity: ( v(t) = \lim_{\Delta t \to 0} \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} )
  • Acceleration: second derivative of position.

Fundamental Equations of Motion

  1. Position as a function of time: ( x(t) = x_0 + v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2 )
    • ( x_0 ): initial position
    • ( v_0 ): initial velocity
    • ( a ): constant acceleration
  2. Velocity-time relationship: ( v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a (x - x_0) )

Example Problem

  • A 15m high building, throwing an object upward at 10 m/s:
    • Maximum height reached: 20 m.
    • Time of flight until it hits the ground: 3 seconds.

Conclusion

  • Emphasis on understanding concepts rather than memorization.
  • Importance of integrating knowledge and applying it to solve physics problems.
  • Next class will cover motion in higher dimensions.