Applied Physics Class Notes
Introduction to Applied Physics: Applied Physics bridges the gap between theoretical physics
and practical engineering. It focuses on the application of physical principles to develop new
technologies and solve real-world problems. Key areas include mechanics, thermodynamics,
electromagnetism, optics, quantum mechanics, and material science.
Mechanics:
● Newton's Laws of Motion:
○ First Law (Inertia): An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted
upon by a net external force.
○ Second Law: , where force equals mass times acceleration.
○ Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
● Work, Energy, and Power:
○ Work:
○ Kinetic Energy:
○ Potential Energy:
○ Power:
● Conservation Laws:
○ Conservation of Energy
○ Conservation of Momentum:
○ Impulse-Momentum Theorem:
Thermodynamics:
● Zeroth Law: If two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third, they are in
thermal equilibrium with each other.
● First Law: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed ().
● Second Law: Entropy of an isolated system always increases.
● Third Law: As temperature approaches absolute zero, entropy approaches a
constant minimum.
● Heat Transfer:
○ Conduction:
○ Convection
○ Radiation:
Electromagnetism:
● Coulomb's Law:
● Electric Field:
● Gauss's Law: Relates the electric flux through a surface to the enclosed charge.
● Faraday's Law of Induction:
● Maxwell's Equations:
○ Gauss's Law for Electricity
○ Gauss's Law for Magnetism
○ Faraday's Law
○ Ampère's Law with Maxwell's Addition
● Applications: Electric circuits, motors, transformers, electromagnetic waves.
Optics:
● Reflection and Refraction:
○ Snell's Law:
○ Critical angle and total internal reflection.
● Lenses and Mirrors:
○ Lens Equation:
○ Magnification:
● Wave-Particle Duality: Light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties.
Modern Physics:
● Quantum Mechanics:
○ Planck's Equation:
○ Schrödinger Equation: Fundamental to wave mechanics.
● Relativity:
○ Special Relativity: Time dilation, length contraction,
○ General Relativity: Gravity as the curvature of spacetime.
Material Science:
● Properties of Materials:
○ Mechanical properties: Strength, ductility, hardness.
○ Electrical and thermal conductivity.
● Nanotechnology: Manipulating materials on the atomic scale for innovative
applications.
Applications in Technology:
● Renewable Energy:
○ Solar panels (photovoltaics)
○ Wind turbines
● Semiconductor Devices:
○ Diodes, transistors, integrated circuits.
● Medical Physics:
○ MRI and CT imaging
○ Radiation therapy
Experimental Methods in Applied Physics:
● Measurement techniques: Precision, accuracy, and error analysis.
● Instrumentation: Oscilloscopes, spectrometers, sensors.
● Data analysis and modeling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
● Ignoring unit consistency in calculations.
● Misinterpreting physical laws when applying to complex systems.
● Neglecting real-world factors such as friction and air resistance in models.
Tips for Success:
● Understand fundamental principles before tackling complex applications.
● Regularly perform lab experiments to reinforce theoretical knowledge.
● Apply physics concepts to everyday technology to deepen understanding.
