University Physics Lecture Notes
Compiled for Academic Use
1. Mechanics
Mechanics is the study of motion and forces. It forms the foundation of classical physics.
Kinematics describes motion without reference to its causes. Equations of motion:
v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as
Newton’s Laws of Motion provide the fundamental framework:
1st Law: A body remains in uniform motion unless acted upon by a force.
2nd Law: F = ma, force equals mass times acceleration.
3rd Law: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Work-Energy Theorem: Work done on a body is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.
Power = Work / Time; Unit is Watt (W).
Example: A 2 kg mass accelerates at 3 m/s². Find force. F = ma = 2 × 3 = 6 N.
2. Waves and Oscillations
Oscillatory motion is periodic back-and-forth motion. Example: simple pendulum.
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM): x(t) = A cos(ωt + φ)
Frequency f = 1/T, Angular frequency ω = 2πf.
Waves: mechanical disturbances that transfer energy without transfer of matter.
Wave equation: v = fλ (velocity = frequency × wavelength).
Sound waves are longitudinal waves propagating through air.
3. Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics deals with heat, energy, and work.
Zeroth Law: If two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third, they are in equilibrium with
each other.
First Law: ∆U = Q - W (energy conservation).
Second Law: Heat cannot spontaneously flow from colder to hotter body.
Entropy: Measure of disorder in a system. Entropy always increases in isolated systems.
Heat engines and refrigerators operate on thermodynamic cycles (Carnot cycle is the ideal case).
4. Electricity and Magnetism
Electrostatics: Coulomb’s Law → F = k q■q■ / r².
Electric field E = F/q, potential difference V = W/q.
Capacitance: C = Q/V; Unit is Farad (F).
Current electricity: Ohm’s Law V = IR.
Kirchhoff’s Laws: Conservation of charge and energy in circuits.
Magnetism: Moving charges produce magnetic fields. Right-hand thumb rule applies.
Faraday’s Law: Induced EMF = -dΦ/dt, where Φ is magnetic flux.
5. Optics
Optics is the study of light. Two main branches: geometrical and physical optics.
Reflection: Angle of incidence = angle of reflection.
Refraction: Snell’s Law, n■ sinθ■ = n■ sinθ■.
Lenses: 1/f = 1/v - 1/u (lens formula).
Interference: Superposition of two waves leads to constructive or destructive interference.
Diffraction: Bending of light around obstacles.
Polarization: Restriction of light vibration in one direction.
6. Modern Physics
Relativity (Einstein): Special relativity introduces the constancy of speed of light.
Time dilation: t' = t / sqrt(1 - v²/c²).
Mass-Energy equivalence: E = mc².
Quantum mechanics: Energy quantization. Planck’s constant h = 6.626×10■³■ J·s.
Photoelectric effect: Light ejects electrons from a surface if frequency > threshold.
Nuclear physics: Radioactive decay, fission, and fusion.
Example: If ∆m = 0.001 kg, then E = ∆m c² = 0.001 × (3×10■)² = 9×10¹³ J.
References
Halliday, Resnick & Walker – Fundamentals of Physics.
Tipler, P.A. – Physics for Scientists and Engineers.
Feynman, R.P. – The Feynman Lectures on Physics.
Serway & Jewett – Principles of Physics.
Young & Freedman – University Physics.
