Physics General Knowledge Notes

Contents
1 Introduction to Physics 2
1.1 Importance of Physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2 Mechanics 2
2.1 Newton’s Laws of Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Work, Energy, and Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Gravitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3 Thermodynamics 2
3.1 Heat and Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4 Electromagnetism 3
4.1 Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4.2 Magnetism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

5 Waves and Optics 3

5.1 Properties of Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5.2 Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

6 Modern Physics 4
6.1 Quantum Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
6.2 Relativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

7 Nuclear Physics 4

8 Astrophysics and Cosmology 5

8.1 Key Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

9 Important Physics Constants 5

10 Conclusion 5

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1 Introduction to Physics
Physics is the natural science that studies matter, energy, and their interactions through space
and time. It seeks to understand the fundamental principles governing the universe, from the
smallest particles to the largest galaxies. Physics is divided into several branches, including
mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, quantum mechanics, and relativity.

1.1 Importance of Physics

Physics underpins modern technology and scientific advancements. It explains phenomena like
gravity, electricity, and nuclear reactions, enabling innovations in engineering, medicine, and
telecommunications. For example, understanding electromagnetism led to the development of
electric motors, while quantum mechanics is crucial for semiconductors in computers.

2 Mechanics
Mechanics studies the motion of objects and the forces acting upon them. It is divided into
kinematics (motion without forces), dynamics (motion with forces), and statics (objects at rest).

2.1 Newton’s Laws of Motion

Sir Isaac Newton’s three laws form the foundation of classical mechanics:
1. First Law (Inertia): An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon
by an external force.
2. Second Law (F=ma): The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net
force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass: F = ma.
3. Third Law (Action-Reaction): For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

2.2 Work, Energy, and Power

• Work: Work is done when a force causes displacement. It is calculated as W = F · d ·
cos θ , where θ is the angle between force and displacement.
• Energy: Energy is the capacity to do work, existing as kinetic energy (KE = 12 mv2 ) or
potential energy (PE = mgh).
• Power: Power is the rate of doing work, given by P = Wt , measured in watts (W).

2.3 Gravitation
Newton’s law of universal gravitation states that every mass attracts every other mass with
a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square
of the distance between them: F = G m1r2m2 , where G is the gravitational constant (6.674 ×
10−11 Nm2 /kg2 ).

3 Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics studies heat, work, and energy transfer. It is governed by four laws:

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 1. Zeroth Law: If two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third, they are in equilib-
rium with each other, defining temperature.
2. First Law (Conservation of Energy): The change in internal energy of a system equals
heat added minus work done: ∆U = Q −W .
3. Second Law: Heat cannot flow spontaneously from a colder to a hotter body; entropy of
an isolated system increases over time.
4. Third Law: The entropy of a system approaches zero as its temperature approaches
absolute zero (0 K).

3.1 Heat and Temperature

• Temperature: A measure of the average kinetic energy of particles, measured in Kelvin
(K), Celsius (řC), or Fahrenheit (řF).
• Heat: Energy transferred due to a temperature difference, measured in joules (J).
• Specific Heat Capacity: The heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance
by 1řC, e.g., waters specific heat is 4186 J/(kg · řC).

4 Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism studies electric and magnetic phenomena, unified by James Clerk Maxwells
equations.

4.1 Electricity
• Electric Charge: A fundamental property of matter, positive (protons) or negative (elec-
trons). Coulombs law describes the force between charges: F = k q1r2q2 , where k is
Coulombs constant (8.99 × 109 Nm2 /C2 ).
• Electric Current: Flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A). Ohms law relates
voltage (V ), current (I), and resistance (R): V = IR.

4.2 Magnetism
• Magnetic Fields: Produced by moving charges or magnets, measured in tesla (T). The
force on a charged particle in a magnetic field is given by F = qvB sin θ .
• Electromagnetic Induction: A changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force
(EMF), as described by Faradays law: E = − dΦ B
dt .

5 Waves and Optics

Waves transfer energy without transferring matter. They are classified as mechanical (requiring
a medium, e.g., sound) or electromagnetic (traveling through a vacuum, e.g., light).

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5.1 Properties of Waves
• Wavelength (λ ): Distance between consecutive crests.
• Frequency ( f ): Number of waves passing a point per second, measured in hertz (Hz).
• Speed: Wave speed is given by v = f λ .

5.2 Optics
Optics studies light and its interactions. Key concepts include:
• Reflection: Light bouncing off a surface, governed by the law of reflection: angle of
incidence equals angle of reflection.
• Refraction: Bending of light when passing between media, described by Snells law:
n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2 .
• Lenses: Convex lenses converge light; concave lenses diverge it. The lens formula is
1 1 1
f = u + v , where f is focal length, u is object distance, and v is image distance.

6 Modern Physics
Modern physics includes quantum mechanics, relativity, and particle physics, addressing phe-
nomena at atomic and cosmic scales.

6.1 Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics describes matter and energy at atomic and subatomic levels. Key princi-
ples include:
• Wave-Particle Duality: Particles like electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like
properties.
• Heisenbergs Uncertainty Principle: It is impossible to know both the position and
momentum of a particle precisely: ∆x · ∆p ≥ h̄2 .
• Quantum States: Particles exist in superpositions until measured, as described by Schrödingers
equation.

6.2 Relativity
Albert Einsteins theories of relativity revolutionized physics:
• Special Relativity (1905): Time and space are relative, unified as spacetime. Key equa-
tions include time dilation (t = √ t0 2 2 ) and mass-energy equivalence (E = mc2 ).
1−v /c

• General Relativity (1915): Gravity is the curvature of spacetime caused by mass. It

explains phenomena like black holes and the bending of light around massive objects.

7 Nuclear Physics
Nuclear physics studies atomic nuclei and their interactions.

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 • Radioactivity: Unstable nuclei decay, emitting alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.
• Nuclear Fission: A heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, releasing energy, as in nu-
clear reactors.
• Nuclear Fusion: Light nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, powering stars like the
Sun.

8 Astrophysics and Cosmology

Astrophysics applies physics to celestial bodies, while cosmology studies the universes origin
and evolution.

8.1 Key Concepts

• Big Bang Theory: The universe began as a hot, dense point approximately 13.8 billion
years ago.
• Black Holes: Regions of spacetime with gravitational pull so strong that nothing, not
even light, can escape.
• Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Mysterious substances influencing gravity and the
universes expansion, respectively.

9 Important Physics Constants

• Speed of light (c): 3.00 × 108 m/s
• Gravitational constant (G): 6.674 × 10−11 Nm2 /kg2
• Plancks constant (h): 6.626 × 10−34 Js
• Elementary charge (e): 1.602 × 10−19 C

10 Conclusion
Physics provides a framework for understanding the universe, from everyday phenomena to
cosmic events. Mastering its principles fosters critical thinking and innovation, driving progress
in science and technology.