Understanding Physics
by Ron Kurtus (updated 17 March 2023)
Physics is a branch of Physical Science that is concerned with the study of the properties of matter, its motion, and the concepts of energy and force. The subject can be divided into three main areas: Classical Physics, Relativity, and Quantum Mechanics. The material here will concentrate on classical or everyday physics.
The knowledge of Physics is important for the development of the products we use. It is also an interesting and exciting subject of value in many walks of life. There is a great need for people who understand scientific principles and know how to think logically. Your knowledge and skills in these areas can help you excel in school, advance your career or improve your business.
The purpose of these free online lessons is to give you a start at improving your scientific knowledge of physics that will help you become a champion in the field.
Physics Contents
Basics of Physics
Physics Overview
Using Mathematics in Physical Science
Fundamental Units of Measurement
Using a Scientific Calculator
Sensors and Detectors
Physics of Computer Games
Three Levels of a Champion in Science
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Matter
Overview of Study of Matter
Definition of Matter
Theories of Matter
Kinetic Theory of Matter
Measurement of Mass
Particles of Matter
Structure of the Atom
Are Atoms Tiny Solar Systems?
Atomic Weight
Fundamental Subatomic Particles
Neutrons
Antiparticles
Antimatter
Density
Density of Matter
Factors Affecting Density of Matter
Archimedes Solves Density Problem
States of Matter
States of Matter
Changing States of Matter
Pressure and States of Matter
Temperature Constant During Phase Change
Exotic States of Matter
Evaporation is Changing Liquid to Gas
Evaporation
When Water Vapor Becomes Snow
Dry Ice is Solid Carbon Dioxide
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Fluids
Characteristics of Fluids
Pressure in Fluids
How Objects Float in Fluids
Applications of Fluid Principles
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Motion
Relative Motion, Speed, Velocity and Acceleration
Newton's Laws of Motion
Motion and the Law of Inertia
Periodic Motion
Periodic Motion
Pendulum Exhibits Periodic Motion
Demonstration of a Pendulum
Equations for a Simple Pendulum
Newton's Cradle
Derivation of How Newton's Cradle Works
Wave Motion
Overview of Wave Motion
Units of Frequencies and Wavelengths
Waves and Obstacles
Waveform Noise
Pulse Waves
Doppler Effect for Waveforms
Conventions for Doppler Effect Equations
Summary of Doppler Effect Equations
Derivation of Doppler Effect Wavelength Equations
Derivation of Doppler Effect Frequency Equations
Derivation of Doppler Effect Velocity Equations
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Sound Waves - Acoustics
Overview of Sound Waves
Creating Sound Waves
Frequencies and Wavelengths of Sound
Speed of Sound in a Gas
Doppler Effect for Sound
Doppler Effect Equations for Sound
Traveling Faster than Sound
Making Sounds with Musical Instruments
Sound Created from a String or Wire
Equation for Sound Created from a String
Equation for Sound Created from a Wire
Detecting Sound Waves
How Obstacles Affect Sound Waves
Sound Echoes
Sound Seems Amplified Over Water
Reproducing Sounds
Beat Frequencies in Sound
Acoustics in Buildings
Noise Reduction
Active Noise Cancellation
Hearing - Using your Senses
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Visible Light Waves - Optics
Visible Light
Speed of Light
Doppler Effect Equations for Light
Refraction of Light
Snell's Law for the Refraction of Light
Dispersion of Light
Optical Devices
Lasers
Laser Battle Game (Java applet)
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Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Infrared Radiation
Infrared, Gases and the Greenhouse Effect
X-rays
X-ray Characteristics
X-ray Generation
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Electricity and Magnetism
Main Electricity and Magnetism menu page. Areas of interest are:
Electricity Basics
Static Electricity
Direct Current (DC) Electricity
Alternating Current (AC) Electricity
Magnetism
Electromagnetism
Energy
Overview of Energy
Kinetic Energy Concerns Movement of Matter
Potential Energy
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Thermal Energy
Thermal Potential Energy
Temperature
Temperature is Average Thermal Energy
Temperature Measurement: Thermometers
Temperature Scales
Lower and Upper Temperature Limits
Equations for Temperature Limits
Heating
Heat
Heat Transfer
Heat Transfer with Hot Coffee
Heat Transfer on Earth
Heating a Greenhouse
Heat Energy Required to Turn Ice into Steam
Mpemba Effect: Hot Water Freezes before Cold
Thermal insulation
Thermal Insulation
Thermos Container Uses Thermal Insulation
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics
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Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Reactions
Radioactivity
Force
Characteristics of Force
Applied Force
Applied Force Affects Motion
Mysterious Force at a Distance
Centripetal Force
Resistive Force
Resistive Force of Friction
Inertial Force
Centrifugal Force Caused by Inertia
Units of Force
Force and Torque
Fundamental Forces Act at a Distance
Pressure is Force per Unit Area
Work and Force
Work is a Result of Force
Relationship between Work and Mechanical Energy
Proof that Work Can be the Change in Kinetic Energy
Gravity and Gravitation
See the main Gravity and Gravitation menu pages.
Major topics are:
Overview of Gravity and Gravitation
Overview of Force of Gravity
Gravity Resources
Overview of Gravitation
Gravitation Resources
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Friction Force
Resistive Force of Friction
Basics
Uses of Friction
Causes of Friction
Coefficient of friction
Standard Friction Equation
Coefficient of Friction for Clean Surfaces
Coefficient of Friction for Greased Surfaces
Sliding friction
Sliding Friction
Sliding Friction on an Inclined Surface
Changing Sliding Friction on Hard Surfaces
Rolling friction
Rolling Friction
Role of Friction in Starting Rolling Motion
Rolling Friction and Automobile Tires
Traction Friction of Tires
Fluid friction
Changing Fluid Friction
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Machines
Machines
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Resources
Physics Resources
Astronomy
Chemistry
Experiments and Science Fair Projects
Interactive Graded Tests
Biographies
List of Champion Schools
Survey results
See results of survey questions
My books
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