Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers
University e-Prep Course
by NTU
Topics
These are Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers ePrep course topics by NTU meant for NSFs and NSMen to better prepare for university studies, but now it is open to all. It is based on the textbook “Physics for Scientists and Engineers” by Serway. The textbook comes free with the course. The detils of the topics covered are given below.
1 Physics and Measurement.
1.1 Standards of Length, Mass, and Time
1.2 Modeling and Alternative Representations
1.3 Dimensional Analysis
1.4 Conversion of Units
1.5 Estimates and Order-of-Magnitude Calculations
1.6 Significant Figures
2 Motion in One Dimension.
2.1 Position, Velocity, and Speed of a Particle
2.2 Instantaneous Velocity and Speed
2.3 Analysis Model: Particle Under Constant Velocity
2.4 The Analysis Model Approach to Problem Solving
2.5 Acceleration
2.6 Motion Diagrams
2.7 Analysis Model: Particle Under Constant Acceleration
2.8 Freely Falling Objects
2.9 Kinematic Equations Derived from Calculus
3 Vectors.
3.1 Coordinate Systems
3.2 Vector and Scalar Quantities
3.3 Basic Vector Arithmetic
3.4 Components of a Vector and Unit Vectors
4 Motion in Two Dimensions.
4.1 The Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Vectors
4.2 Two-Dimensional Motion with Constant Acceleration
4.3 Projectile Motion
4.4 Analysis Model: Particle in Uniform Circular Motion
4.5 Tangential and Radial Acceleration 4.6 Relative Velocity and Relative Acceleration
5 The Laws of Motion.
5.1 The Concept of Force
5.2 Newton’s First Law and Inertial Frames
5.3 Mass
5.4 Newton’s Second Law
5.5 The Gravitational Force and Weight
5.6 Newton’s Third Law
5.7 Analysis Models Using Newton’s Second Law
5.8 Forces of Friction
6 Circular Motion and Other Applications of Newton’s Laws.
6.1 Extending the Particle in Uniform Circular Motion Model
6.2 Nonuniform Circular Motion
6.3 Motion in Accelerated Frames
6.4 Motion in the Presence of Resistive Forces
7 Energy of a System.
7.1 Systems and Environments
7.2 Work Done by a Constant Force
7.3 The Scalar Product of Two Vectors
7.4 Work Done by a Varying Force
7.5 Kinetic Energy and the Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem
7.6 Potential Energy of a System
7.7 Conservative and Nonconservative Forces
7.8 Relationship Between Conservative Forces and Potential Energy
7.9 Energy Diagrams and Equilibrium of a System
8 Conservation of Energy.
8.1 Analysis Model: Nonisolated System (Energy)
8.2 Analysis Model: Isolated System (Energy)
8.3 Situations Involving Kinetic Friction
8.4 Changes in Mechanical Energy for Nonconservative Forces
8.5 Power
9 Linear Momentum and Collisions.
9.1 Linear Momentum
9.2 Analysis Model: Isolated System (Momentum)
9.3 Analysis Model: Nonisolated System (Momentum)
9.4 Collisions in One Dimension
9.5 Collisions in Two Dimensions
9.6 The Center of Mass
9.7 Systems of Many Particles
9.8 Deformable Systems
9.9 Rocket Propulsion
10 Rotation of a Rigid Object About a Fixed Axis
10.1 Angular Position, Velocity, and Acceleration
10.2 Analysis Model: Rigid Object Under Constant Angular Acceleration
10.3 Angular and Translational Quantities
10.4 Torque
10.5 Analysis Model: Rigid Object Under a Net Torque
10.6 Calculation of Moments of Inertia
10.7 Rotational Kinetic Energy
10.8 Energy Considerations in Rotational Motion
10.9 Rolling Motion of a Rigid Object
11 Angular Momentum
11.1 The Vector Product and Torque
11.2 Analysis Model: Nonisolated System (Angular Momentum)
11.3 Angular Momentum of a Rotating Rigid Object
11.4 Analysis Model: Isolated System (Angular Momentum)
11.5 The Motion of Gyroscopes and Tops.
12 Static Equilibrium and Elasticity.
12.1 Analysis Model: Rigid Object in Equilibrium
12.2 More on the Center of Gravity
12.3 Examples of Rigid Objects in Static Equilibrium
12.4 Elastic Properties of Solids
13 Universal Gravitation.
13.1 Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
13.2 Free-Fall Acceleration and the Gravitational Force
13.3 Analysis Model: Particle in a Field (Gravitational)
13.4 Kepler’s Laws and the Motion of Planets
13.5 Gravitational Potential Energy
13.6 Energy Considerations in Planetary and Satellite Motion
14 Fluid Mechanics.
14.1 Pressure
14.2 Variation of Pressure with Depth
14.3 Pressure Measurements
14.4 Buoyant Forces and Archimedes’s Principle
14.5 Fluid Dynamics
14.6 Bernoulli’s Equation
14.7 Flow of Viscous Fluids in Pipes
14.8 Other Applications of Fluid Dynamics
15 Oscillatory Motion.
15.1 Motion of an Object Attached to a Spring
15.2 Analysis Model: Particle in Simple Harmonic Motion
15.3 Energy of the Simple Harmonic Oscillator
15.4 Comparing Simple Harmonic Motion with Uniform Circular Motion
15.5 The Pendulum
15.6 Damped Oscillations
15.7 Forced Oscillations
16 Wave Motion.
16.1 Propagation of a Disturbance
16.2 Analysis Model: Traveling Wave
16.3 The Speed of Transverse Waves on Strings
16.4 Rate of Energy Transfer by Sinusoidal Waves on Strings
16.5 The Linear Wave Equation
16.6 Sound Waves
16.7 Speed of Sound Waves
16.8 Intensity of Sound Waves
16.9 The Doppler Effect
17 Superposition and Standing Waves.
17.1 Analysis Model: Waves in Interference
17.2 Standing Waves
17.3 Boundary Effects: Reflection and Transmission
17.4 Analysis Model: Waves Under Boundary Conditions
17.5 Resonance
17.6 Standing Waves in Air Columns
17.7 Beats: Interference in Time
17.8 Nonsinusoidal Wave Patterns
18 Temperature.
18.1 Temperature and the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
18.2 Thermometers and the Celsius Temperature Scale
18.3 The Constant-Volume Gas Thermometer and the Absolute Temperature Scale
18.4 Thermal Expansion of Solids and Liquids
18.5 Macroscopic Description of an Ideal Gas
19 Heat and the First Law of Thermodynamics.
19.1 Heat and Internal Energy
19.2 Specific Heat and Calorimetry
19.3 Latent Heat
19.4 Work and Heat in Thermodynamic Processes
19.5 The First Law of Thermodynamics
19.6 Energy Transfer Mechanisms in Thermal Processes
20 The Kinetic Theory of Gases.
20.1 Molecular Model of an Ideal Gas
20.2 Molar Specific Heat of an Ideal Gas
20.3 The Equipartition of Energy
20.4 Adiabatic Processes for an Ideal Gas
20.5 Distribution of Molecular Speeds
21 Heat Engines, Entropy, and the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
21.1 Heat Engines and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
21.2 Heat Pumps and Refrigerators
21.3 Reversible and Irreversible Processes
21.4 The Carnot Engine
21.5 Gasoline and Diesel Engines
21.6 Entropy
21.7 Entropy in Thermodynamic Systems
21.8 Entropy and the Second Law
22 Electric Fields.
22.1 Properties of Electric Charges
22.2 Charging Objects by Induction
22.3 Coulomb’s Law
22.4 Analysis Model: Particle in a Field (Electric)
22.5 Electric Field of a Continuous Charge Distribution
22.6 Electric Field Lines
22.7 Motion of a Charged Particle in a Uniform Electric Field
23 Continuous Charge Distributions and Gauss’s Law.
23.1 Electric Field of a Continuous Charge Distribution
23.2 Electric Flux
23.3 Gauss’s Law
23.4 Applications of Gauss’s Law to Various Charge Distributions
24 Electric Potential.
24.1 Electric Potential and Potential Difference
24.2 Potential Difference in a Uniform Electric Field
24.3 Electric Potential and Potential Energy Due to Point Charges
24.4 Obtaining the Value of the Electric Field from the Electric Potential
24.5 Electric Potential Due to Continuous Charge Distributions
24.6 Conductors in Electrostatic Equilibrium
25 Capacitance and Dielectrics.
25.1 Definition of Capacitance
25.2 Calculating Capacitance
25.3 Combinations of Capacitors
25.4 Energy Stored in a Charged Capacitor
25.5 Capacitors with Dielectrics
25.6 Electric Dipole in an Electric Field
25.7 An Atomic Description of Dielectrics
26 Current and Resistance.
26.1 Electric Current
26.2 Resistance
26.3 A Model for Electrical Conduction
26.4 Resistance and Temperature
26.5 Superconductors
26.6 Electrical Power
27 Direct Current Circuits.
27.1 Electromotive Force
27.2 Resistors in Series and Parallel
27.3 Kirchhoff’s Rules
27.4 RC Circuits
27.5 Household Wiring and Electrical Safety
28 Magnetic Fields.
28.1 Analysis Model: Particle in a Field (Magnetic)
28.2 Motion of a Charged Particle in a Uniform Magnetic Field
28.3 Applications Involving Charged Particles Moving in a Magnetic Field
28.4 Magnetic Force Acting on a Current-Carrying Conductor
28.5 Torque on a Current Loop in a Uniform Magnetic Field
28.6 The Hall Effect
29 Sources of the Magnetic Field.
29.1 The Biot–Savart Law
29.2 The Magnetic Force Between Two Parallel Conductors
29.3 Ampère’s Law
29.4 The Magnetic Field of a Solenoid
29.5 Gauss’s Law in Magnetism
29.6 Magnetism in Matter
30 Faraday’s Law.
30.1 Faraday’s Law of Induction
30.2 Motional emf
30.3 Lenz’s Law
30.4 The General Form of Faraday’s Law
30.5 Generators and Motors
30.6 Eddy Currents
31 Inductance.
31.1 Self-Induction and Inductance
31.2 RL Circuits
31.3 Energy in a Magnetic Field
31.4 Mutual Inductance
31.5 Oscillations in an LC Circuit
31.6 The RLC Circuit
32 Alternating Current Circuits.
32.1 AC Sources
32.2 Resistors in an AC Circuit
32.3 Inductors in an AC Circuit
32.4 Capacitors in an AC Circuit
32.5 The RLC Series Circuit
32.6 Power in an AC Circuit
32.7 Resonance in a Series RLC Circuit
32.8 The Transformer and Power Transmission
33 Electromagnetic Waves.
33.1 Displacement Current and the General Form of Ampère’s Law
33.2 Maxwell’s Equations and Hertz’s Discoveries
33.3 Plane Electromagnetic Waves
33.4 Energy Carried by Electromagnetic Waves
33.5 Momentum and Radiation Pressure
33.6 Production of Electromagnetic Waves by an Antenna
33.7 The Spectrum of Electromagnetic Waves
34 The Nature of Light and the Laws of Geometric Optics.
34.1 The Nature of Light
34.2 The Ray Approximation in Ray Optics
34.3 Analysis Model: Wave Under Reflection
34.4 Analysis Model: Wave Under Refraction
34.5 Huygens’s Principle
34.6 Dispersion
34.7 Total Internal Reflection
35 Image Formation.
35.1 Images Formed by Flat Mirrors
35.2 Images Formed by Spherical Mirrors
35.3 Images Formed by Refraction
35.4 Images Formed by Thin Lenses
35.5 Lens Aberrations
35.6 Optical Instruments
36 Interference of Light Waves.
36.1 Young’s Double-Slit Experiment
36.2 Analysis Model: Waves in Interference
36.3 Intensity Distribution of the Double-Slit Interference Pattern
36.4 Change of Phase Due to Reflection
36.5 Interference in Thin Films
36.6 The Michelson Interferometer
37 Diffraction Patterns and Polarization.
37.1 Introduction to Diffraction Patterns
37.2 Diffraction Patterns from Narrow Slits
37.3 Resolution of Single-Slit and Circular Apertures
37.4 The Diffraction Grating
37.5 Diffraction of X-Rays by Crystals
37.6 Polarization of Light Waves
38 Relativity.
38.1 The Principle of Galilean Relativity
38.2 The Michelson-Morley Experiment
38.3 Einstein’s Principle of Relativity
38.4 Consequences of the Special Theory of Relativity
38.5 The Lorentz Transformation Equations
38.6 The Lorentz Velocity Transformation Equations
38.7 Relativistic Linear Momentum
38.8 Relativistic Energy
38.9 The General Theory of Relativity
39 Introduction to Quantum Physics.
39.1 Blackbody Radiation and Planck’s Hypothesis
39.2 The Photoelectric Effect
39.3 The Compton Effect
39.4 The Nature of Electromagnetic Waves
39.5 The Wave Properties of Particles
39.6 A New Model: The Quantum Particle
39.7 The Double-Slit Experiment Revisited
39.8 The Uncertainty Principle
40 Quantum Mechanics.
40.1 The Wave Function
40.2 Analysis Model: Quantum Particle Under Boundary Conditions
40.3 The Schrödinger Equation
40.4 A Particle in a Well of Finite Height
40.5 Tunneling Through a Potential Energy Barrier
40.6 Applications of Tunneling
40.7 The Simple Harmonic Oscillator
41 Atomic Physics.
41.1 Atomic Spectra of Gases
41.2 Early Models of the Atom
41.3 Bohr’s Model of the Hydrogen Atom
41.4 The Quantum Model of the Hydrogen Atom
41.5 The Wave Functions for Hydrogen
41.6 Physical Interpretation of the Quantum Numbers
41.7 The Exclusion Principle and the Periodic Table
41.8 More on Atomic Spectra: Visible and X-Ray
41.9 Spontaneous and Stimulated Transitions
41.10 Lasers
42 Molecules and Solids.
42.1 Molecular Bonds
42.2 Energy States and Spectra of Molecules
42.3 Bonding in Solids
42.4 Free-Electron Theory of Metals
42.5 Electrical Conduction in Metals, Insulators, and Semiconductors
42.6 Semiconductor Devices
43 Nuclear Physics.
43.1 Some Properties of Nuclei
43.2 Nuclear Binding Energy
43.3 Nuclear Models
43.4 Radioactivity
43.5 The Decay Processes
43.6 Natural Radioactivity
43.7 Nuclear Reactions
43.8 Nuclear Fission
43.9 Nuclear Reactors
43.10 Nuclear Fusion
43.11 Biological Radiation Damage
43.12 Uses of Radiation from the Nucleus
43.13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
44 Particle Physics and Cosmology.
44.1 Field Particles for the Fundamental Forces in Nature
44.2 Positrons and Other Antiparticles
44.3 Mesons and the Beginning of Particle Physics
44.4 Classification of Particles
44.5 Conservation Laws
44.6 Strange Particles and Strangeness
44.7 Finding Patterns in the Particles
44.8 Quarks
44.9 Multicolored Quarks
44.10 The Standard Model
44.11 The Cosmic Connection
44.12 Problems and Perspectives
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