Browsing by Author "O Rasmussen, John"

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Angular Momentum
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
In the previous chapter, we dealt with the kinematics and dynamics of the rotation of an extended object about a fixed axis. The rotational motion was analyzed in terms of Newton’s second law for rotation as well as rotational kinetic energy.
Capacitors and Capacitance
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
In this chapter we introduce capacitors, which are one of the simplest circuit elements. Capacitors are charge-storing devices that can store energy in the form of an electric potential energy, and are commonly used in a variety of electric circuits.
Dimensions and Units
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
The laws of physics are expressed in terms of basic quantities that require a clear definition for the purpose of measurements. Among these measured quantities are length, time, mass, temperature, etc.
Electric Circuits
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
In this chapter we analyze simple electric circuits that contain devices such as batteries, resistors, and capacitors in various combinations. We begin by introducing steady-state electric circuits and the concept of a constant rate of flow of electric charges, known as direct current (dc) . We also introduce Kirchhoff’s two rules , which are used to simplify and analyze more complicated circuits. Finally, we consider circuits containing resistors and capacitors, in which currents can vary with time.
Electric Fields
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
In this chapter, we introduce the concept of an electric field associated with a variety of charge distributions. We follow that by introducing the concept of an electric field in terms of Faraday’s electric field lines. In addition, we study the motion of a charged particle in a uniform electric field.
Electric Force
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
Many simple experiments indicate the existence of electric forces and charges. It is possible to impart an electric charge to any solid material by rubbing it with another material. The rubbed solid material is said to be electrified, or electrically charged. For example, a comb becomes electrified when it is used to brush dry hair. This is justified by observing that the comb will attract bits of paper. Many experiments conducted by Benjamin Franklin reveal that there are two types of electric charges: positive and negative. A glass rod that has been rubbed with silk is commonly used as an example for identifying positive and negative charges. Another common example is a hard rubber rod that has been rubbed with fur. Using Franklin’s convention, positive charges are formed on a glass rod that has been rubbed with silk, and negative charges are formed on a rubber rod that has been rubbed with fur
Electric Potential
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
Newton’s law of gravity and Coulomb’s law of electrostatics are mathematically identical. In particular, electrostatic forces are conservative. Consequently, it is more convenient to assign an electric potential energy U to describe any system of two or more charged particles. This idea allows us to define a scalar quantity known as the electric potential. It turns out that this concept is of great practical value when dealing with devices such as capacitors, resistors, inductors, batteries, etc, and when dealing with the flow of currents in electric circuits.
Faraday’s Law, Alternating Current, and Maxwell’s Equations
(Springer, 2012) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
Experimentally, M. Faraday and J. Henry show that a changing magnetic field can establish a current in a circuit that has no battery. When we move a magnet toward a stationary loop that is connected to a galvanometer, the galvanometer’s needle deflects in one direction. When the magnet stops, no deflection is observed. Now, when we move the magnet away from the loop, the needle deflects in the opposite direction.
Force and Motion
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
The kind of interaction that accelerates an object is called a force , which could be a push or pull.
Gauss’s Law
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
Although Coulomb’s law is the governing law in electrostatics, its form does not always simplify calculations in situations involving symmetry. In this chapter, we introduce Gauss’s law as an alternative method for calculating electric fields of certain highly symmetrical charge distribution systems. In addition to being simpler than Coulomb’s law, Gauss’s law permits us to use qualitative reasoning.
Heat and the First Law of Thermodynamics
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
Our focus in this chapter will be on the concept of internal energy, energy transfer, the first law of thermodynamics, and some applications of this law. The first law of thermodynamics expresses the general principle of conservation of energy. According to this law, an energy transfer to or from a system by either heat or work can change the internal energy of the system.
Inductance, Oscillating Circuits, and AC Circuits
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
An emf produced by a physical source (like a battery) is quite different from that produced by changing magnetic flux. In this chapter, we study how an emf is induced as a result of a changing magnetic flux produced by the circuit itself or by a nearby circuit.
Kinetic Theory of Gases
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
In the simplest model of an ideal gas, which was presented in the previous chapter, we consider each atom/molecule to be a hard sphere that collides elastically with other atoms/molecules or with the walls of the container holding the gas.
Light Waves and Optics
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
Since ancient times, the nature and properties of light have been intensively investigated in an attempt to address many of our needs for a better life on Earth. Today, scientists view the behavior of light as waves (electromagnetic waves ) in some situations and particles (photons ) in other situations. In this chapter, we briefly introduce aspects of light that are understood best when using wave models, as applied to geometrical and physical optics . First, we study the reflection and refraction of light at the boundary between two media. Then we study formation of images when using the two types of mirrors and lenses.
Linear Momentum, Collisions, and Center of Mass
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
In this chapter, we introduce the linear momentum of a particle and the law of conservation of linear momentum of a system of particles under certain conditions. We use this law and the conservation of energy to analyze translational motion when particles collide. For a system of isolated particles, or an extended object, we introduce the concept of center of mass to show that conservation of linear momentum applies under certain conditions, as it does for isolated particles. At the end of this chapter, we treat systems with variable mass. We first consider cases where the mass increases with time and then we consider cases where the mass decreases with time.
Magnetic Fields
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
It is of common knowledge that every magnet attracts pieces of iron and has two poles: a north pole (N) and a south pole (S). In addition, given two magnets, like poles (N–N or S–S) repel each other, and opposite poles (N–S) attract each other. Moreover, if we cut a magnet in half, we do not obtain isolated north and south poles. Instead, we get two magnets, each with its own north and south pole.
Mechanical Properties of Matter
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
The physical states of matter can generally be divided into three broad classes: solids, liquids, and gases, see Fig. 10.1. A solid maintains its shape: it resists the action of external forces that tend to change its shape or volume.
Motion in One Dimension
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
Mechanics is the science that deals with motion of objects. It is basic to all other branches of physics. The branch of mechanics that describes the motion of objects is called kinematics. In this branch we answer questions like “Does the object speed up, slow down, stop, or reverse direction?” and “How is time involved in these situations?”
Motion in Two Dimensions
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
This chapter extends the study of the preceding chapter to two dimensions. We divide the study into two parts: motion of a particle in a plane, and circular motion of a particle in a plane.
Oscillations and Wave Motion
(Springer, 2013) A Radi, Hafez; O Rasmussen, John
Any object that repeats its motion at regular time intervals is said to perform a periodic or harmonic motion. If the motion is a sinusoidal function of time, we call it simple harmonic motion .