What is Physics 1: Definition and 115 Discussions

Physics (from Ancient Greek: φυσική (ἐπιστήμη), romanized: physikḗ (epistḗmē), lit. 'knowledge of nature', from φύσις phýsis 'nature') is the natural science that studies matter, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines and, through its inclusion of astronomy, perhaps the oldest. Over much of the past two millennia, physics, chemistry, biology, and certain branches of mathematics were a part of natural philosophy, but during the Scientific Revolution in the 17th century these natural sciences emerged as unique research endeavors in their own right. Physics intersects with many interdisciplinary areas of research, such as biophysics and quantum chemistry, and the boundaries of physics are not rigidly defined. New ideas in physics often explain the fundamental mechanisms studied by other sciences and suggest new avenues of research in academic disciplines such as mathematics and philosophy.
Advances in physics often enable advances in new technologies. For example, advances in the understanding of electromagnetism, solid-state physics, and nuclear physics led directly to the development of new products that have dramatically transformed modern-day society, such as television, computers, domestic appliances, and nuclear weapons; advances in thermodynamics led to the development of industrialization; and advances in mechanics inspired the development of calculus.

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  1. multiplegoats

    The block and spool problem (dynamics of rigid bodies)

    Homework Statement A block and spool are each pulled by a string across a frictionless surface. The string is wound around the spool such that it may unwind as it is pulled, the string attached to the block is at the center of mass. The block and spool have the same mass and the strings...
  2. O

    Angular Acceleration: Clarifying What αz is?

    Homework Statement This is not really a question on how to solve the problem, I'm just trying to get clarification on something. For angular acceleration, α, can someone explain to me what αz is? And why does αz = α / R = αy? I understand the rest of the problem, I just don't understand...
  3. C

    Finding velocity and momentum of a bullet and recoiling gun

    Homework Statement A bullet leaves the barrel of a gun with a kinetic energy of 90 J. The barrel of the gun is 50 cm long. The gun has a mass of 4 kg, the bullet 10 g. (a) Find the bullets final velocity. (b) Find the bullets final momentum. (c) Find the momentum of the recoiling gun. (d) Find...
  4. D

    Can someone give me some hints for this incline problem?

    I am sorry, I generally would show some work but I have no clue on how to start off to find angle theta. The answer is given below and I have to get it. I don't know at all how to approach this problem and unfortunately I am not too strong on my trig identities either but I will try. May some...
  5. I

    Courses Would Calc 3 + Engineering Physics 1 be too much for Summer?

    Hey everyone, I am currently in College Physics 1 right now, and Calculus 2. Both courses are going seemingly well. I have an 'A' in both classes, but I do devote a lot of time to studying. Between the two I probably put in about 20 hours/week depending on the material covered. Right now were...
  6. JustAverageSkill

    What is the acceleration of the 10 kg block on the frictionless ramp?

    Homework Statement The ramp in figure is frictionless. If the blocks are released from rest, which way does the 10 kg block side and what is the magnitude of its acceleration? θ=40°...
  7. B

    College physics problem -- Find gravitational acceleration

    Homework Statement Here's the question: As space colonization expands, it's important to build new stations from local materials instead of bringing everything from Earth. Your latest task (besides asking for a raise) is to check the long-term stability of a proposed configuration of asteroids...
  8. G

    Finding the total distance traveled by the body at interval

    Homework Statement At time t, the position of a body moving along the s-axis is s= t^3 -12t^2 + 36t m(meters) Find the total distance traveled by the body from t = 0 to t = 3. Homework Equations Derivatives The Attempt at a Solution I got the derivative which is 3t^2 - 24t + 36(meters) I...
  9. B

    Physics Centripetal Force problem?

    1. At what rate a space station 200m in diameter would have to rotate to create gravity equal to 0.7 that at the surface of earth. How fast does it spin, and how long would it take to make a complete rotation? 2. a2 = v2 / 100m T = 2pi(r) / v 3. so far: 6.867m/s2 = v2 / 100m = 26.2 m/s T =...
  10. O

    Finding velocity, time, and distance

    Homework Statement A car sits in an entrance ramp to a freeway, waiting for a break in the traffic. The driver sees a small gap between a van and an 18-wheel truck and accelerates with constant acceleration along the ramp and onto the freeway. The car starts from rest, moves in a straight line...
  11. M

    Testing AP Physics 1 & 2 Exam Prep: Focus Areas for Grade 3+

    Hi, When I am using Principles of Physics by Walker, Halliday, and Resnick to study for AP physics 1 and 2 exams, what chapters/subject areas should I focus on to get at least grade 3? Due to a lack of time to study I will need to study what's most important. Alternatively, recommendations for...
  12. T

    What type of calculus is in physics 1?

    I was just wondering what type of calculus is in cal based physics 1? I'm a little rusty at calculus, so I was just curious...
  13. R

    What is General Physics 1 like?

    I am about to take General Physics 1 (Calculus version) in the spring and I am nervous. What is it like? Can you post an example of the kind of questions I will be given in Physics 1.
  14. M

    Calculate recoil velocity using conservation of momentum

    Homework Statement A 70.0-kg man and a 55.0-kg woman holding a 2.50-kg purse on ice skates stand facing each other. (a) If the woman pushes the man backwards so that his final speed is 1.50 m/s, with what average force did she push him, assum ing they were in contact for 0.500 s? (b) What is...
  15. M

    Newton's Law System With Both Frictions

    Homework Statement Find the minimum mass that is needed to get the system moving and the acceleration of the system once it starts to move. The coefficient of static friction between the mass and the table is 0.54 and the kinetic friction coefficient is 0.3. Homework Equations...
  16. Elvis 123456789

    Spring/ Kinetic Energy Problem

    Homework Statement At a waterpark, sleds with riders are sent along a slippery, horizontal surface by the release of a large, compressed spring. The spring with a force constant k = 4300 N/m and negligible mass rests on the frictionless horizontal surface. One end is in contact with a...
  17. nenders

    Calculating Velocity and Time for an Accelerating Air Boat

    Homework Statement [/B] Problem: Sanjay's air boat starts from rest and accelerates at 9.1 m/s2 for a distance of 216 meters. How fast is it moving at the end of the 216 meters? And how much time will it take to cover this distance? Known: Vi = 0m/s A = 9.1m/s D = 216m Homework Equations...
  18. T

    Need help deriving drag equation....

    Im currently trying to find out how my book took this drag equation (1/2 CApv^2P) and found the x and y component for accelration (x=(-pACv/2m)*sqrt (v(x)^2+v(y)^2)) &y=(-g-(-pACv/2m)*sqrt (v(x)^2+v(y)^2))
  19. T

    Tension and Uniform Circular Motion (no r, ω, θ)

    Homework Statement A 0.020-kg mass is attached to a 1.2-m string and moves in a horizontal circle with a constant speed of 1.50 m/s, as shown in the figure. What is the measure of angle θ? What is given: m = 0.020kg v = 1.50 m/s L = 1.2 m Homework Equations Lengths L = 1.2m Lsinθ = r...
  20. Amy1127

    Is it a bad idea to take 19 units in 16 weeks, or delay O-Chem to next term?

    In order to transfer on time from community college and prepare for the MCAT I have to really scrunch my classes. I was planning on taking Calc 3, Liner Algebra, O Chem 1, and Physics 1 (mechanics) at a whopping total of 19 units in 16 weeks. Is this doable? I would not be working and all of my...
  21. L

    Can AP Physics 1 be mastered in one summer with dedication?

    Hello, I'm still in high school and I was wondering if you would say that it's possible to learn the entire course of AP Physics 1 in the length of one summer with dedication not being an issue. Also, could you learn AP Physics C Mechanics and E&M WHILE you take a Calculus BC class (I'm not...
  22. icecubebeast

    Difference between AP physics 1 and AP physics C mechanics

    What are the difference between AP physics 1 and AP physics C mechanics exams? What are the main differences? If I already learned AP Physics 1 (kinematics, Newton's 3 laws of motion, torque, momentum, ucm, deformation of solids) and AP calculus AB, then should I take the AP Physics C...
  23. C

    AP Physics 1 course guidelines

    Is anyone else having difficulty deciphering specifics in what to teach this year in Ap physics 1? The new course guideline is not straightforward like it used to be. For instance, I am in the waves and sound unit, and when you read through the big ideas, there is no actual list of what to...
  24. Y

    New to AP teaching - AP Physics 1 test help

    I have never taught an AP class, and this year is my first year where my students will be taking the AP Physics 1 test. I took a look at the sample questions they have released and it got me scared and nervous. What are you doing to prepare your students for the AP test? Anything different...
  25. J

    Help Needed: Struggling Engineering Student in Physics 1

    I need your help everyone. I'm an engineering student, freshman, I finished calc 1 & 2, and chemistry. Im taking physics 1 this summer session 1, but I failed in it already. I don't really know what to do. I don't know how if I would take it in Fall semester. I mean summer courses are...
  26. J

    Calc 1, Chem 1, Physics 1 in one semester

    So I am attending Northeastern University as a Physics major and this fall will be my first semester. This year in high school I took AP Calculus AB, AP Chem, and physics honors. Unfortunately a month and a half before the AP exams I had a family issue that required me to miss A LOT of class...
  27. A

    Frictional Forces Physics 1 Problem

    Homework Statement 7.) A 1520-N crate is to be held in place on a ramp that rises at 30.0° above the horizontal (see figure). The massless rope attached to the crate makes a 22.0° angle above the surface of the ramp. The coefficients of friction between the crate and the surface of the ramp...
  28. A

    Worried that I might fail Physics 1

    Hello, I am in such disbelief right now, so disappointed in myself. I've failed two of my physics midterms and we only have one midterm left before the final. I've studied for both and I thought I knew what I was doing, but apparently not. The class average for both tests have been a 75%, C+...
  29. A

    Physics 1 harder than Calculus 1?

    Hello, I've been around the forums before, but I finally decided to create an account to post things. :) I'm currently a sophomore in college majoring in physics. At my school physics 1 and calculus 1 are a co-requisite not a prerequisite, meaning I can take physics 1 and calculus 1...
  30. L

    Retake physics 1 or take modern physics?

    Hey guys, looking for some input. I've taken algebra based physics 1 (got an A-) and calc based physics 2. It's my last year of undergrad but I am planning to enter a second degree electrical engineering program in the future. Should I retake calc based physics 1 or take modern physics? Would...
  31. D

    Taking Physics 2 before Physics 1?

    Hi everyone, I want to take the Physics 1 & 2 sequence next year but Physics 1 conflicts with my schedule for an important course in my major next semester (I'm in CS). Is it possible/advisable to take the calculus-based Physics 2 before Physics 1? I'm a good student, I'm taking Calc 2 this...
  32. T

    Programs Does a C in physics 1 Mechanics look bad for an engineering major?

    I am debating on whether I should retake this course to not only get a better grade but to also make sure I have a better understanding of it before I go into physics 2 electromagnetism. two questions: Will a C in physics hurt me? Should I make sure I have physics 1 mechanics down before...
  33. O

    Physics 1 with Calculus Advice

    Hello, I would like to give a little background information, I'm an older than average student who has been working toward earning a degree in mechanical engineering (BSME). Attending the local community college has been a long and arduous task, a mix of full-time and part-time for the...
  34. L

    Taking Calc 2, Physics 1 and Chem 1 in same semester?

    Hello, I am a student at a CC currently taking Calculus I and Intro to Chem (never had chem in high school). I have high A's in both. I would like to major in Mechanical Engineering. I was hoping to get some advice from people who have tried this schedule: Calculus II Physics I (Calculus...
  35. J

    Collision Physics 1 problem with distances and angles

    Homework Statement A 3000-kg Cessna airplane flying north at v1 = 70 m/s at an altitude of 1750 m over the jungles of Brazil collided with a 7000-kg cargo plane flying at an angle of θ = 34° north of west with speed v2 = 111 m/s. As measured from a point on the ground directly below the...
  36. I

    What topics in calc-based physics 1 use calculus?

    Hey guys, I'm wondering what topics in calc-based physics 1 (classical mechanics) actually use calculus. The only few that I can think of are motion laws, Newtons laws, work, SHM(?). Anything else that I'm missing (well I've only taken algebra based physics and calc 1, but I'm wondering what...
  37. I

    Should I Wait Until Completing Calculus 2 to Take Physics 1?

    My university's prerequisite is calculus 1 (which I've taken AP Calculus AB) to take Physics 1 (calculus based). My question is should I wait until I've completed calculus 2 to take physics 1? I've taken AP Physics B and did relatively well in it (although I don't remember everything perfectly..)
  38. F

    Physics 1 related rates homework question.

    A child loves to watch as you fill a transparent plastic bottle with shampoo. Every horizontal cross section of the bottle is circular, but the diameters of the circles have different values. You pour the brightly colored shampoo into the bottle at a constant rate of 17.0 cm3/s. At what rate...
  39. S

    Help with Gen Physics 1 Homework Problems

    Hey guys, I am new to the forum and could use your help on a few homework problems. Can anyone explain how to do these? 1. A baseball of mass m and initial speed v strikes a catcher's mitt. If the mitt moves x as it brings the ball to rest, what is the average force it exerts on the ball...
  40. L

    Physics 1 projectile motion and Electrical Engineering

    I'm going to head towards an electrical engineering path. At this stage, I'm just taking physics 1 w/ calculus. Just wondering, how does chapter 2 and 3, constant acceleration and projectile motion problems, relate to later electrical engineering concepts? I find these acceleration...
  41. G

    United States Physics 1 With Calculus - Gravitation

    Homework Statement See Attachment Calculate the force of gravity on the point mass due to the line mass in terms of the gravitational constant G, m, M, D, and L. The line mass has a uniform density. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Ok so apparently I'm suppose to...
  42. G

    United States Physics 1 With Calculus

    Homework Statement See attachment. In the system shown below, the spring is initially at its equilibrium length, L, and the block has a velocity down the ramp of 5 m/s. At the point where the block stops and turns around, the spring has a length of L + ΔL. Calculate ΔL. The ramp is...
  43. U

    University Physics 1 Work Problem

    Homework Statement You apply a constant force F=(-68.0N)i + (36.0N)j to a 390kg car as the car travels 60.0m in a direction that is 240.0° counterclockwise from the x-axis. How much work does the force you apply do on the car? Homework Equations W=Fs W=K2-K1 W=Fcos(θ)s F/m=a...
  44. QuarkCharmer

    Did I solve this inclined plane problem correctly?

    Homework Statement I took a test today and I simply have to know if I got this question right! Otherwise it will haunt me for the whole weekend. A block is at the bottom of an inclined plane with angle 30 from the horizontal. The block has an initial velocity of 5 (from pushing or...
  45. L

    Physics 1 with Calculus: Pre-reqs and Advice

    I've never taken a formal physics class, but I'm familiar with the basics. The only prerequisite listed on the school website is calc 1, which I'm taking in the summer, but they have a note at the bottom that they recommend you take "general physics 1" if you don't have any physics experience...
  46. I

    Which is easier: Physics 1 or Chemistry 1?

    Which is easier for someone who is absolutely terrible in any sort of Science.
  47. F

    WHICH IS HARDER PHYSICS 1 or 2 ADVICE NEEDED

    WHICH IS HARDER PHYSICS 1 or 2 ADVICE NEEDED ! Hello PEOPLE ... I am currently community and very close to transfering. My major is civil engineering. There's only 1 semester left for me then i transfer. I need some advise asap. I am currently taking University Physics 1 at my college and...
  48. P

    Calc 1 & Physics 1 Concurrently ?

    Hello all, I am heading back to school after 8 years to complete some Pre-Req course that will allow me to get into a Master's program. I have taken Pre-Calc over the summer and received an A. Is Physics 1 eaiser or harder, when you take Calc 1 concurrently? Thanks for any insight, Ernest G
  49. G

    Physics 1 Mechanics: Acceleration and Projectile Motion on a Ramp

    A baseball is accelerated from rest at the rate a = 251 m/s/s along a rising ramp of lenth l=3m. The ramp makes an angle of theta =.5 rad with the horizontal. Neglect friction. a)what is the launch velocity v knot of the ball? express v knot in a component form using a coordinate system of...
  50. W

    Adding Vectors in Physics 1 to get the Net Displacement

    Homework Statement A car is driven east for a distance of 43 km, then north for 29 km, and then in a direction 29° east of north for 24 km. Determine (a) the magnitude (in km) of the car's total displacement from its starting point and (b) the angle (from east) of the car's total...
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