What are the fundamental proportional relationships in basic physics?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the search for a comprehensive list of basic physics proportional relationships, such as the direct proportionality of magnetic field strength to current and the inverse relationship with distance. Participants highlight that proportional relationships can vary based on which variables are held constant, as seen in Ohm's Law and the thin lens equation. It is emphasized that understanding the underlying equations is crucial for deducing these relationships rather than relying on a fixed list. The complexity of proportional relationships in physics is acknowledged, suggesting a need for deeper comprehension of the concepts involved. Overall, grasping the context of each equation is essential for accurately interpreting proportional relationships in physics.
superaznnerd
Messages
59
Reaction score
0
I was wondering if there are place on the internet where I can find a list of basic physics proportional relations.
For example, a proportionaln relationship is that B (magnetic field strength) is directly proportional to I (current) and inversely proportional to R (distance).
also, something like distance traveled is directly proportional to average speed.
I just need a list of all these basic physics proportional relationships.

Thanks so much!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
superaznnerd said:
I was wondering if there are place on the internet where I can find a list of basic physics proportional relations.
For example, a proportionaln relationship is that B (magnetic field strength) is directly proportional to I (current) and inversely proportional to R (distance).
also, something like distance traveled is directly proportional to average speed.
I just need a list of all these basic physics proportional relationships.

Thanks so much!

http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/ap/students/physics/info_equation_tables_2002.pdf
 
Everywhere a formula shows things multiplied or divided, but there is no square, square root, trig function, etc.

Suppose ABCDE=FGHIJ

For any given value of ABCD, and any given value of FGHI, E is proportional to J. If you double one, you would double the other.

For any given value of ABCDE and any given value of FGH, I is inversely proportional to J. On you double one, the other would become one-half its former value.
 
  • Like
Likes Syed Ammar
thx bp ppsy
 
I strongly suggest you read what mikelepore said, because you might be setting yourself up for a possible confusion if you think that there is a SET collection of such a thing. For example, look at Ohm's Law

V=IR

Is V proportional to I? Or is V proportional to R? Both are correct if the other variable is kept constant. So already you have two proportionality relationship here. It gets more involved if the equation is more complicated, such as the thin lens equation

1/f = 1/i + 1/o

Can I say that 1/f is proportional to 1/i if I keep o constant? etc.. etc.

It is better to learn the equation and to know what it means, and then learn how one deduce a proportionality based on what quantities are being varied and what are being held constants.

Zz.
 
  • Like
Likes Syed Ammar
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
Back
Top