Formula reference
Read the symbols and limits alongside each relationship. Follow a chapter link if you cannot explain why the formula applies.
Existing detailed reference
Mathematical Review & Physical World
Models, laws and sensible approximations
\[ \text{prediction}=\text{model}(\text{measured inputs}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: Prediction means the observable being calculated; model means a stated physical relationship; measured inputs carry units and uncertainty. This is a workflow, not an algebraic force law.
Proportionality, powers and scaling
\[ Q=Cx^a y^b,\qquad \frac{Q_2}{Q_1}=\left(\frac{x_2}{x_1}\right)^a\left(\frac{y_2}{y_1}\right)^b \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q is the dependent quantity; C is a constant with the required units; x and y are inputs; a and b are dimensionless exponents. Subscripts 1 and 2 denote two cases with the same C.
Small percentage changes
\[ \frac{\Delta Q}{Q}\times100\approx a\left(\frac{\Delta x}{x}\times100\right)+b\left(\frac{\Delta y}{y}\times100\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q = Cxᵃyᵇ is the dependent quantity; Δx/x and Δy/y are small fractional changes (below about 5%); a and b are the powers with their signs. For large changes use the exact factor (1 + Δx/x)ᵃ.
Kinetic energy and momentum
\[ K=\frac{p^2}{2m},\qquad p=\sqrt{2mK} \]
Symbols and assumptions: K is kinetic energy (J), p is momentum (kg m/s), m is mass (kg). Valid for any non-relativistic moving body.
Trigonometry and small angles
\[ \sin\theta=\frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}},\quad \cos\theta=\frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}},\quad \theta_{\rm rad}=\theta_{\rm deg}\frac{\pi}{180} \]
Symbols and assumptions: θ is the angle; triangle lengths must use the same unit; trigonometric ratios are dimensionless. For |θ| ≪ 1 rad, sin θ ≈ tan θ ≈ θ and cos θ ≈ 1−θ²/2.
Double angle and compound angle
\[ \sin2\theta=2\sin\theta\cos\theta,\quad \sin(A\pm B)=\sin A\cos B\pm\cos A\sin B \]
Symbols and assumptions: θ, A and B are angles in degrees or radians; the identities hold for all angles.
Arc length and small angles
\[ s=r\theta,\qquad \sin\theta\approx\tan\theta\approx\theta,\quad \cos\theta\approx1-\frac{\theta^2}{2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: s is arc length and r is radius in the same unit (m); θ is in radians. The approximations need |θ| ≪ 1 rad (below about 0.2 rad for 1% accuracy).
Binomial approximation and small changes
\[ (1+x)^n\approx1+nx\qquad(|x|\ll1) \]
Symbols and assumptions: x is a small dimensionless number (often h/R, Δℓ/ℓ or v/c); n is any real exponent. The first neglected term is n(n − 1)x²/2, so the error is tiny when |x| is below about 0.05.
Two small factors together
\[ (1+x)^m(1+y)^n\approx1+mx+ny \]
Symbols and assumptions: x and y are small dimensionless numbers; m and n are real powers. The neglected terms are of order x², y² and xy.
g at small height
\[ g_h=\frac{g}{(1+h/R)^2}\approx g\left(1-\frac{2h}{R}\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: g is surface value (m/s²), h is height above the surface (m), R is Earth’s radius (m). Valid for h ≪ R.
Graphs: slope and intercept
\[ y=mx+b,\qquad m=\frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} \]
Symbols and assumptions: x and y are the plotted quantities; m is slope with units [y]/[x]; b is the y-intercept with the same units as y; Δ denotes a difference. Use distinct points on a straight line.
Line through two points and intercept form
\[ m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1},\qquad \frac{x}{a}+\frac{y}{b}=1 \]
Symbols and assumptions: (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂) are two points on the line; m is the slope (units of y per unit of x); a and b are the x- and y-intercepts in the units of x and y.
Linearised pendulum law
\[ T^2=\frac{4\pi^2}{g}\,\ell\quad\Rightarrow\quad g=\frac{4\pi^2}{\text{slope of }T^2\text{ vs }\ell} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T is period (s), ℓ is length (m), g is gravitational acceleration (m/s²). Holds for small swings of a simple pendulum.
Rates: differentiation
\[ \frac{d}{dt}(Ct^n)=nCt^{n-1},\qquad v=\frac{dx}{dt},\qquad a=\frac{dv}{dt} \]
Symbols and assumptions: x is position (m), t is time (s), v is velocity (m/s), a is acceleration (m/s²); C has units making Ctⁿ a position or the stated quantity; n is a dimensionless power.
Chain rule and product rule
\[ \frac{d}{dt}\sin(\omega t)=\omega\cos(\omega t),\quad \frac{d}{dx}(uv)=u\frac{dv}{dx}+v\frac{du}{dx} \]
Symbols and assumptions: ω is a constant (rad/s), t is time (s), u and v are differentiable functions of x.
Force from potential energy
\[ F=-\frac{dU}{dx} \]
Symbols and assumptions: U is potential energy (J) as a function of position x (m); F is the conservative force (N) along x. The minus sign makes F point toward decreasing U.
Maxima and minima with derivatives
\[ \frac{dy}{dx}=0;\qquad \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\lt0\Rightarrow\text{maximum},\quad \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\gt0\Rightarrow\text{minimum} \]
Symbols and assumptions: y(x) is a smooth function of x; the derivatives are evaluated at the point where dy/dx = 0. On a restricted range, also check the end points.
Maximum of a sin θ + b cos θ
\[ \left(a\sin\theta+b\cos\theta\right)_{\max}=\sqrt{a^2+b^2}\quad\text{at }\tan\theta=\frac ab \]
Symbols and assumptions: a and b are constants with the same units; θ is an angle. The minimum value is −√(a² + b²).
Least pulling force on a rough floor
\[ F(\theta)=\frac{\mu mg}{\cos\theta+\mu\sin\theta},\qquad F_{\min}=\frac{\mu mg}{\sqrt{1+\mu^2}}\ \text{at}\ \tan\theta=\mu \]
Symbols and assumptions: μ is the coefficient of friction, m is mass (kg), g is 10 m/s², θ is the angle of the pull above the horizontal. Assumes the block is just about to slide (limiting friction).
Accumulation: integration and area
\[ \int_{t_1}^{t_2}Ct^n\,dt=\frac{C}{n+1}(t_2^{n+1}-t_1^{n+1}),\qquad \Delta x=\int v\,dt \]
Symbols and assumptions: C and n describe the rate; n ≠ −1 for the displayed power rule; t₁ and t₂ are limits (s); v is velocity (m/s); Δx is displacement (m). A velocity–time area therefore has units m.
Common integrals
\[ \int\frac{dx}{x}=\ln x+C,\quad \int\sin x\,dx=-\cos x+C,\quad \int\cos x\,dx=\sin x+C \]
Symbols and assumptions: x is the variable of integration (x > 0 for ln x); C is a constant fixed by an initial condition.
Average value
\[ \langle f\rangle=\frac{1}{t_2-t_1}\int_{t_1}^{t_2}f(t)\,dt \]
Symbols and assumptions: f(t) is any quantity varying with time; t₁ and t₂ are the limits (s). Average velocity is the case f = v.
Exponentials and logarithms
\[ \ln(ab)=\ln a+\ln b,\quad \ln(a/b)=\ln a-\ln b,\quad \ln(e^x)=x \]
Symbols and assumptions: a and b are positive dimensionless numbers; x is a dimensionless exponent; ln is the natural logarithm. The argument of an exponential must also be dimensionless, for example a cooling constant times time.
Half-life and time constant
\[ y=y_0e^{-\lambda t},\quad t_{1/2}=\frac{\ln2}{\lambda}\approx\frac{0.693}{\lambda},\quad \frac{y}{y_0}=\left(\frac12\right)^{t/t_{1/2}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: y₀ is the starting value; λ is the decay constant (s⁻¹); t is time (s); t½ is the half-life (s). Assumes a constant λ.
Natural and common logs
\[ \ln x=2.303\log_{10}x \]
Symbols and assumptions: x is a positive dimensionless number; ln is base e, log₁₀ is base 10.
Units and Measurements
Physical quantities, SI units and conversion
\[ 1\,\mathrm{N}=1\,\mathrm{kg\,m\,s^{-2}},\quad 1\,\mathrm{J}=1\,\mathrm{kg\,m^2\,s^{-2}},\quad 1\,\mathrm{km\,h^{-1}}=\frac5{18}\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: N is newton (force); J is joule (energy); kg, m and s are SI mass, length and time units. Kelvin, ampere, mole and candela are the other base units.
Astronomical distance units
\[ 1\ \text{ly}=9.46\times10^{15}\ \text{m},\quad 1\ \text{AU}=1.496\times10^{11}\ \text{m},\quad 1\ \text{pc}=3.08\times10^{16}\ \text{m}=3.26\ \text{ly} \]
Symbols and assumptions: ly is the light year (distance light travels in one year), AU is the mean Earth–Sun distance, pc is the parsec (distance at which 1 AU subtends 1 arc second). All three are lengths.
Energy units
\[ 1\ \text{kWh}=3.6\times10^{6}\ \text{J},\quad 1\ \text{eV}=1.6\times10^{-19}\ \text{J},\quad 1\ \text{erg}=10^{-7}\ \text{J} \]
Symbols and assumptions: kWh is the commercial unit of electrical energy; eV is the energy gained by an electron through 1 V; erg is the CGS unit of energy.
Measuring large and small distances: parallax
\[ D=\frac{b}{\theta},\qquad d=\alpha D \]
Symbols and assumptions: D is the distance to the object (m), b the baseline (m), θ the parallax angle (rad); d is the size of the object (m) and α its angular diameter (rad). Valid when θ and α are small (D ≫ b).
Echo and film thickness
\[ D=\frac{vt}{2},\qquad t_{\text{film}}=\frac{V}{A} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v is the pulse speed (m/s) and t the round-trip time (s); V is the volume of oleic acid in the film (m³) and A the film area (m²).
Angle conversions
\[ 1^\circ=\frac{\pi}{180}\ \text{rad},\quad 1^{\prime\prime}=\frac{\pi}{180\times3600}\ \text{rad}\approx4.85\times10^{-6}\ \text{rad} \]
Symbols and assumptions: ° is degree, ″ is arc second (1/3600 of a degree). Parallax formulas need radians.
Dimensions and dimensional consistency
\[ [F]=MLT^{-2},\quad [E]=ML^2T^{-2},\quad [G]=M^{-1}L^3T^{-2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Square brackets denote dimensions; M, L and T represent mass, length and time; F is force, E is energy and G is the gravitational constant. Dimensional exponents are independent of the SI unit choice.
Constants in van der Waals equation
\[ \left(P+\frac{a}{V^2}\right)(V-b)=RT:\quad [a]=ML^5T^{-2},\ [b]=L^3 \]
Symbols and assumptions: P is pressure (Pa), V is volume (m³), a and b are van der Waals constants, R is the gas constant, T is temperature (K). Dimensions follow from adding like quantities.
Converting between unit systems: n₁u₁ = n₂u₂
\[ n_2=n_1\left(\frac{M_1}{M_2}\right)^a\left(\frac{L_1}{L_2}\right)^b\left(\frac{T_1}{T_2}\right)^c \]
Symbols and assumptions: n₁, n₂ are the numerical values in systems 1 and 2; M₁, L₁, T₁ and M₂, L₂, T₂ are the base units of mass, length and time in each system, expressed in a common unit; a, b, c are the dimensional exponents of the quantity.
New units built from scaled base units
\[ u_{\text{new}}=\alpha^a\beta^b\gamma^c\,u_{\text{SI}},\qquad n_{\text{new}}=\frac{n_{\text{SI}}}{\alpha^a\beta^b\gamma^c} \]
Symbols and assumptions: α, β, γ are the new units of mass, length and time expressed in kg, m and s; a, b, c are the dimensional exponents of the quantity; n is its numerical value.
Useful SI–CGS factors
\[ 1\ \text{N}=10^5\ \text{dyne},\quad 1\ \text{J}=10^7\ \text{erg},\quad 1\ \text{Pa}=10\ \text{dyne cm}^{-2},\quad 1\ \text{kg m}^{-3}=10^{-3}\ \text{g cm}^{-3} \]
Symbols and assumptions: dyne and erg are the CGS units of force and energy (g, cm, s). Each follows from n₁u₁ = n₂u₂.
Constructing a dependence using dimensions
\[ T_p=C\ell^a g^b\ \Longrightarrow\ a=\tfrac12,\ b=-\tfrac12,\quad T_p=C\sqrt{\ell/g} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Tₚ is pendulum period (s); ℓ is length (m); g is gravitational acceleration (m/s²); C is dimensionless; a and b are exponents. This analysis assumes no other relevant dimensional input.
Stokes drag and spring period
\[ F=6\pi\eta rv,\qquad T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: F drag force (N), η viscosity (Pa s), r sphere radius (m), v speed (m/s); T period (s), m mass (kg), k spring constant (N/m). Dimensions give the powers; 6π and 2π come from theory.
Planck length from h, c and G
\[ \ell_P=\sqrt{\frac{hG}{c^3}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: h is Planck’s constant (J s), G the gravitational constant (N m² kg⁻²), c the speed of light (m/s). The only combination of these with dimension L.
Significant figures and rounding
\[ 0.00450=4.50\times10^{-3}\quad(3\ \text{significant figures}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: 4.50 is the measured coefficient and the power of ten fixes scale. Exact counts and defined conversion factors do not limit significant figures; measurement precision does.
Accuracy, precision and error estimates
\[ \bar x=\frac1N\sum x_i,\quad \Delta x=\frac1N\sum|x_i-\bar x|,\quad \text{percentage uncertainty}=100\frac{\Delta x}{|\bar x|} \]
Symbols and assumptions: xᵢ are readings; N is their count; x̄ is the mean; Δx is the mean absolute deviation, in the unit of x. The percentage formula assumes a nonzero mean and is not a universal statistical confidence interval.
Reporting a measured value
\[ a=\bar a\pm\overline{\Delta a},\qquad \text{percentage error}=\frac{\overline{\Delta a}}{\bar a}\times100\% \]
Symbols and assumptions: ā is the mean of the readings, Δā is the mean absolute error, in the unit of a. The percentage error is a pure number.
Propagation of measurement uncertainty
\[ z=x\pm y:\ \Delta z\leq\Delta x+\Delta y;\qquad z=Cx^a y^b:\ \frac{\Delta z}{|z|}\lesssim |a|\frac{\Delta x}{|x|}+|b|\frac{\Delta y}{|y|} \]
Symbols and assumptions: x, y and z are measured/calculated quantities; Δ denotes an absolute uncertainty; C is exact here; a and b are powers. The product formula is a first-order worst-case estimate for small relative errors and nonzero x, y.
General power law error
\[ Z=\frac{A^pB^q}{C^r}\ \Rightarrow\ \frac{\Delta Z}{Z}=p\frac{\Delta A}{A}+q\frac{\Delta B}{B}+r\frac{\Delta C}{C} \]
Symbols and assumptions: A, B, C are measured quantities with absolute errors ΔA, ΔB, ΔC; p, q, r are the magnitudes of their powers. Worst-case, first-order estimate for small errors.
Resistors in parallel
\[ \frac{\Delta R}{R^2}=\frac{\Delta R_1}{R_1^2}+\frac{\Delta R_2}{R_2^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: R is the parallel combination of R₁ and R₂ (Ω); Δ denotes absolute error. Comes from differentiating 1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂.
Vernier calipers, screw gauge and zero correction
\[ LC_v=1\,MSD-1\,VSD,\quad LC_s=\frac{p}{N},\quad x_{\rm true}=x_{\rm observed}-e_0 \]
Symbols and assumptions: LCᵥ is direct-vernier least count; MSD and VSD are scale division lengths; LCₛ is screw-gauge least count; p is pitch (advance per full turn); N is divisions per turn; e₀ is signed zero error. All lengths use consistent units.
Instrument readings
\[ \text{Vernier: } x=\text{MSR}+n\times LC,\qquad \text{Screw gauge: } x=\text{LSR}+n\times\frac{p}{N} \]
Symbols and assumptions: MSR main-scale reading; LSR linear (sleeve) scale reading; n the coinciding vernier mark or the circular division on the reference line; p pitch; N divisions on the circular scale. All lengths in the same unit. Subtract the zero error afterwards.
Vernier least count, general form
\[ N\ \text{VSD}=(N-1)\ \text{MSD}\ \Rightarrow\ LC=\frac{1\ \text{MSD}}{N} \]
Symbols and assumptions: N is the number of vernier divisions; MSD and VSD are the sizes of one main-scale and one vernier-scale division. For other designs, use LC = 1 MSD − 1 VSD directly.
Zero error and instrument reading practice
\[ e_{+}=+n\,LC,\qquad e_{-}=-(N-n)\,LC,\qquad x_{\text{true}}=x_{\text{obs}}-e \]
Symbols and assumptions: n is the coinciding vernier mark (or circular division on the reference line) with the jaws closed; N is the total number of vernier or circular divisions; LC is the least count; e is the signed zero error.
Corrected reading
\[ x_{\text{true}}=(\text{MSR}+n\times LC)-e_0 \]
Symbols and assumptions: MSR is the main or linear scale reading; n the coinciding vernier mark or circular division; LC the least count; e₀ the signed zero error (positive if the instrument over-reads). All in the same unit.
Motion in a Straight Line
Position, displacement and distance
\[ \Delta x=x_f-x_i,\qquad d=\sum_j|\Delta x_j| \]
Symbols and assumptions: xᵢ and x_f are initial and final positions (m); Δx is displacement (m); d is total distance (m); j labels path segments without reversal. Coordinates depend on the chosen origin.
Distance from a position function
\[ d=\sum_k\left|x(t_k)-x(t_{k-1})\right|,\quad t_k=\text{times where }v=0 \]
Symbols and assumptions: x(t) is position (m); the interval is split at every time t_k where velocity changes sign; d is total distance (m). Without a reversal there is one piece and d = |Δx|.
Average and instantaneous velocity and speed
\[ \bar v=\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t},\quad \bar s=\frac{d}{\Delta t},\quad \bar s_{\rm equal\ distances}=\frac{2uv}{u+v} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v̄ is average signed velocity and s̄ is average speed (m/s); Δt is positive elapsed time (s); d is distance (m); u and v are positive speeds for two equal-distance legs. The last formula is not for equal-time legs.
Three equal distances
\[ \bar v=\frac{3v_1v_2v_3}{v_1v_2+v_2v_3+v_3v_1} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v₁, v₂, v₃ are the constant speeds (m/s) over three equal distances in the same direction.
Weighted average speed
\[ \bar v=\frac{\sum v_it_i}{\sum t_i}=\frac{\sum d_i}{\sum d_i/v_i} \]
Symbols and assumptions: vᵢ is the speed on part i (m/s), tᵢ its duration (s), dᵢ its distance (m). Use the first form when times are given and the second when distances are given.
Acceleration and whether speed increases
\[ a=\frac{dv}{dt},\qquad \frac{d(v^2)}{dt}=2va \]
Symbols and assumptions: v is signed velocity (m/s); a is acceleration (m/s²); t is time (s). The sign of va determines whether speed squared increases or decreases; the speed derivative at v=0 needs separate care.
Average acceleration and curvature
\[ \bar a=\frac{v_2-v_1}{t_2-t_1},\qquad a=\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v₁, v₂ are signed velocities (m/s) at times t₁, t₂ (s); x(t) is position (m). Velocity changes direction count as acceleration.
Constant-acceleration equations
\[ v=u+at,\quad s=ut+\tfrac12at^2,\quad v^2=u^2+2as,\quad s=\tfrac12(u+v)t \]
Symbols and assumptions: u and v are initial/final velocities (m/s); a is constant acceleration (m/s²); t is elapsed time (s); s is signed displacement (m). All velocities, displacements and accelerations use the same chosen positive direction.
Stopping distance with reaction time
\[ d=ut_r+\frac{u^2}{2a} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u is initial speed (m/s), t_r the reaction time (s), a the magnitude of constant retardation (m/s²), d the total stopping distance (m).
Using the final velocity
\[ s=vt-\tfrac12at^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: v final velocity (m/s), a constant acceleration (m/s²), t time (s), s displacement (m). Useful when u is unknown.
Distance in the nth second
\[ s_n=u+\frac{a}{2}(2n-1) \]
Symbols and assumptions: u is the initial velocity at t = 0 (m/s), a the constant acceleration (m/s²), n the second being counted (1st, 2nd, …), sₙ the displacement during that one second (m). The hidden factor of 1 s makes it dimensionally correct.
Difference of consecutive seconds
\[ s_{n+1}-s_n=a,\qquad s_m-s_n=(m-n)\,a \]
Symbols and assumptions: sₙ is the displacement in the nth second (m), a the constant acceleration (m/s²); m and n are whole numbers. The result has a hidden factor of (1 s)².
Vertical throw, nth second
\[ s_n=u-\frac{g}{2}(2n-1) \]
Symbols and assumptions: u is the upward launch speed (m/s), g = 10 m/s², up positive. Gives displacement; split the second at the top if the turn falls inside it.
Reading x–t, v–t and a–t graphs
\[ v=\text{slope of }x(t),\quad a=\text{slope of }v(t),\quad \Delta x=\int v\,dt,\quad \Delta v=\int a\,dt \]
Symbols and assumptions: x is position (m), v velocity (m/s), a acceleration (m/s²), t time (s). Slopes and areas use labelled numerical axes, not the visual angle or pixel area.
Average speed from a v–t graph
\[ \bar v_{\text{speed}}=\frac{\sum|\text{areas}|}{\text{total time}},\qquad \bar v=\frac{\sum\text{signed areas}}{\text{total time}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Areas are measured between the v–t curve and the time axis, in m; total time in s. Pieces below the axis count as negative for displacement and positive for distance.
Variable acceleration: a(t), a(x) and a(v)
\[ a=\frac{dv}{dt}=v\frac{dv}{dx}=\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{v^2}{2}\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: a is acceleration (m/s²), v velocity (m/s), t time (s), x position (m). a = v dv/dx follows from the chain rule; valid for any motion along a line.
Retardation proportional to speed
\[ a=-kv\ \Rightarrow\ v=ue^{-kt},\qquad x_{\max}=\frac{u}{k} \]
Symbols and assumptions: k is a positive constant (s⁻¹), u the initial speed (m/s), t time (s), x_max the total distance before the body comes to rest (m).
Velocity proportional to √x
\[ v=k\sqrt x\ \Rightarrow\ a=\frac{k^2}{2}\ (\text{constant}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: k is a constant (m^½ s⁻¹), x position (m) measured from where v = 0. The motion is uniformly accelerated from rest.
Vertical motion and free fall
\[ v=u-gt,\quad y-y_0=ut-\tfrac12gt^2,\quad H=\frac{u^2}{2g},\quad T=\frac{2u}{g} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u is upward launch speed (m/s); v is signed vertical velocity (m/s); g is positive gravity magnitude (m/s²); y and y₀ are heights (m); H is maximum rise above launch; T is time back to launch height. g is assumed constant.
Two times at the same height
\[ t_1+t_2=\frac{2u}{g},\qquad t_1t_2=\frac{2h}{g},\qquad h=\tfrac12gt_1t_2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: u is the upward launch speed (m/s), h the height above the launch point (m), t₁ and t₂ the times (s) when the body is at h going up and coming down; g = 10 m/s².
Impact speed from a height
\[ v=\sqrt{u^2+2gH} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u is the launch speed in any vertical direction (m/s), H the height of the launch point above the ground (m). The same for a throw up or down.
Relative motion and meeting conditions
\[ x_{A/B}=x_A-x_B,\quad v_{A/B}=v_A-v_B,\quad a_{A/B}=a_A-a_B \]
Symbols and assumptions: A and B label objects; x is signed position (m), v velocity (m/s), a acceleration (m/s²); A/B means A as seen from B. Use one shared coordinate axis before subtracting.
Crossing and overtaking time
\[ t=\frac{L_1+L_2}{v_1\pm v_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: L₁, L₂ are the lengths of the two bodies (m); v₁, v₂ their speeds (m/s). Use + for opposite directions and − (with v₁ > v₂) for the same direction. A pole or a person has L = 0.
Collision avoidance with braking
\[ a_{\min}=\frac{(v_1-v_2)^2}{2d} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v₁ is the speed of the car behind (m/s), v₂ the speed of the car ahead (m/s, constant), d the initial gap (m), a_min the least braking retardation (m/s²).
Vectors
Scalars, vectors and components
\[ \vec A=A_x\hat i+A_y\hat j,\quad A_x=A\cos\theta,\quad A_y=A\sin\theta,\quad A=\sqrt{A_x^2+A_y^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: A is nonnegative magnitude; Aₓ and Aᵧ are signed components in the unit of A; î and ĵ are dimensionless unit vectors along x and y; θ is measured from +x. Orthogonal Cartesian axes are assumed.
Direction from components
\[ \tan\theta=\frac{A_y}{A_x} \]
Symbols and assumptions: θ is the angle from the +x-axis; Aₓ and Aᵧ are signed components in the same unit. Choose the quadrant from the signs of Aₓ and Aᵧ.
Component along any direction
\[ A_{\parallel}=A\cos\varphi,\qquad A_{\perp}=A\sin\varphi \]
Symbols and assumptions: A is the magnitude; φ is the angle between the vector and the chosen line; A∥ lies along the line, A⊥ perpendicular to it, both in the unit of A.
Unit vectors, position and displacement vectors
\[ \hat A=\frac{\vec A}{|\vec A|},\qquad \vec r=x\hat i+y\hat j+z\hat k,\qquad \Delta\vec r=(x_2-x_1)\hat i+(y_2-y_1)\hat j+(z_2-z_1)\hat k \]
Symbols and assumptions: Â is a dimensionless unit vector; |A| is the magnitude of A (nonzero); x, y, z are coordinates (m); r is the position vector (m); Δr is displacement (m). Cartesian axes are assumed.
Magnitude in three dimensions
\[ A=\sqrt{A_x^2+A_y^2+A_z^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Aₓ, Aᵧ, A_z are the Cartesian components in the unit of A.
Direction cosines
\[ \cos\alpha=\frac{A_x}{A},\ \cos\beta=\frac{A_y}{A},\ \cos\gamma=\frac{A_z}{A},\qquad \cos^2\alpha+\cos^2\beta+\cos^2\gamma=1 \]
Symbols and assumptions: α, β, γ are the angles A makes with +x, +y and +z; A is the magnitude (nonzero).
Adding and subtracting vectors
\[ \vec R=\vec A+\vec B,\qquad R^2=A^2+B^2+2AB\cos\theta \]
Symbols and assumptions: R, A and B are magnitudes in the same unit; θ is the angle between A and B when drawn from a common tail; vector components add algebraically. For subtraction, replace B with −B.
Direction of the resultant
\[ \tan\alpha=\frac{B\sin\theta}{A+B\cos\theta} \]
Symbols and assumptions: α is the angle between R and A; θ is the angle between A and B drawn tail to tail; A and B are magnitudes in the same unit.
Two equal vectors
\[ |\vec A+\vec B|=2A\cos\frac{\theta}{2},\qquad |\vec A-\vec B|=2A\sin\frac{\theta}{2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Valid when |A| = |B| = A; θ is the angle between them (0° to 180°). The sum bisects the angle between the vectors.
Dot product and projection
\[ \vec A\cdot\vec B=AB\cos\theta=A_xB_x+A_yB_y+A_zB_z \]
Symbols and assumptions: A and B are magnitudes; θ is their included angle; Cartesian component products sum to the dot product. Its unit is the product of the units of A and B; the projection of A along B is A cosθ for B ≠ 0.
Angle between two vectors
\[ \cos\theta=\frac{A_xB_x+A_yB_y+A_zB_z}{AB} \]
Symbols and assumptions: A and B are magnitudes (nonzero); θ is the angle between the vectors, 0° to 180°.
Scalar projection
\[ A_{B}=A\cos\theta=\frac{\vec A\cdot\vec B}{B} \]
Symbols and assumptions: A_B is the signed length of A along B, in the unit of A; B is the magnitude of B (nonzero).
Resultant via dot product
\[ |\vec A\pm\vec B|^2=A^2+B^2\pm2\,\vec A\cdot\vec B \]
Symbols and assumptions: A and B are magnitudes; the dot product carries the angle information.
Cross product and the right-hand rule
\[ \vec A\times\vec B=AB\sin\theta\,\hat n,\qquad \hat i\times\hat j=\hat k,\quad \vec B\times\vec A=-\vec A\times\vec B \]
Symbols and assumptions: θ is the included angle, n̂ is the right-hand unit normal, î/ĵ/k̂ are x/y/z unit vectors; magnitude has the product unit of A and B. The cross product is zero for parallel nonzero vectors.
Area from the cross product
\[ \text{parallelogram}=|\vec A\times\vec B|,\qquad \text{triangle}=\tfrac12|\vec A\times\vec B| \]
Symbols and assumptions: A and B are the two adjacent sides (as vectors from one corner), in metres; areas are in m².
Dot and cross identity
\[ (\vec A\cdot\vec B)^2+|\vec A\times\vec B|^2=A^2B^2,\qquad \tan\theta=\frac{|\vec A\times\vec B|}{\vec A\cdot\vec B} \]
Symbols and assumptions: A and B are magnitudes; θ is the angle between the vectors (0° to 180°).
Resolving several vectors and equilibrium
\[ \sum\vec F=0\ \Longleftrightarrow\ \sum F_x=0,\ \sum F_y=0,\ \sum F_z=0 \]
Symbols and assumptions: F is force (N); x, y and z denote orthogonal axes. The equivalence states translational equilibrium in an inertial frame; rigid-body rotational equilibrium additionally requires zero net torque.
Balancing force
\[ \vec F_3=-(\vec F_1+\vec F_2),\qquad |F_1-F_2|\le F_3\le F_1+F_2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: F₁, F₂, F₃ are the three forces on the particle (N). Equilibrium is possible only if the inequality holds.
Lami’s theorem and three-force equilibrium
\[ \frac{F_1}{\sin\alpha}=\frac{F_2}{\sin\beta}=\frac{F_3}{\sin\gamma} \]
Symbols and assumptions: F₁, F₂, F₃ are the force magnitudes (N); α is the angle between F₂ and F₃, β between F₃ and F₁, γ between F₁ and F₂, each measured between the force arrows drawn from the common point; α + β + γ = 360°. Exactly three concurrent coplanar forces in equilibrium.
Weight hung from the middle of a string
\[ T=\frac{W}{2\cos\theta} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T is the tension in each half (N); W is the hanging weight (N); θ is the angle each half makes with the vertical. Light string, symmetric hanging, equilibrium.
Motion in a Plane
Two-dimensional position, velocity and acceleration
\[ \vec r=\vec r_0+\vec u t+\tfrac12\vec a t^2,\qquad \vec v=\vec u+\vec a t \]
Symbols and assumptions: r and r₀ are final/initial positions (m); u and v are velocities (m/s); a is constant acceleration (m/s²); t is elapsed time (s). Each vector equation holds component by component in an inertial frame.
Velocity and acceleration from r(t)
\[ \vec v=\frac{dx}{dt}\hat i+\frac{dy}{dt}\hat j,\qquad \vec a=\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}\hat i+\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}\hat j \]
Symbols and assumptions: x, y are coordinates (m) as functions of time t (s); v in m/s; a in m/s².
Rate of change of speed
\[ a_t=\frac{dv}{dt}=\frac{\vec v\cdot\vec a}{v} \]
Symbols and assumptions: aₜ is the tangential acceleration (m/s²); v is the speed (m/s), nonzero; a is the full acceleration vector.
Projectile motion from component independence
\[ x=u\cos\theta\,t,\quad y=u\sin\theta\,t-\tfrac12gt^2,\quad T=\frac{2u\sin\theta}{g},\quad H=\frac{u^2\sin^2\theta}{2g},\quad R=\frac{u^2\sin2\theta}{g} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u is launch speed (m/s); θ is launch angle above horizontal; x and y are displacement from launch (m); g is downward gravity magnitude (m/s²); T, H and R are same-level flight time (s), maximum rise (m) and range (m). Assume constant g and no drag.
Height and range ratio
\[ R=4H\cot\theta,\qquad H=\frac{gT^2}{8} \]
Symbols and assumptions: R range (m), H maximum height (m), T time of flight (s), θ launch angle above horizontal; level ground, no drag.
Maximum range
\[ R_{\max}=\frac{u^2}{g}\ \ (\theta=45^\circ),\qquad H_{45^\circ}=\frac{u^2}{4g}=\frac{R_{\max}}{4} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u launch speed (m/s); g = 10 m/s² unless stated. Same launch and landing level.
Kinetic energy at the top
\[ K_{\rm top}=K\cos^2\theta \]
Symbols and assumptions: K is the launch kinetic energy (J); θ the launch angle. Only the horizontal component survives at the top.
Equation of trajectory and complementary angles
\[ y=x\tan\theta-\frac{gx^2}{2u^2\cos^2\theta}=x\tan\theta\left(1-\frac{x}{R}\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: x horizontal and y vertical (upward) displacement from the launch point (m); θ launch angle; u launch speed (m/s); g gravity (m/s²); R level-ground range (m). Constant g, no drag.
Complementary-angle results
\[ H_1+H_2=\frac{u^2}{2g},\qquad R=4\sqrt{H_1H_2},\qquad T_1T_2=\frac{2R}{g} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Subscripts 1 and 2 refer to launch angles θ and 90° − θ at the same speed u (m/s); H heights (m), T flight times (s), R the common range (m).
Reading y = bx − cx²
\[ \tan\theta=b,\qquad R=\frac{b}{c},\qquad H=\frac{b^2}{4c} \]
Symbols and assumptions: b is dimensionless; c has unit 1/m; R and H in metres. Level ground, upward y.
Horizontal launch and targets at another height
\[ t=\sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}},\qquad R=u_x\sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}},\qquad v_y=-gt \]
Symbols and assumptions: h is launch height above the landing plane (m); uₓ is horizontal launch speed (m/s); t is landing time (s); R is horizontal range (m); vᵧ is vertical velocity with upward positive. These formulas assume horizontal launch, constant g and no drag.
Impact speed and direction
\[ v=\sqrt{u^2+2gh},\qquad \tan\varphi=\frac{\sqrt{2gh}}{u} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u horizontal launch speed (m/s); h height fallen (m); φ angle of the velocity below the horizontal at impact. No drag, constant g.
Path and angle relation
\[ y=\frac{gx^2}{2u^2},\qquad \tan\varphi=2\tan\alpha \]
Symbols and assumptions: x horizontal and y downward distance from the launch point (m); φ angle of velocity and α angle of displacement, both below the horizontal.
Projectile on an inclined plane
\[ T=\frac{2u\sin\theta}{g\cos\alpha},\qquad R_{\rm up}=\frac{2u^2\sin\theta\cos(\theta+\alpha)}{g\cos^2\alpha} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u launch speed (m/s); θ angle between the launch velocity and the incline; α incline angle with the horizontal; g gravity (m/s²); T time of flight (s); R_up distance along the incline (m) when thrown up the slope. For a throw down the slope replace θ + α by θ − α. No drag.
Maximum range on an incline
\[ R_{\max,\rm up}=\frac{u^2}{g(1+\sin\alpha)},\qquad R_{\max,\rm down}=\frac{u^2}{g(1-\sin\alpha)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u launch speed (m/s); α incline angle; R measured along the incline (m). Best launch at 45° ∓ α/2 from the incline.
Horizontal throw from the top of an incline
\[ t=\frac{2u\tan\alpha}{g},\qquad L=\frac{2u^2\tan\alpha}{g\cos\alpha} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u horizontal launch speed (m/s); α incline angle; t time to land (s); L distance down the incline (m).
Hitting the incline at right angles
\[ \cot\theta=2\tan\alpha \]
Symbols and assumptions: θ launch angle measured from the incline, thrown up the slope; α incline angle.
Relative velocity: rain and river crossings
\[ \vec v_{A/G}=\vec v_{A/B}+\vec v_{B/G},\quad t_{\min}=\frac{d}{u},\quad t_{\rm opposite}=\frac{d}{\sqrt{u^2-w^2}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: A is swimmer, B water, G ground; d is river width (m); u is swimmer speed relative to water (m/s); w is current speed (m/s). The directly-opposite formula requires u>w and an upstream component equal to w.
Rain seen by a moving person
\[ \vec v_{R/M}=\vec v_R-\vec v_M,\qquad \tan\theta=\frac{v_M}{v_R}\ \ (\text{vertical rain}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_R rain velocity, v_M person’s velocity (m/s); θ angle of the apparent rain from the vertical. The umbrella is tilted toward the direction of walking.
Drift for a general heading
\[ x=\frac{(w-u\sin\theta)\,d}{u\cos\theta},\qquad x_{\min}=\frac{d\sqrt{w^2-u^2}}{u}\ \ (u
Symbols and assumptions: d river width (m); u swimmer speed relative to water (m/s); w current speed (m/s); θ heading measured upstream from the perpendicular.
Uniform circular motion and centripetal acceleration
\[ v=\omega r,\quad \omega=\frac{2\pi}{T},\quad a_c=\frac{v^2}{r}=\omega^2r \]
Symbols and assumptions: v is tangential speed (m/s); ω is angular speed (rad/s); r is radius (m); T is period (s); a_c is inward acceleration (m/s²). Uniform motion has no tangential acceleration.
Change in velocity after turning by θ
\[ |\Delta\vec v|=2v\sin\frac{\theta}{2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v constant speed (m/s); θ angle turned. θ = 90° gives v√2, θ = 180° gives 2v, θ = 360° gives 0.
Centripetal acceleration from T or f
\[ a_c=\omega^2r=\frac{4\pi^2r}{T^2}=4\pi^2f^2r \]
Symbols and assumptions: r radius (m); T period (s); f frequency (Hz = rev/s); ω angular speed (rad/s).
Nonuniform circular motion
\[ a_t=\frac{dv}{dt}=r\alpha,\quad a_r=\frac{v^2}{r},\quad a=\sqrt{a_t^2+a_r^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: a_t and a_r are tangential and inward accelerations (m/s²); r is fixed radius (m); α is angular acceleration (rad/s²); v is speed (m/s); a is total magnitude. The radial and tangential unit directions change with position.
Constant angular acceleration
\[ \omega=\omega_0+\alpha t,\quad \theta=\omega_0t+\tfrac12\alpha t^2,\quad \omega^2=\omega_0^2+2\alpha\theta \]
Symbols and assumptions: ω₀, ω initial and final angular speed (rad/s); α angular acceleration (rad/s²), constant; θ angle turned (rad); t time (s).
Radial acceleration when starting from rest
\[ a_r=2\theta\,a_t \]
Symbols and assumptions: aₜ constant tangential acceleration (m/s²); θ angle turned from rest (rad); aᵣ radial acceleration (m/s²) at that angle.
Laws of Motion · Part 1
Inertia and Newton’s three laws
\[ \vec F_{\rm net}=\frac{d\vec p}{dt}=m\vec a\quad(\text{constant }m),\qquad \vec p=m\vec v \]
Symbols and assumptions: F_net is sum of external forces (N); p is momentum (kg m/s); m is mass (kg); a acceleration (m/s²); v velocity (m/s). These equations are used in an inertial reference frame.
Force from a mass flow
\[ F=v\frac{dm}{dt} \]
Symbols and assumptions: F force needed (N); v speed given to or carried by the moving mass (m/s); dm/dt mass per second (kg/s). For a gun, F = nmv with n shots per second.
Average force from momentum change
\[ \vec F_{\rm av}=\frac{\Delta\vec p}{\Delta t} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Δp change in momentum (kg m/s), a vector difference; Δt time interval (s).
Free-body diagrams and contact forces
\[ W=mg,\qquad W_{\parallel}=mg\sin\theta,\qquad W_{\perp}=mg\cos\theta \]
Symbols and assumptions: W is gravitational force (N); m mass (kg); g gravity magnitude (m/s²); θ incline angle from horizontal. Parallel weight points downhill; perpendicular weight points into the plane. These are components of one force.
Contact force between pushed blocks
\[ N_{12}=\frac{m_2F}{m_1+m_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: F horizontal push on m₁ (N); m₁ pushed block, m₂ the block ahead (kg); smooth floor. N₁₂ is the force between them (N).
Normal force with an inclined pull
\[ N=mg-F\sin\theta\ \ (\text{pull up}),\qquad N=mg+F\sin\theta\ \ (\text{push down}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: F applied force (N) at angle θ to the horizontal; m mass (kg); level floor, no vertical acceleration.
Strings, springs and concurrent-force equilibrium
\[ T(x)=\frac{M}{L}xg\ \ (\text{hanging rope}),\qquad T(x)=\frac{x}{L}F\ \ (\text{rope pulled on a smooth floor}),\qquad F_s=kx \]
Symbols and assumptions: M rope mass (kg); L rope length (m); x distance from the free (lower or trailing) end (m); F pull on the leading end (N); g gravity (m/s²); k spring constant (N/m); x in F_s is the spring’s extension (m).
Hanging rope with a load
\[ T(x)=\left(m+\frac{M}{L}x\right)g \]
Symbols and assumptions: m load at the bottom (kg); M rope mass (kg); L rope length (m); x distance above the bottom end (m). Equilibrium.
Spring combinations
\[ \frac{1}{k_s}=\frac{1}{k_1}+\frac{1}{k_2},\qquad k_p=k_1+k_2,\qquad k_{\rm piece}=nk \]
Symbols and assumptions: k spring constants (N/m); k_s series, k_p parallel; k_piece for each of n equal pieces cut from a spring of constant k. Light springs.
Connected masses, pulleys and string constraints
\[ a=\frac{(m_2-m_1)g}{m_1+m_2},\qquad T=\frac{2m_1m_2g}{m_1+m_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m₁ and m₂ are masses (kg) with m₂>m₁; a is simple Atwood acceleration magnitude (m/s²); T is string tension (N); g gravity (m/s²). Assumptions: light taut string, fixed smooth massless pulley and negligible drag.
Block on a table pulled by a hanging mass
\[ a=\frac{m_2g}{m_1+m_2},\qquad T=\frac{m_1m_2g}{m_1+m_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m₁ block on a smooth table (kg); m₂ hanging mass (kg); light string, light smooth pulley.
Force on a fixed pulley
\[ F_{\rm clamp}=2T\cos\frac{\phi}{2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T string tension (N); φ angle between the two string segments leaving the pulley. φ = 0 (both vertical) gives 2T; φ = 90° gives T√2.
Atwood machine in an accelerating lift
\[ a_{\rm rel}=\frac{(m_2-m_1)(g+a_0)}{m_1+m_2},\qquad T=\frac{2m_1m_2(g+a_0)}{m_1+m_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: a₀ upward acceleration of the lift (m/s²; negative if downward); a_rel acceleration of the masses relative to the lift.
Apparent weight and accelerated frames
\[ N=m(g+a)\ \text{(upward acceleration)},\quad N=m(g-a)\ \text{(downward acceleration)},\quad \vec F_{\rm pseudo}=-m\vec a_{\rm frame} \]
Symbols and assumptions: N is scale force (N); m mass (kg); a is the positive acceleration magnitude (m/s²); g gravity magnitude. Downward contact formula assumes a≤g and maintained contact. Pseudo force belongs only to the specified non-inertial frame.
Effective gravity in a lift
\[ g_{\rm eff}=g+a_0,\qquad T_{\rm pend}=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{g_{\rm eff}}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: a₀ lift acceleration (m/s²), positive upward, negative downward; L pendulum length (m); T_pend period (s).
Cable tension
\[ T_{\rm cable}=M(g+a_0) \]
Symbols and assumptions: M total mass of the cage and everything in it (kg); a₀ upward acceleration (m/s²).
Pseudo force in accelerating frames: trucks, cars and wedges
\[ \vec F_{\rm pseudo}=-m\vec a_0,\qquad \tan\theta=\frac{a_0}{g}\ \ (\text{pendulum in an accelerating car}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: m mass of the body (kg); a₀ acceleration of the reference frame (m/s²); θ angle of the pendulum string from the vertical, tilted backward. Use only in the accelerating frame.
Effective gravity in a horizontally accelerating frame
\[ g_{\rm eff}=\sqrt{g^2+a_0^2},\qquad T=m\sqrt{g^2+a_0^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: a₀ horizontal acceleration of the frame (m/s²); T tension in a pendulum string at rest relative to the frame (N); m bob mass (kg).
Block on an accelerating smooth wedge
\[ a_{\rm rel}=g\sin\theta-a_0\cos\theta,\qquad N=m(g\cos\theta+a_0\sin\theta) \]
Symbols and assumptions: θ wedge angle; a₀ wedge acceleration (m/s²) with the sloping face moving into the block; a_rel block’s acceleration down the slope relative to the wedge; N normal force (N).
Impulse and momentum conservation
\[ \vec J=\int\vec F\,dt=\Delta\vec p,\qquad \vec F_{\rm av}=\frac{\Delta\vec p}{\Delta t},\qquad \vec P_f=\vec P_i\quad(J_{\rm ext}=0) \]
Symbols and assumptions: J is impulse (N s); F force (N); p momentum (kg m/s); Δt interaction duration (s); P is total system momentum. Conservation applies to the chosen system when external impulse is zero or negligible.
Recoil velocity
\[ V=\frac{mv}{M} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m bullet mass, M gun mass (kg); v bullet speed (m/s); V recoil speed of the gun (m/s), opposite to v. System initially at rest, no external horizontal impulse.
Oblique bounce from a wall
\[ |\Delta\vec p|=2mv\cos\theta \]
Symbols and assumptions: m mass (kg); v speed (m/s) before and after an elastic bounce; θ angle with the normal to the wall. Direction of Δp: along the normal, away from the wall.
Forces in circular motion and banking
\[ \sum F_r=\frac{mv^2}{r},\qquad \tan\theta=\frac{v^2}{rg}\quad\text{(frictionless bank)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m is mass (kg); v speed (m/s); r turn radius (m); F_r actual force components directed inward (N); θ road-bank angle; g gravity (m/s²). The banking relation assumes no vertical acceleration and no friction.
Banked road with friction
\[ v_{\max}=\sqrt{rg\,\frac{\mu+\tan\theta}{1-\mu\tan\theta}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: r radius of the turn (m); θ banking angle; μ coefficient of static friction; g gravity (m/s²). For the minimum speed replace μ by −μ.
Level road and convex bridge
\[ v_{\max}=\sqrt{\mu rg}\ \ (\text{level road}),\qquad v_{\max}=\sqrt{gr}\ \ (\text{top of a hump}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: μ static friction coefficient; r radius of the turn or of the hump (m). Above these speeds the car skids or leaves the road.
Vertical circle on a string
\[ v_{\rm top,min}=\sqrt{gr},\qquad v_{\rm bottom,min}=\sqrt{5gr} \]
Symbols and assumptions: r radius = string length (m); g gravity (m/s²). Light string, no air resistance.
Laws of Motion · Part 2: Friction
Static friction is adjustable
\[ 0\leq |f_s|\leq\mu_sN,\qquad f_{s,\max}=\mu_sN \]
Symbols and assumptions: fₛ is signed static friction along the contact (N); μₛ is dimensionless static coefficient; N is normal force (N). Friction opposes the relative sliding tendency, not necessarily the centre-of-mass velocity.
Range of the total contact force (level surface, horizontal push)
\[ mg\;\le\;\sqrt{N^2+f^2}\;\le\;mg\sqrt{1+\mu_s^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m mass (kg); g = 10 m/s²; N = mg normal force (N); f friction (N), from 0 up to μₛmg; μₛ static coefficient (no unit). Holds while the block is at rest and the push is horizontal.
Angle of friction
\[ \tan\lambda=\frac{f_{s,\max}}{N}=\mu_s \]
Symbols and assumptions: λ angle between the resultant contact force and the normal at the point of slipping (degrees or rad); μₛ static coefficient (no unit). λ is a property of the pair of surfaces.
Kinetic friction and work
\[ f_k=\mu_kN,\qquad W_f=-f_ks\quad\text{(fixed surface, opposite sliding)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: fₖ is kinetic friction magnitude (N); μₖ is dimensionless kinetic coefficient; N normal force (N); s is sliding distance (m); W_f is work on the sliding body (J) for constant opposing friction on a stationary surface.
Stopping distance and time (level floor)
\[ s=\frac{u^2}{2\mu_kg},\qquad t=\frac{u}{\mu_kg} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u initial speed (m/s); μₖ kinetic coefficient (no unit); g = 10 m/s²; s stopping distance (m); t stopping time (s). Only friction acts horizontally and the floor is level.
Heat produced by a sliding contact
\[ Q=\mu_kN\,s_{\rm rel} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q heat (J); μₖ kinetic coefficient; N normal force (N); s_rel distance one surface slides relative to the other (m). Valid for constant kinetic friction.
Inclines, angle of friction and angle of repose
\[ \tan\theta_r=\mu_s,\qquad a=g(\sin\theta-\mu_k\cos\theta)\quad\text{(sliding downhill)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: θᵣ is repose angle; θ actual incline angle; μₛ and μₖ static/kinetic coefficients; a is downhill acceleration (m/s²); g gravity. The acceleration formula assumes downhill sliding, no other forces and maintained contact.
Holding a block on an incline with a force along it
\[ mg(\sin\theta-\mu_s\cos\theta)\;\le\;F\;\le\;mg(\sin\theta+\mu_s\cos\theta) \]
Symbols and assumptions: F force parallel to the incline, pointing up the slope (N); m mass (kg); g = 10 m/s²; θ incline angle; μₛ static coefficient. The lower limit applies when tanθ > μₛ; otherwise it is zero.
Rough slide takes n times as long as smooth slide
\[ \mu_k=\tan\theta\left(1-\frac{1}{n^2}\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: μₖ kinetic coefficient; θ incline angle; n = t_rough / t_smooth for the same length, both starting from rest.
Block projected up a rough incline
\[ a_{\rm up}=g(\sin\theta+\mu_k\cos\theta),\qquad a_{\rm down}=g(\sin\theta-\mu_k\cos\theta) \]
Symbols and assumptions: a magnitudes of acceleration (m/s²) while moving up and while sliding back down; θ incline angle; μₖ kinetic coefficient. The block slides back only if tanθ > μₛ.
Pulling at an angle and maximum available friction
\[ N=mg-P\sin\theta,\qquad P\cos\theta=\mu_s(mg-P\sin\theta) \]
Symbols and assumptions: P is pull magnitude (N), θ angle above horizontal; m mass (kg), g gravity (m/s²); N normal force (N); μₛ static coefficient. Equations describe impending horizontal slip with N≥0 and no vertical acceleration.
Pull at angle θ above horizontal (point of sliding)
\[ P=\frac{\mu mg}{\cos\theta+\mu\sin\theta},\qquad P_{\min}=\frac{\mu mg}{\sqrt{1+\mu^2}}\ \text{at}\ \tan\theta=\mu \]
Symbols and assumptions: P pull (N); m mass (kg); g = 10 m/s²; μ static coefficient for starting (kinetic for constant velocity); θ angle above horizontal. Assumes the block stays on the floor (N ≥ 0).
Push at angle θ below horizontal
\[ P=\frac{\mu mg}{\cos\theta-\mu\sin\theta}\qquad(\text{no motion possible if }\tan\theta\ge 1/\mu) \]
Symbols and assumptions: P push (N) directed downward at θ below the horizontal; μ friction coefficient; m mass (kg); g = 10 m/s².
Friction in connected bodies and turning
\[ a_{\max}=\mu_sg\quad\text{(upper block)},\qquad v_{\max}=\sqrt{\mu_srg}\quad\text{(level turn)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: a_max is maximum no-slip acceleration (m/s²) for a horizontally carried block with N=mg; v_max maximum turn speed (m/s); r radius (m); μₛ static coefficient; g gravity. The road relation assumes level motion and no other lateral force.
Rough table with hanging mass
\[ a=\frac{(m_2-\mu_km_1)g}{m_1+m_2},\qquad T=m_2(g-a),\qquad \text{moves only if } m_2>\mu_sm_1 \]
Symbols and assumptions: m₁ block on the table (kg); m₂ hanging block (kg); μₛ, μₖ table coefficients; g = 10 m/s²; a acceleration (m/s²); T tension (N). Light string, ideal pulley.
Banked road with friction
\[ v_{\max}=\sqrt{rg\,\frac{\tan\theta+\mu_s}{1-\mu_s\tan\theta}},\qquad v_{\min}=\sqrt{rg\,\frac{\tan\theta-\mu_s}{1+\mu_s\tan\theta}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: r radius of the turn (m); g = 10 m/s²; θ bank angle; μₛ static coefficient between tyres and road; v in m/s. If μₛ ≥ tanθ, v_min = 0.
Block on block: moving together or slipping
\[ F_{\max}=\mu_s(m+M)g\ \ (\text{force on lower block}),\qquad F_{\max}=\mu_smg\,\frac{m+M}{M}\ \ (\text{force on upper block}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: m upper block (kg); M lower block (kg); μₛ static coefficient between the blocks; g = 10 m/s²; F_max largest force (N) for which they move together. Smooth floor in both results.
After slipping (force on lower block, smooth floor)
\[ a_m=\mu_kg,\qquad a_M=\frac{F-\mu_kmg}{M},\qquad t_{\rm off}=\sqrt{\frac{2L}{a_M-a_m}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: a_m, a_M ground-frame accelerations of the upper and lower blocks (m/s²); μₖ kinetic coefficient between blocks; F applied force (N); L distance the top block must slide relative to the lower one (m); t_off time (s).
Lower block on a rough floor, force on lower block
\[ F_{\max}=(\mu_1+\mu_2)(m+M)g \]
Symbols and assumptions: μ₁ static coefficient between the blocks; μ₂ coefficient between lower block and floor; m, M masses (kg); g = 10 m/s². Largest force for which both move together.
Rolling friction, lubrication and why we need friction
\[ f_{\rm roll}=\mu_rN,\qquad \mu_r\ll\mu_k<\mu_s \]
Symbols and assumptions: f_roll rolling resistance (N); μᵣ coefficient of rolling friction (no unit, typically 0.001 to 0.01); N normal force (N); μₖ, μₛ sliding coefficients. Rolling friction also falls as the wheel radius increases.
Work, Energy & Power
Work by constant and variable forces
\[ W=\vec F\cdot\vec s=Fs\cos\theta,\qquad W=\int_{x_i}^{x_f}F_x\,dx \]
Symbols and assumptions: W is work (J); F is constant force magnitude (N); s displacement magnitude (m); θ force–displacement angle; Fₓ is the signed force component along x; xᵢ/x_f are integration limits (m). The first formula requires constant force.
Work by a constant force in components
\[ W=\vec F\cdot\Delta\vec r=F_x\Delta x+F_y\Delta y+F_z\Delta z \]
Symbols and assumptions: Fₓ, F_y, F_z components of the constant force (N); Δx, Δy, Δz components of the displacement (m); W work (J).
Energy unit conversions
\[ 1\ \text{J}=10^7\ \text{erg},\quad 1\ \text{kWh}=3.6\times10^6\ \text{J},\quad 1\ \text{eV}=1.6\times10^{-19}\ \text{J} \]
Symbols and assumptions: erg is the CGS unit (dyne cm); kWh is the commercial "unit" of electrical energy; eV is the energy gained by an electron through 1 volt.
Kinetic energy and the work–energy theorem
\[ K=\tfrac12mv^2,\qquad W_{\rm net}=K_f-K_i \]
Symbols and assumptions: K is translational kinetic energy (J); m mass (kg); v speed (m/s); W_net is the sum of works by all forces (J); i/f mean initial/final. The particle form does not include a separate rotational energy.
Kinetic energy and momentum
\[ K=\frac{p^2}{2m},\qquad p=\sqrt{2mK} \]
Symbols and assumptions: K kinetic energy (J); p momentum magnitude (kg m/s); m mass (kg).
Work–energy theorem for a variable force
\[ \int_{x_i}^{x_f}F_{\rm net}\,dx=\tfrac12mv^2-\tfrac12mu^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: F_net net force along the path (N); u, v initial and final speeds (m/s); m mass (kg). Valid in an inertial frame for any forces.
Conservative forces and potential energy
\[ W_c=-\Delta U,\quad F_x=-\frac{dU}{dx},\quad U_g=mgh,\quad U_s=\tfrac12kx^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: U is potential energy (J); W_c conservative work (J); Fₓ force (N); m mass (kg); g constant gravity; h height above a reference (m); k spring constant (N/m); x spring displacement (m). Spring law assumes Hookean behaviour.
Equilibrium from U(x)
\[ \frac{dU}{dx}=0;\quad \frac{d^2U}{dx^2}>0\ \text{stable},\quad <0\ \text{unstable},\quad =0\ \text{neutral} \]
Symbols and assumptions: U potential energy (J) as a function of position x (m). The second-derivative test classifies each equilibrium point.
Kinetic energy from the energy line
\[ K(x)=E-U(x)\ge 0 \]
Symbols and assumptions: E total mechanical energy (J), constant when only conservative forces act; U(x) potential energy (J); K kinetic energy (J). Turning points are where U(x) = E.
Spring force, spring energy and spring combinations
\[ F=-kx,\qquad W_{\rm spring}=-\tfrac12k\left(x_2^2-x_1^2\right),\qquad U=\tfrac12kx^2=\frac{F^2}{2k} \]
Symbols and assumptions: k spring constant (N/m); x extension or compression from natural length (m); x₁, x₂ initial and final deformations (m); W_spring work done by the spring (J); U stored energy (J); F spring force magnitude (N). Ideal massless spring obeying Hooke’s law.
Combining and cutting springs
\[ \frac1{k_s}=\frac1{k_1}+\frac1{k_2},\qquad k_p=k_1+k_2,\qquad kL=\text{constant} \]
Symbols and assumptions: k₁, k₂ individual spring constants (N/m); k_s series and k_p parallel equivalents (N/m); L natural length (m). Ideal massless springs.
Block hitting a spring
\[ x_{\max}=v\sqrt{\frac mk}\ \ (\text{smooth}),\qquad \tfrac12mv^2=\tfrac12kx^2+\mu mgx\ \ (\text{rough}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: m block mass (kg); v speed when it touches the spring (m/s); k spring constant (N/m); x compression (m); μ kinetic friction coefficient; g = 10 m/s².
Mechanical energy and dissipative work
\[ K_i+U_i+W_{nc}=K_f+U_f \]
Symbols and assumptions: K and U are kinetic and potential energies (J); W_nc is work of forces not represented by U (J); i/f are initial/final. Use a consistent reference for potential and include any rotational kinetic energy required by the model.
Pendulum released from angle θ₀
\[ v_{\rm bottom}=\sqrt{2gL(1-\cos\theta_0)},\qquad T_{\rm bottom}=mg(3-2\cos\theta_0) \]
Symbols and assumptions: L string length (m); θ₀ release angle from the vertical; g = 10 m/s²; m bob mass (kg); v speed (m/s); T tension (N). Light string, no air resistance.
Pulling a hanging part of a chain onto a table
\[ W=\frac{MgL}{2n^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: M total mass (kg); L total length (m); 1/n fraction hanging; W work (J) needed to pull it back slowly onto a smooth table.
Power and efficiency
\[ P_{\rm av}=\frac{W}{\Delta t},\quad P=\vec F\cdot\vec v,\quad \eta=\frac{P_{\rm useful}}{P_{\rm input}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: P is power (W = J/s); W in the numerator is work (J), not the watt symbol; Δt time (s); F force (N); v velocity (m/s); η is dimensionless efficiency, often expressed as a percentage.
Motion under constant power from rest
\[ v=\sqrt{\frac{2Pt}{m}}\propto t^{1/2},\qquad x\propto t^{3/2},\qquad F=\frac{P}{v}\propto t^{-1/2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: P constant power delivered to the body (W); m mass (kg); t time (s); v speed (m/s); x distance (m); F force (N). No losses, motion along a straight line.
Vehicle power
\[ P=(mg\sin\theta+f)\,v,\qquad v_{\max}=\frac{P}{f}\ \ (\text{level road}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: m mass (kg); g = 10 m/s²; θ incline angle (0 on level ground); f resistive force (N); v constant speed (m/s); P engine power (W). 1 hp = 746 W.
Elastic and inelastic collisions
\[ m_1u_1+m_2u_2=m_1v_1+m_2v_2,\quad e=\frac{v_2-v_1}{u_1-u_2},\quad V_{\rm stick}=\frac{m_1u_1+m_2u_2}{m_1+m_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m₁/m₂ are masses (kg); u₁/u₂ initial and v₁/v₂ final signed velocities (m/s); e is dimensionless restitution for a one-dimensional approach with u₁>u₂; V_stick is common velocity. Momentum requires negligible external impulse.
Kinetic energy lost when bodies stick
\[ \Delta K=\frac{m_1m_2\,(u_1-u_2)^2}{2(m_1+m_2)},\qquad \frac{\Delta K}{K_i}=\frac{m_2}{m_1+m_2}\ (u_2=0) \]
Symbols and assumptions: m₁, m₂ masses (kg); u₁, u₂ velocities before the collision (m/s); K_i initial kinetic energy (J); ΔK kinetic energy converted to other forms (J).
Ballistic pendulum
\[ v=\frac{m+M}{m}\sqrt{2gh} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m bullet mass and M block mass (kg); h height the block rises after the bullet embeds (m); v bullet speed (m/s); g = 10 m/s².
Body at rest splitting into two pieces
\[ m_1v_1=m_2v_2,\qquad \frac{K_1}{K_2}=\frac{m_2}{m_1} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m₁, m₂ masses of the pieces (kg); v₁, v₂ their speeds (m/s), in opposite directions; K₁, K₂ their kinetic energies (J).
Coefficient of restitution, bouncing and oblique collisions
\[ e=\frac{v_2-v_1}{u_1-u_2},\qquad h_n=e^{2n}h,\qquad v_n=e^n\sqrt{2gh} \]
Symbols and assumptions: e coefficient of restitution (no unit, 0 to 1); u₁, u₂ velocities before and v₁, v₂ after, along the line of impact (m/s); h drop height (m); hₙ height after the nth bounce (m); vₙ rebound speed after the nth bounce (m/s). Floor fixed, no air resistance.
Bouncing ball totals
\[ H_{\rm total}=h\,\frac{1+e^2}{1-e^2},\qquad T_{\rm total}=\sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}}\;\frac{1+e}{1-e} \]
Symbols and assumptions: h initial drop height (m); e coefficient of restitution with the floor; g = 10 m/s²; H_total total distance travelled (m); T_total total time until it stops (s). No air resistance.
Kinetic energy lost in a 1-D collision
\[ \Delta K=\frac{m_1m_2}{2(m_1+m_2)}\,(1-e^2)\,(u_1-u_2)^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: m₁, m₂ masses (kg); u₁, u₂ approach velocities (m/s); e coefficient of restitution; ΔK kinetic energy converted to heat, sound and deformation (J).
Oblique impact on a smooth wall
\[ v_t'=v_t,\quad v_n'=e\,v_n,\quad \tan\theta'=\frac{\tan\theta}{e} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_t, v_n tangential and normal velocity components before impact (m/s); primes mean after impact; θ, θ′ angles of incidence and rebound measured from the normal.
Vertical circles and minimum launch energy
\[ v_{\rm top,min}=\sqrt{gr},\qquad v_{\rm bottom,min}=\sqrt{5gr} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v is speed (m/s); g gravity (m/s²); r circle radius (m). These limits apply to a point mass on a taut light string making a complete vertical circle without dissipative losses; the bottom result assumes energy conservation.
Tension at angle θ from the lowest point
\[ T=\frac{mu^2}{r}+mg(3\cos\theta-2),\qquad T_{\rm bottom}-T_{\rm top}=6mg \]
Symbols and assumptions: m mass (kg); u speed at the lowest point (m/s); r radius (m); θ angle from the lowest point; g = 10 m/s²; T tension (N). Light string, no losses.
Minimum conditions in other set-ups
\[ u_{\rm rod}=\sqrt{4gr},\qquad h_{\rm loop}=\tfrac52R,\qquad \cos\theta_{\rm leave}=\tfrac23\ (\text{sphere}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: u_rod minimum bottom speed for a light rigid rod (m/s); h_loop minimum release height above the bottom of a smooth loop of radius R (m); θ_leave angle from the vertical at which a body starting at rest on top of a smooth sphere leaves it.
One-dimensional elastic collision results
\[ v_1=\frac{(m_1-m_2)u_1+2m_2u_2}{m_1+m_2},\quad v_2=\frac{2m_1u_1+(m_2-m_1)u_2}{m_1+m_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m₁/m₂ masses (kg); u₁/u₂ initial and v₁/v₂ final signed velocities (m/s). Assumptions: one-dimensional perfectly elastic collision and negligible external impulse; denominator is positive total mass.
Energy transferred to a target at rest (elastic)
\[ \frac{K_2}{K_1}=\frac{4m_1m_2}{(m_1+m_2)^2},\qquad \frac{K_1^{\prime}}{K_1}=\left(\frac{m_1-m_2}{m_1+m_2}\right)^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: m₁ moving body and m₂ target (kg); K₁ initial kinetic energy of m₁ (J); K₂ energy given to the target and K₁′ energy kept by m₁ (J). Head-on elastic collision with u₂ = 0.
Relative velocity reverses
\[ v_2-v_1=-(u_2-u_1) \]
Symbols and assumptions: u, v signed velocities before and after (m/s). Valid for every head-on elastic collision; together with momentum conservation it fixes both final velocities.
System of Particles & Rotational Motion
Centre of mass and its motion
\[ \vec R=\frac{\sum m_i\vec r_i}{M},\quad M=\sum m_i,\quad \vec F_{\rm ext}=M\vec A_{CM} \]
Symbols and assumptions: R is centre-of-mass position (m); mᵢ masses (kg); rᵢ positions (m); M total mass (kg); A_CM centre-of-mass acceleration (m/s²); F_ext total external force (N). The last equation assumes a fixed-mass system.
Centre of mass of standard uniform bodies
\[ \begin{array}{ll}\text{Semicircular ring (wire)} & 2R/\pi\ \text{from centre}\\ \text{Semicircular disc} & 4R/3\pi\ \text{from centre}\\ \text{Hemispherical shell} & R/2\ \text{from centre}\\ \text{Solid hemisphere} & 3R/8\ \text{from centre}\\ \text{Solid cone} & h/4\ \text{from base}\\ \text{Hollow cone (surface)} & h/3\ \text{from base}\end{array} \]
Symbols and assumptions: R radius (m); h height of the cone (m). Each distance is measured along the axis of symmetry, from the centre of the full circle or sphere, or from the base of the cone. Uniform bodies only.
Remainder after removing a piece
\[ X=\frac{M_1x_1-M_2x_2}{M_1-M_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: M₁ mass of the complete body (kg) with CM at x₁ (m); M₂ mass of the removed part (kg) with CM at x₂ (m); X CM of what remains (m). For uniform plates, use areas in place of masses.
Angular variables and fixed-axis kinematics
\[ \omega=\omega_0+\alpha t,\quad \theta=\omega_0t+\tfrac12\alpha t^2,\quad v=r\omega,\quad a_t=r\alpha \]
Symbols and assumptions: ω₀/ω are initial/final angular velocities (rad/s); α constant angular acceleration (rad/s²); θ angular displacement (rad); t time (s); r perpendicular axis distance (m); v tangential speed (m/s); a_t tangential acceleration.
Total acceleration of a point
\[ a=\sqrt{(r\alpha)^2+(\omega^2r)^2}=r\sqrt{\alpha^2+\omega^4} \]
Symbols and assumptions: r distance from the axis (m); α angular acceleration (rad/s²); ω angular velocity (rad/s); a magnitude of the total linear acceleration (m/s²).
Conversions and angle in the nth second
\[ \omega=\frac{2\pi N}{60},\qquad \theta_n=\omega_0+\frac{\alpha}{2}(2n-1) \]
Symbols and assumptions: N speed in rpm; ω in rad/s; θₙ angle turned during the nth second (rad); ω₀ initial angular velocity (rad/s); α constant angular acceleration (rad/s²).
Torque, couples and equilibrium
\[ \vec\tau=\vec r\times\vec F,\quad |\tau|=Fd_\perp,\quad \sum\vec F=0,\quad \sum\vec\tau=0 \]
Symbols and assumptions: r is position from chosen origin to force application (m); F force (N); d_⊥ perpendicular distance to its line of action (m); τ torque (N m). Both balance equations are needed for static rigid-body equilibrium.
Torque in components
\[ \vec\tau=\begin{vmatrix}\hat i&\hat j&\hat k\\ x&y&z\\ F_x&F_y&F_z\end{vmatrix},\qquad \tau_z=xF_y-yF_x \]
Symbols and assumptions: x, y, z position of the point of application relative to the chosen origin (m); Fₓ, F_y, F_z force components (N); τ torque (N m). Positive τ_z is anticlockwise when viewed from +z.
Principle of moments (lever)
\[ F_1d_1=F_2d_2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: F₁, F₂ forces (N) on opposite sides of the fulcrum; d₁, d₂ their perpendicular distances from the fulcrum (m). The rod’s own weight acts at its centre of gravity.
Equilibrium of rigid bodies: ladders, toppling and sliding
\[ \sum\vec F=0,\qquad \sum\vec\tau=0,\qquad \mu_{\min}=\frac{1}{2\tan\theta}\ \ (\text{ladder, smooth wall}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: F forces (N); τ torques about any one point (N m); μ_min least floor friction coefficient for a uniform ladder resting on a smooth wall; θ angle between ladder and floor.
Toppling conditions
\[ \mu>\frac{b}{2h}\ (\text{push at height }h\text{ tips first}),\qquad \tan\theta_{\rm topple}=\frac bh\ (\text{incline}) \]
Symbols and assumptions: b width of the block (m); h height of the push above the floor, or height of the block for the incline case (m); μ static friction coefficient; θ incline angle. Uniform block with CG at its centre.
Overturning on a level curve
\[ v_{\rm overturn}=\sqrt{\frac{grd}{2h}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: g = 10 m/s²; r radius of the curve (m); d distance between the left and right wheels (m); h height of the centre of gravity above the road (m). Overturning about the outer wheels; enough friction to prevent skidding.
Moment of inertia and standard shapes
\[ I=\sum m_ir_i^2,\quad I_{\rm ring}=MR^2,\quad I_{\rm disc}=\tfrac12MR^2,\quad I_{\rm sphere}=\tfrac25MR^2,\quad I_{\rm rod,CM}=\tfrac1{12}M\ell^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: I is moment of inertia (kg m²); mᵢ mass elements (kg); rᵢ perpendicular axis distances (m); M total mass; R radius; ℓ rod length. Ring/disc axes are central perpendicular axes; solid-sphere axis is a diameter; rod axis is perpendicular through its midpoint. All shapes are uniform.
Standard moments of inertia (uniform bodies)
\[ \begin{array}{lll}\text{Body} & \text{Axis} & I\\ \text{Thin ring} & \text{central, }\perp\text{ plane} & MR^2\\ \text{Thin ring} & \text{diameter} & MR^2/2\\ \text{Disc / solid cylinder} & \text{central, }\perp\text{ plane (own axis)} & MR^2/2\\ \text{Disc} & \text{diameter} & MR^2/4\\ \text{Hollow cylinder} & \text{own axis} & MR^2\\ \text{Solid sphere} & \text{diameter} & 2MR^2/5\\ \text{Hollow sphere} & \text{diameter} & 2MR^2/3\\ \text{Rod} & \text{centre, }\perp\text{ rod} & ML^2/12\\ \text{Rod} & \text{end, }\perp\text{ rod} & ML^2/3\\ \text{Rectangular plate } a\times b & \text{centre, }\perp\text{ plate} & M(a^2+b^2)/12\end{array} \]
Symbols and assumptions: M mass (kg); R radius (m); L rod length (m); a, b sides of a rectangular plate (m); I in kg m². Thin ring and hollow sphere have all mass at radius R.
Radius of gyration
\[ I=Mk^2,\qquad k_{\rm ring}=R,\ k_{\rm disc}=\frac{R}{\sqrt2},\ k_{\rm sphere}=\sqrt{\tfrac25}\,R,\ k_{\rm rod,c}=\frac{L}{2\sqrt3} \]
Symbols and assumptions: k radius of gyration (m) about the stated standard axis; M mass (kg); R radius (m); L rod length (m).
Parallel-axis and perpendicular-axis theorems
\[ I=I_{CM}+Md^2,\qquad I_z=I_x+I_y\quad\text{(plane lamina in xy)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: I/I_CM are inertias (kg m²) about parallel axes; M mass (kg); d separation (m). For the second theorem, x and y lie in the lamina and z is perpendicular, all through one point.
Results from the axis theorems
\[ \begin{array}{lll}\text{Body} & \text{Axis} & I\\ \text{Ring} & \text{tangent, in plane} & 3MR^2/2\\ \text{Ring} & \text{tangent, }\perp\text{ plane} & 2MR^2\\ \text{Disc} & \text{tangent, in plane} & 5MR^2/4\\ \text{Disc} & \text{tangent, }\perp\text{ plane} & 3MR^2/2\\ \text{Solid sphere} & \text{tangent} & 7MR^2/5\\ \text{Hollow sphere} & \text{tangent} & 5MR^2/3\\ \text{Square plate} & \text{diagonal} & Ma^2/12\end{array} \]
Symbols and assumptions: M mass (kg); R radius (m); a side of the square (m). Each result comes from the central value plus MR² (parallel axis) or from the perpendicular-axis theorem.
Rotational dynamics, energy and power
\[ \tau_{\rm net}=I\alpha,\quad K_{\rm rot}=\tfrac12I\omega^2,\quad W=\int\tau\,d\theta,\quad P=\tau\omega \]
Symbols and assumptions: τ is axial torque (N m); I constant axis inertia (kg m²); α angular acceleration (rad/s²); ω angular velocity (rad/s); K_rot and W energy/work (J); θ angle (rad); P power (W). Fixed-axis rigid rotation is assumed.
Block hanging from a massive pulley
\[ a=\frac{mg}{m+I/R^2},\qquad T=\frac{I}{R^2}\,a \]
Symbols and assumptions: m hanging mass (kg); I moment of inertia of the pulley (kg m²); R its radius (m); a block acceleration (m/s²); T tension (N); g = 10 m/s². String does not slip; axle frictionless.
Rod pivoted at one end, released from horizontal
\[ \alpha_0=\frac{3g}{2L},\qquad \omega_{\rm vertical}=\sqrt{\frac{3g}{L}},\qquad v_{\rm end}=\sqrt{3gL} \]
Symbols and assumptions: L rod length (m); g = 10 m/s²; α₀ initial angular acceleration (rad/s²); ω angular speed when the rod is vertical (rad/s); v_end speed of the free end then (m/s). Uniform rod, frictionless pivot.
Angular momentum and conservation
\[ \vec L=\vec r\times\vec p,\quad L=I\omega,\quad \tau_{\rm ext}=\frac{dL}{dt},\quad I_i\omega_i=I_f\omega_f\quad(\tau_{\rm ext}=0) \]
Symbols and assumptions: L is angular momentum (kg m²/s); r position from origin (m); p momentum (kg m/s); I inertia about the fixed axis; ω angular velocity. Scalar conservation applies along that axis with negligible external torque.
Two discs coupled together
\[ \omega=\frac{I_1\omega_1+I_2\omega_2}{I_1+I_2},\qquad \Delta K=\frac{I_1I_2(\omega_1-\omega_2)^2}{2(I_1+I_2)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: I₁, I₂ moments of inertia about the common axis (kg m²); ω₁, ω₂ initial angular velocities (rad/s, signed); ω common final value; ΔK kinetic energy lost to friction between the discs (J).
Angular impulse and areal velocity
\[ \int\tau\,dt=\Delta L,\qquad \frac{dA}{dt}=\frac{L}{2m} \]
Symbols and assumptions: τ torque (N m); t time (s); ΔL change in angular momentum (kg m²/s); dA/dt area swept per second by the radius vector of a particle of mass m under a central force (m²/s).
Rolling without slipping
\[ v_{CM}=\omega R,\quad K=\tfrac12Mv_{CM}^2+\tfrac12I_{CM}\omega^2,\quad a=\frac{g\sin\theta}{1+I_{CM}/(MR^2)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: M mass (kg); R rolling radius (m); v_CM centre speed (m/s); ω angular speed (rad/s); I_CM inertia about centre axis (kg m²); θ incline angle; a downhill acceleration. Assumes sufficient static friction, no slipping and no rolling resistance.
Kinetic energy of a rolling body
\[ K=\tfrac12Mv^2\left(1+\frac{k^2}{R^2}\right),\qquad \frac{K_{\rm rot}}{K}=\frac{k^2/R^2}{1+k^2/R^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: M mass (kg); v centre speed (m/s); k radius of gyration about the centre (m); R rolling radius (m). Rolling without slipping, v = ωR.
Final rolling speed after sliding (no initial spin)
\[ v=\frac{u}{1+k^2/R^2},\qquad t=\frac{u-v}{\mu_kg} \]
Symbols and assumptions: u initial sliding speed (m/s); v final pure-rolling speed (m/s); k, R as above; μₖ kinetic friction coefficient; t time to start pure rolling (s). Level floor.
Rolling down an incline: the race and the friction needed
\[ a=\frac{g\sin\theta}{1+k^2/R^2},\qquad v=\sqrt{\frac{2gh}{1+k^2/R^2}},\qquad f=\frac{Mg\sin\theta\,(k^2/R^2)}{1+k^2/R^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: a acceleration of the centre down the slope (m/s²); g = 10 m/s²; θ incline angle; k radius of gyration about the centre (m); R radius (m); v speed at the bottom after a vertical drop h (m); f static friction needed (N); M mass (kg). Rolling without slipping from rest.
Time to roll down and least friction coefficient
\[ t=\sqrt{\frac{2L\,(1+k^2/R^2)}{g\sin\theta}},\qquad \mu_{\min}=\tan\theta\,\frac{k^2/R^2}{1+k^2/R^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: L length along the incline (m); g = 10 m/s²; θ incline angle; k radius of gyration (m); R radius (m); t time from rest (s); μ_min least static friction coefficient for pure rolling.
Height reached when rolling up
\[ h=\frac{v^2}{2g}\left(1+\frac{k^2}{R^2}\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: v speed of the centre at the bottom (m/s); h vertical height reached (m); g = 10 m/s². Pure rolling throughout, no losses.
Gravitation
Universal gravitation and field superposition
\[ F=\frac{GMm}{r^2},\qquad g_r=\frac{GM}{r^2},\qquad \vec g_{\rm net}=\sum\vec g_i \]
Symbols and assumptions: G is gravitational constant (N m²/kg²); M source mass and m test mass (kg); r centre separation (m); F attractive force (N); g_r field magnitude (m/s²). Point masses or an external spherical field are assumed.
Null point between two masses
\[ x=\frac{d\sqrt{m_1}}{\sqrt{m_1}+\sqrt{m_2}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: x distance of the zero-field point from m₁ (m); d separation of the two masses (m); m₁, m₂ point or spherical masses (kg). The point lies on the line between them, closer to the smaller mass.
Surface gravity from density
\[ g=\frac{GM}{R^2}=\frac43\pi G\rho R \]
Symbols and assumptions: g surface field (m/s²); G = 6.67×10⁻¹¹ N m²/kg²; M planet mass (kg); R planet radius (m); ρ mean density (kg/m³). Assumes a spherically symmetric planet and ignores rotation.
Net force on a corner of an equilateral triangle
\[ F_{\rm net}=\sqrt3\,\frac{Gm^2}{a^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: F_net net force on one mass (N); m each of three equal masses (kg); a side of the triangle (m); G gravitational constant. The force points toward the centroid.
Gravity above and below the surface
\[ g_h=g_0\left(\frac{R}{R+h}\right)^2,\qquad g_d=g_0\left(1-\frac dR\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: g₀ surface gravity (m/s²); R Earth radius (m); h height above surface (m); d depth below surface (m); g_h/g_d gravity magnitudes. The depth formula assumes a uniform, nonrotating spherical Earth; the height formula assumes spherical symmetry.
Small-height approximation
\[ g_h\approx g\left(1-\frac{2h}{R}\right),\qquad \frac{\Delta g}{g}\approx\frac{2h}{R} \]
Symbols and assumptions: g surface gravity (m/s²); h height above surface (m); R Earth radius (m). Valid only for h ≪ R; use the exact (R/(R+h))² form otherwise.
Equal g at a height and a depth
\[ d = 2h\quad(h,\,d\ll R) \]
Symbols and assumptions: d depth (m) and h height (m) at which g has the same value; R Earth radius. Uses both first-order formulas, so both distances must be small compared with R.
Earth’s rotation and latitude
\[ g'=g-\omega^2R\cos^2\lambda \]
Symbols and assumptions: g′ effective (measured) gravity (m/s²); g gravity of a non-rotating spherical Earth (m/s²); ω Earth’s angular speed, 7.27×10⁻⁵ rad/s; R Earth radius (m); λ latitude (0° at the equator, 90° at the poles). The small ω⁴ term is neglected; at the equator the result is exact.
Reduction in g at latitude λ
\[ \Delta g=\omega^2R\cos^2\lambda \]
Symbols and assumptions: Δg decrease in effective gravity due to rotation (m/s²); ω Earth’s angular speed (rad/s); R Earth radius (m); λ latitude. At the equator Δg = ω²R ≈ 0.034 m/s².
Spin rate for weightlessness at the equator
\[ \omega=\sqrt{\frac gR},\qquad T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac Rg}\approx 84\ \text{min} \]
Symbols and assumptions: ω required angular speed (rad/s); T length of the day (s); g gravity (m/s²); R Earth radius (m). Uses g = 10 m/s² and R = 6.4×10⁶ m for the numerical value.
Gravitational potential and energy
\[ V=-\frac{GM}{r},\quad U=mV=-\frac{GMm}{r},\quad g_r=-\frac{dV}{dr}\ \text{(signed outward component)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: V is potential (J/kg); U potential energy (J); G gravitational constant; M source and m test masses (kg); r centre distance (m). Zero is at infinity; outside a spherical mass or for point masses. The signed field is inward.
Potential energy change on lifting through h
\[ \Delta U=\frac{mgh}{1+h/R} \]
Symbols and assumptions: ΔU increase in potential energy (J); m mass (kg); g surface gravity (m/s²); h height above surface (m); R Earth radius (m). Exact for a spherical Earth; becomes mgh when h ≪ R.
Potential energy of a system of particles
\[ U=-\sum_{\text{pairs}}\frac{Gm_im_j}{r_{ij}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: U total gravitational potential energy (J), zero when all particles are infinitely far apart; m_i, m_j masses (kg); r_ij separation of each pair (m). Count each pair once.
Potential on the axis of a ring
\[ V=-\frac{GM}{\sqrt{a^2+x^2}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: V potential (J/kg); M ring mass (kg); a ring radius (m); x distance from the ring centre along its axis (m). At x = 0, V = −GM/a while the field is zero.
Circular satellites and orbital energy
\[ v_o=\sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}},\quad T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{r^3}{GM}},\quad E=-\frac{GMm}{2r},\quad K=\frac{GMm}{2r} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_o orbital speed (m/s); T period (s); G constant; M central mass (kg); m satellite mass (kg); r circular centre-to-centre radius (m); E total and K kinetic energies (J). Ignore drag and the satellite’s effect on the source.
Orbit just above the surface
\[ v_o\approx\sqrt{gR}\approx 8\ \text{km/s},\qquad T_0=2\pi\sqrt{R/g}\approx 84\ \text{min} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_o orbital speed (m/s); T₀ period (s); g surface gravity (m/s²); R Earth radius (m). Numbers use g = 10 m/s² and R = 6.4×10⁶ m, and ignore air drag.
Energy to shift between circular orbits
\[ \Delta E=\frac{GMm}{2}\left(\frac1{r_1}-\frac1{r_2}\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: ΔE energy that must be supplied (J); G constant; M planet mass and m satellite mass (kg); r₁ initial and r₂ final orbit radii (m), measured from the planet’s centre. Positive when r₂ > r₁.
Angular momentum in a circular orbit
\[ L=mv_or=m\sqrt{GMr} \]
Symbols and assumptions: L angular momentum about the planet’s centre (kg m²/s); m satellite mass (kg); v_o orbital speed (m/s); r orbit radius (m); G constant; M planet mass (kg).
Weightlessness and apparent weight
\[ N=m(g_{\rm local}-a),\qquad a=g_{\rm local}\ \Rightarrow\ N=0 \]
Symbols and assumptions: N apparent weight, the normal force from the support (N); m mass (kg); g_local gravitational field at that place (m/s²); a downward (or centre-directed) acceleration of the support (m/s²). Weightlessness means N = 0, not zero gravity.
Apparent weight in a lift
\[ N=m(g+a)\ \text{(accelerating up)},\qquad N=m(g-a)\ \text{(accelerating down)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: N scale reading (N); m mass (kg); g gravity (m/s²); a magnitude of the lift’s acceleration (m/s²). Free fall is a = g downward, giving N = 0.
Artificial gravity in a rotating station
\[ g_{\rm art}=\omega^2r \]
Symbols and assumptions: g_art apparent gravity at the rim (m/s²); ω angular speed of the station (rad/s); r distance from the rotation axis to the floor (m). The floor is the outer wall.
Escape speed and gravitational binding
\[ v_e=\sqrt{\frac{2GM}{r}}=\sqrt{2g_0R}\quad\text{(surface }r=R) \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_e escape speed (m/s); G constant; M source mass (kg); r initial centre distance (m); g₀ surface gravity; R source radius. Zero potential is at infinity; ignore drag and subsequent propulsion.
Escape speed in terms of density
\[ v_e=R\sqrt{\frac{8\pi G\rho}{3}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_e escape speed (m/s); R planet radius (m); G gravitational constant; ρ mean density (kg/m³). Assumes a spherical planet, no air resistance and no rotation.
Maximum height for a vertical launch below escape speed
\[ h=\frac{Rv^2}{v_e^2-v^2}\qquad(v
Symbols and assumptions: h greatest height above the surface (m); R planet radius (m); v launch speed (m/s); v_e surface escape speed (m/s). Exact for a spherical planet without air; reduces to v²/2g when v ≪ v_e.
Speed left far away
\[ v_\infty=\sqrt{v^2-v_e^2}\qquad(v>v_e) \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_∞ speed at a very large distance (m/s); v launch speed (m/s); v_e escape speed from the launch point (m/s). Energy conservation with only the planet’s gravity acting.
Kepler’s laws and geostationary satellites
\[ T^2=\frac{4\pi^2}{GM}a^3,\qquad \frac{dA}{dt}=\text{constant} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T is orbital period (s); a is ellipse semi-major axis (m), not acceleration; G constant; M dominant central mass (kg); A swept area (m²). The test-body approximation neglects orbiting mass compared with M.
Perihelion and aphelion speeds
\[ v_pr_p=v_ar_a\quad\Rightarrow\quad\frac{v_p}{v_a}=\frac{r_a}{r_p} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_p, v_a speeds at the nearest and farthest points (m/s); r_p, r_a distances of those points from the Sun (m). Uses conservation of angular momentum; velocity is perpendicular to the radius only at these two points.
Areal velocity
\[ \frac{dA}{dt}=\frac{L}{2m}=\text{constant} \]
Symbols and assumptions: dA/dt area swept per unit time (m²/s); L angular momentum about the Sun (kg m²/s); m planet mass (kg). Holds for any central force.
Comparing two orbits
\[ \frac{T_2}{T_1}=\left(\frac{a_2}{a_1}\right)^{3/2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T₁, T₂ periods (any consistent unit); a₁, a₂ semi-major axes (or circular radii) (any consistent unit). Both bodies must orbit the same central mass.
Shells, solid spheres and rotation of Earth
\[ g_{\rm inside}=\frac{GMr}{R^3},\quad V_{\rm inside}=-\frac{GM}{2R}\left(3-\frac{r^2}{R^2}\right),\quad g_{\rm eq,app}=g_0-\Omega^2R \]
Symbols and assumptions: G gravitational constant; M sphere mass (kg); R radius and r interior centre distance (m), 0≤r≤R; g field magnitude (m/s²); V potential (J/kg), zero at infinity. Interior formulas require uniform density. Ω Earth angular speed (rad/s); g₀ gravitational surface value; equatorial apparent value uses a spherical rotating Earth.
Uniform thin shell
\[ r
Symbols and assumptions: E field magnitude (N/kg); V potential (J/kg), zero at infinity; G constant; M shell mass (kg); R shell radius (m); r distance from centre (m). Thin uniform shell.
Potential at the centre of a solid sphere
\[ V_{\rm centre}=-\frac{3GM}{2R}=\frac32V_{\rm surface} \]
Symbols and assumptions: V potential (J/kg); G constant; M sphere mass (kg); R radius (m). Uniform density assumed.
Mechanical Properties of Solids
Stress
\[ \sigma = \frac{F}{A} \]
SI unit N m⁻² = pascal (Pa). Dimensions \([\mathrm{ML^{-1}T^{-2}}]\), the same as pressure.
Symbols and assumptions: σ = tensile or compressive stress (Pa); F = normal force (N); A = loaded cross-sectional area (m²).
Symbols and assumptions: σ = tensile or compressive stress (Pa); F = normal force (N); A = loaded cross-sectional area (m²).
Strain
\[ \text{strain} = \frac{\text{change in size}}{\text{original size}} \]
Pure number, dimensionless \([\mathrm{M^0L^0T^0}]\). Often quoted as a % (strain 0.002 = 0.2%).
Symbols and assumptions: Change in size and original size must use the same units. For a wire, longitudinal strain is ΔL/L, with L its original length and ΔL its extension.
Symbols and assumptions: Change in size and original size must use the same units. For a wire, longitudinal strain is ΔL/L, with L its original length and ΔL its extension.
Hooke's law
\[ \text{stress} \propto \text{strain} \quad\Rightarrow\quad \text{stress} = k \times \text{strain} \]
\(k\) is the modulus of elasticity. Its unit is Pa and its dimensions are \([\mathrm{ML^{-1}T^{-2}}]\) (strain has none). It is valid only up to the proportional limit.
Symbols and assumptions: k here means an elastic modulus (Pa), not a spring constant (N/m). Stress and strain must be the corresponding pair, such as longitudinal stress and longitudinal strain.
Symbols and assumptions: k here means an elastic modulus (Pa), not a spring constant (N/m). Stress and strain must be the corresponding pair, such as longitudinal stress and longitudinal strain.
Young's modulus
\[ Y = \frac{\text{tensile (or compressive) stress}}{\text{longitudinal strain}} = \frac{F/A}{\Delta L/L} = \frac{F\,L}{A\,\Delta L} = \frac{MgL}{\pi r^{2}\,\Delta L} \]
Unit N m⁻² (Pa); dimensions \([\mathrm{ML^{-1}T^{-2}}]\). Rearranged: \(\Delta L = \dfrac{FL}{AY} = \dfrac{4FL}{\pi d^{2} Y}\).
Symbols and assumptions: Y = Young’s modulus (Pa); F = axial force (N); L = original length (m); ΔL = extension (m); A = cross-sectional area (m²); r = wire radius (m); d = diameter = 2r; M = hanging mass (kg); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). The Mg form assumes a static hanging load and negligible wire weight.
Symbols and assumptions: Y = Young’s modulus (Pa); F = axial force (N); L = original length (m); ΔL = extension (m); A = cross-sectional area (m²); r = wire radius (m); d = diameter = 2r; M = hanging mass (kg); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). The Mg form assumes a static hanging load and negligible wire weight.
Uniform wire under its own weight
\[\Delta L=\int_0^L\frac{Mgx}{LAY}\,dx=\frac{MgL}{2AY}=\frac{\rho gL^2}{2Y}\]
With a point mass m at the bottom, add its constant-tension contribution: \(\Delta L=(m+M/2)gL/(AY)\).
Symbols and assumptions: M = wire mass (kg); m = additional end mass (kg); ρ = wire density (kg/m³); L = original length (m); x = distance above the free lower end (m); A = wire area (m²); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); ΔL = extension (m).
Symbols and assumptions: M = wire mass (kg); m = additional end mass (kg); ρ = wire density (kg/m³); L = original length (m); x = distance above the free lower end (m); A = wire area (m²); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); ΔL = extension (m).
Shear modulus
\[ G = \frac{\text{shearing stress}}{\text{shearing strain}} = \frac{F/A}{\Delta x/L} = \frac{F\,L}{A\,\Delta x} \approx \frac{F}{A\,\theta} \]
\(A\) is the area of the face the force acts along; \(L\) is the distance between the fixed and moving faces; \(\theta \approx \Delta x/L\) in radian. Unit Pa; dimensions \([\mathrm{ML^{-1}T^{-2}}]\). For most solids \(G \approx Y/3\).
Symbols and assumptions: G = shear modulus (Pa); F = tangential force (N); Δx = sideways displacement (m); A = loaded face area (m²); L = separation of the faces (m); θ = small shear angle (radians); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa).
Symbols and assumptions: G = shear modulus (Pa); F = tangential force (N); Δx = sideways displacement (m); A = loaded face area (m²); L = separation of the faces (m); θ = small shear angle (radians); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa).
Bulk modulus
\[ B = -\frac{p}{\Delta V/V} = -\frac{V\,\Delta p}{\Delta V} \]
\(p\) = hydraulic stress (extra pressure). The minus sign makes \(B\) positive, since \(\Delta V < 0\) when pressure rises. Unit Pa; dimensions \([\mathrm{ML^{-1}T^{-2}}]\).
Symbols and assumptions: B = bulk modulus (Pa); p or Δp = added pressure (Pa); V = initial volume (m³); ΔV = signed volume change (m³), negative on compression. The finite-change expression assumes small compression and approximately constant B.
Symbols and assumptions: B = bulk modulus (Pa); p or Δp = added pressure (Pa); V = initial volume (m³); ΔV = signed volume change (m³), negative on compression. The finite-change expression assumes small compression and approximately constant B.
Compressibility
\[ k = \frac{1}{B} = -\frac{1}{\Delta p}\,\frac{\Delta V}{V} \]
Unit Pa⁻¹ (m² N⁻¹); dimensions \([\mathrm{M^{-1}LT^{2}}]\). Gases ≫ liquids ≫ solids.
Symbols and assumptions: k = compressibility (Pa⁻¹), distinct from a spring constant; B = bulk modulus (Pa); Δp = pressure increase (Pa); V = initial volume (m³); ΔV = signed volume change (m³).
Symbols and assumptions: k = compressibility (Pa⁻¹), distinct from a spring constant; B = bulk modulus (Pa); Δp = pressure increase (Pa); V = initial volume (m³); ΔV = signed volume change (m³).
Sphere under pressure
\[ \frac{\Delta V}{V} = 3\,\frac{\Delta r}{r} \;\Rightarrow\; \frac{\Delta r}{r} = -\frac{p}{3B} \]
Because \(V \propto r^{3}\). Likewise, for a cube \(\Delta V/V = 3\,\Delta a/a\).
Symbols and assumptions: r = original sphere radius (m); Δr = signed radius change (m), negative on compression; p = added pressure (Pa); B = bulk modulus (Pa); V and ΔV = initial volume and its signed change. For a cube, a is its original side and Δa its change. The positive fractional decrease is p/(3B).
Symbols and assumptions: r = original sphere radius (m); Δr = signed radius change (m), negative on compression; p = added pressure (Pa); B = bulk modulus (Pa); V and ΔV = initial volume and its signed change. For a cube, a is its original side and Δa its change. The positive fractional decrease is p/(3B).
Poisson's ratio
\[ \sigma = -\frac{\text{lateral strain}}{\text{longitudinal strain}} = -\frac{\Delta d/d}{\Delta L/L} \]
Dimensionless, no unit. The minus sign makes \(\sigma\) positive when stretching causes lateral contraction. Here σ denotes Poisson's ratio (often written ν), not stress. For stable isotropic linear elasticity, theory allows \(-1 < \sigma < 0.5\); many familiar materials have about 0 to 0.5. Steel ≈ 0.28–0.30, rubber ≈ 0.49, cork ≈ 0.
Symbols and assumptions: σ (or ν) = Poisson’s ratio; d = original diameter; Δd = signed diameter change; L = original length; ΔL = signed length change. The strains use matching length units. A contracting diameter has Δd < 0 while a stretched length has ΔL > 0.
Symbols and assumptions: σ (or ν) = Poisson’s ratio; d = original diameter; Δd = signed diameter change; L = original length; ΔL = signed length change. The strains use matching length units. A contracting diameter has Δd < 0 while a stretched length has ΔL > 0.
Volume change of a stretched wire
\[ \frac{\Delta V}{V} = (1-2\sigma)\,\frac{\Delta L}{L} \]
To first order in small strains, from \(V = \tfrac{\pi}{4}d^{2}L\): \(\Delta V/V = \Delta L/L + 2\,\Delta d/d\). Volume is unchanged only if \(\sigma = 0.5\) (incompressible).
Symbols and assumptions: V = original volume; ΔV = signed volume change; L = original length; ΔL = extension; σ = Poisson’s ratio. Both sides are dimensionless. This is the first-order small-strain result.
Symbols and assumptions: V = original volume; ΔV = signed volume change; L = original length; ΔL = extension; σ = Poisson’s ratio. Both sides are dimensionless. This is the first-order small-strain result.
Energy stored
\[ U = \tfrac12 F\,\Delta l = \tfrac12\,\frac{YA}{L}\,(\Delta l)^{2} \]
Same as \(\tfrac12 kx^{2}\) with \(k = YA/L\).
Symbols and assumptions: U = stored elastic energy (J); F = final axial force (N); Δl = extension (m); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa); A = cross-sectional area (m²); L = original length (m); k = wire stiffness (N/m); x = extension in the spring notation. Loading is quasistatic and linear elastic.
Symbols and assumptions: U = stored elastic energy (J); F = final axial force (N); Δl = extension (m); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa); A = cross-sectional area (m²); L = original length (m); k = wire stiffness (N/m); x = extension in the spring notation. Loading is quasistatic and linear elastic.
Energy per unit volume
\[ u = \tfrac12\,\text{stress}\times\text{strain} = \tfrac12 Y(\text{strain})^{2} = \frac{(\text{stress})^{2}}{2Y} \]
Divide \(U\) by the volume \(AL\). Unit J m⁻³, dimensions \([\mathrm{ML^{-1}T^{-2}}]\), the same as stress.
Symbols and assumptions: u = elastic energy density (J/m³); U = total stored energy (J); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa); AL = initial wire volume (m³). Use dimensionless strain, not its percentage value.
Symbols and assumptions: u = elastic energy density (J/m³); U = total stored energy (J); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa); AL = initial wire volume (m³). Use dimensionless strain, not its percentage value.
Thermal stress in a clamped rod
\[ \text{strain} = \frac{L\alpha\Delta T}{L} = \alpha\Delta T,\qquad \text{stress} = Y\alpha\Delta T,\qquad F = YA\alpha\Delta T \]
\(\alpha\) = coefficient of linear expansion (K⁻¹ or °C⁻¹). The length cancels: the stress and the force do not depend on \(L\).
Symbols and assumptions: L = original length (m); α = linear expansion coefficient (K⁻¹); ΔT = temperature increase (K or °C difference); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa); A = cross-sectional area (m²); F = force magnitude (N). Heating produces compression; the displayed stress is its magnitude. Supports are rigid and expansion is fully prevented.
Symbols and assumptions: L = original length (m); α = linear expansion coefficient (K⁻¹); ΔT = temperature increase (K or °C difference); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa); A = cross-sectional area (m²); F = force magnitude (N). Heating produces compression; the displayed stress is its magnitude. Supports are rigid and expansion is fully prevented.
Minimum rope radius
\[ \frac{Mg}{\pi r^{2}} \le \sigma_y \;\Rightarrow\; r \ge \sqrt{\frac{Mg}{\pi\sigma_y}} = \sqrt{\frac{10^{4}\times9.8}{3.14\times3\times10^{8}}} \approx 1\ \text{cm} \]
Engineers add a safety factor of about 10 (design for 10⁵ kg), which gives \(r \approx 3\) cm. A single 3 cm rod would be stiff like a bar, so ropes are made by braiding many thin wires. This gives the same area but is flexible and strong.
Symbols and assumptions: M = supported mass (kg); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); r = rope radius (m); σ_y = material yield stress (Pa). The numerical example uses M = 10⁴ kg and σ_y = 3 × 10⁸ Pa, before adding a safety factor.
Symbols and assumptions: M = supported mass (kg); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); r = rope radius (m); σ_y = material yield stress (Pa). The numerical example uses M = 10⁴ kg and σ_y = 3 × 10⁸ Pa, before adding a safety factor.
Sag (bending) of a centrally loaded beam
\[ \delta = \frac{W\,l^{3}}{4\,b\,d^{3}\,Y} \]
To reduce bending: use a material with large \(Y\), keep the span short, and above all increase the depth \(d\). \(\delta \propto 1/d^{3}\), so doubling the depth cuts the sag to 1/8, while doubling the breadth only halves it.
Symbols and assumptions: δ = downward displacement at the middle (m); W = load force (N), not mass; l = distance between supports (m); b = breadth (m); d = vertical depth (m); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa). This is the small-deflection result for a rectangular beam supported at both ends and loaded centrally.
Symbols and assumptions: δ = downward displacement at the middle (m); W = load force (N), not mass; l = distance between supports (m); b = breadth (m); d = vertical depth (m); Y = Young’s modulus (Pa). This is the small-deflection result for a rectangular beam supported at both ends and loaded centrally.
Maximum height of a mountain
\[ h\rho g \le \sigma_\text{limit} \;\Rightarrow\; h_\text{max} = \frac{30\times10^{7}}{3\times10^{3}\times10} = 10^{4}\ \text{m} = 10\ \text{km} \]
Mount Everest is about 8.8 km, just under this limit. (NCERT notes that the stress at the base is really shear, and the estimate is rough.)
Symbols and assumptions: h = height (m); ρ = rock density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); σ_limit = limiting stress (Pa). The model treats the mountain as a uniform column; it is an order-of-magnitude estimate.
Symbols and assumptions: h = height (m); ρ = rock density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); σ_limit = limiting stress (Pa). The model treats the mountain as a uniform column; it is an order-of-magnitude estimate.
Fluids I · Pressure & Flow
Density and relative density
\[ \rho = \frac{m}{V}, \qquad \text{RD} = \frac{\rho}{1000\ \text{kg m}^{-3}} \]
1 g cm⁻³ = 1000 kg m⁻³. Water: 1000; seawater: 1030; ice: about 917 (problems often use 900); mercury: 13600; air: about 1.2–1.3 kg m⁻³.
Symbols and assumptions: ρ = density (kg/m³); m = mass (kg); V = volume (m³); RD = relative density compared with water of density 1000 kg/m³, dimensionless.
Symbols and assumptions: ρ = density (kg/m³); m = mass (kg); V = volume (m³); RD = relative density compared with water of density 1000 kg/m³, dimensionless.
Mixing two liquids
\[ \rho_{\text{equal }V} = \frac{\rho_1 + \rho_2}{2}, \qquad \rho_{\text{equal }m} = \frac{2\rho_1\rho_2}{\rho_1 + \rho_2} \]
Always use total mass ÷ total volume. The equal-mass result (harmonic mean) is always the smaller one.
Symbols and assumptions: ρ₁, ρ₂ = original liquid densities (kg/m³); ρ_equal V = mixture density when equal volumes are mixed; ρ_equal m = mixture density when equal masses are mixed. Both formulas assume volumes add without contraction or expansion.
Symbols and assumptions: ρ₁, ρ₂ = original liquid densities (kg/m³); ρ_equal V = mixture density when equal volumes are mixed; ρ_equal m = mixture density when equal masses are mixed. Both formulas assume volumes add without contraction or expansion.
Pascal's law at one level
\[P_1=P_2\quad\text{at equal height in a connected fluid at rest}\]
P₁ and P₂ are pressures at two points, in Pa. For a small fluid wedge at one point, balancing forces and the projected face areas similarly gives equal pressure in every orientation. Pressure is not the same at every depth: deeper points generally have greater pressure.
Symbols and assumptions: P₁, P₂ = equilibrium pressures (Pa) at two points at the same height in a connected fluid. Different depths can have different pressures.
Symbols and assumptions: P₁, P₂ = equilibrium pressures (Pa) at two points at the same height in a connected fluid. Different depths can have different pressures.
Pressure at depth h
\[ P = P_0 + \rho g h \]
\(P_0\) = pressure at the free surface (usually atmospheric, 1.013 × 10⁵ Pa), ρ = liquid density, h = vertical depth below the surface.
Symbols and assumptions: P = absolute pressure at the point (Pa); P₀ = pressure at the free surface (Pa); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = vertical depth below the surface (m). The liquid is at rest and its density is uniform.
Symbols and assumptions: P = absolute pressure at the point (Pa); P₀ = pressure at the free surface (Pa); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = vertical depth below the surface (m). The liquid is at rest and its density is uniform.
Between any two points
\[ P_2 - P_1 = \rho g (h_2 - h_1) \]
Only the vertical separation matters. Points at the same level in the same connected liquid at rest have the same pressure.
Symbols and assumptions: P₁, P₂ = pressures (Pa); h₁, h₂ = depths (m) measured downward from the same reference level; ρ = uniform density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). A deeper point has greater h and greater P.
Symbols and assumptions: P₁, P₂ = pressures (Pa); h₁, h₂ = depths (m) measured downward from the same reference level; ρ = uniform density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). A deeper point has greater h and greater P.
Force on a vertical wall of width w, liquid depth H
\[ F = \underbrace{\frac{\rho g H}{2}}_{\text{average pressure}} \times (H w) = \frac{\rho g H^2 w}{2} \]
Gauge force (the atmosphere usually acts on both sides and cancels). The resultant acts at H/3 above the base. On the base itself, F = ρgH × (base area).
Symbols and assumptions: F = net force from the water (N); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); H = vertical wetted depth (m); w = wall width (m). Atmospheric pressure acts on both sides and cancels; water is on only one side.
Symbols and assumptions: F = net force from the water (N); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); H = vertical wetted depth (m); w = wall width (m). Atmospheric pressure acts on both sides and cancels; water is on only one side.
Final height: conserve volume
\[A_1h_1+A_2h_2=(A_1+A_2)h_f,\qquad h_f=\frac{A_1h_1+A_2h_2}{A_1+A_2}\]
A₁, A₂ = vessel areas (m²); h₁, h₂ = initial depths (m); h_f = final common depth (m). For equal areas, h_f = (h₁ + h₂)/2. A common surface pressure and the same liquid are essential assumptions.
Symbols and assumptions: A₁, A₂ = constant vessel areas (m²); h₁, h₂ = initial depths above the common bottom (m); h_f = settled common depth (m). Both surfaces have the same imposed pressure; the pipe volume is neglected.
Symbols and assumptions: A₁, A₂ = constant vessel areas (m²); h₁, h₂ = initial depths above the common bottom (m); h_f = settled common depth (m). Both surfaces have the same imposed pressure; the pipe volume is neglected.
Work by gravity during equalisation
\[W_g=\frac{\rho g}{2}\left[A_1h_1^2+A_2h_2^2-(A_1+A_2)h_f^2\right]=\frac{\rho gA_1A_2}{2(A_1+A_2)}(h_1-h_2)^2\]
W_g = work done by gravity (J); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). A₁, A₂, h₁, h₂ and h_f have the meanings above. This is the decrease in gravitational potential energy between the initial and settled final states, not useful work automatically delivered by a machine.
Symbols and assumptions: W_g = work by gravity (J); ρ = common liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); A₁, A₂ = vessel areas (m²); h₁, h₂ = initial depths (m); h_f = final depth (m).
Symbols and assumptions: W_g = work by gravity (J); ρ = common liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); A₁, A₂ = vessel areas (m²); h₁, h₂ = initial depths (m); h_f = final depth (m).
Shortcut for equal-area cylinders
\[W_g=\frac{\rho gA}{4}(h_1-h_2)^2\]
A = area of each cylinder, not their combined area. This special case follows by putting A₁ = A₂ = A in the general formula. The height difference is squared; exchanging the two initial heights leaves the result unchanged.
Symbols and assumptions: W_g = work by gravity (J); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); A = area of each cylinder (m²); h₁, h₂ = initial depths (m). Only use this form when the vessel areas are equal.
Symbols and assumptions: W_g = work by gravity (J); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); A = area of each cylinder (m²); h₁, h₂ = initial depths (m). Only use this form when the vessel areas are equal.
Barometer
\[ P_0 = \rho_{Hg}\, g\, h \]
At sea level h = 0.76 m: \(13600 \times 9.8 \times 0.76 = 1.013\times10^5\) Pa. With water the column would be 10.3 m tall. The height is the vertical height. It does not depend on the tube's width or tilt; tilting only makes the column longer along the tube.
Symbols and assumptions: P₀ = atmospheric pressure (Pa); ρ_Hg = mercury density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = vertical height difference between mercury surfaces (m). Pressure above the closed-end column is treated as negligible.
Symbols and assumptions: P₀ = atmospheric pressure (Pa); ρ_Hg = mercury density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = vertical height difference between mercury surfaces (m). Pressure above the closed-end column is treated as negligible.
Open-tube manometer
\[ P_{\text{gas}} = P_0 + \rho g h \qquad (h = \text{difference in liquid levels}) \]
If the open side stands higher, the gas pressure is above atmospheric (h positive). If the open side is lower, the gas pressure is below atmospheric (subtract).
Symbols and assumptions: P_gas = gas absolute pressure (Pa); P₀ = atmospheric pressure (Pa); ρ = manometer-liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = vertical level difference (m). The displayed plus sign applies when the open-arm surface is higher; use a minus sign when it is lower.
Symbols and assumptions: P_gas = gas absolute pressure (Pa); P₀ = atmospheric pressure (Pa); ρ = manometer-liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = vertical level difference (m). The displayed plus sign applies when the open-arm surface is higher; use a minus sign when it is lower.
Force multiplication
\[ \frac{F_1}{A_1} = \frac{F_2}{A_2} \;\Rightarrow\; F_2 = F_1 \frac{A_2}{A_1} = F_1\left(\frac{d_2}{d_1}\right)^2 \]
Mechanical advantage = A₂/A₁. For round pistons, area ∝ (diameter)², so square the diameter ratio.
Symbols and assumptions: F₁ = input force (N); F₂ = balanced load force (N); A₁, A₂ = piston areas (m²); d₁, d₂ = piston diameters in matching units. These are force magnitudes due to the same added pressure; piston weight, friction and height corrections are neglected.
Symbols and assumptions: F₁ = input force (N); F₂ = balanced load force (N); A₁, A₂ = piston areas (m²); d₁, d₂ = piston diameters in matching units. These are force magnitudes due to the same added pressure; piston weight, friction and height corrections are neglected.
No free energy
\[ A_1 x_1 = A_2 x_2, \qquad F_1 x_1 = F_2 x_2 \]
The liquid volume pushed out of the small cylinder equals the volume entering the big one. The big piston rises only x₂ = x₁A₁/A₂, so work in = work out (ideal machine).
Symbols and assumptions: A₁, A₂ = piston areas (m²); x₁, x₂ = piston displacement magnitudes (m); F₁, F₂ = corresponding forces (N). A₁x₁ = A₂x₂ conserves volume, and F₁x₁ = F₂x₂ conserves work in the ideal machine.
Symbols and assumptions: A₁, A₂ = piston areas (m²); x₁, x₂ = piston displacement magnitudes (m); F₁, F₂ = corresponding forces (N). A₁x₁ = A₂x₂ conserves volume, and F₁x₁ = F₂x₂ conserves work in the ideal machine.
Buoyant force
\[ F_B = \rho_l\, V_{sub}\, g \]
ρ_l = density of the liquid, V_sub = submerged volume. F_B vs V_sub is a straight line through the origin with slope ρ_l g, and it becomes flat once the body is fully under (Test-05 Q36).
Symbols and assumptions: F_B = upward buoyant force (N); ρ_l = liquid density (kg/m³); V_sub = displaced/submerged volume (m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). The submerged volume need not be the whole body volume.
Symbols and assumptions: F_B = upward buoyant force (N); ρ_l = liquid density (kg/m³); V_sub = displaced/submerged volume (m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). The submerged volume need not be the whole body volume.
Floating (equilibrium)
\[ \rho_b V g = \rho_l V_{sub} g \;\Rightarrow\; \frac{V_{sub}}{V} = \frac{\rho_b}{\rho_l} \]
Fraction submerged = density ratio. Ice (900) in water: 90% under. Wood (600) in water: 60% under.
Symbols and assumptions: ρ_b = mean body density (kg/m³); ρ_l = liquid density (kg/m³); V = total body volume (m³); V_sub = submerged volume (m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). The body floats freely with no other vertical support or force.
Symbols and assumptions: ρ_b = mean body density (kg/m³); ρ_l = liquid density (kg/m³); V = total body volume (m³); V_sub = submerged volume (m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). The body floats freely with no other vertical support or force.
Apparent weight (fully immersed)
\[ W_{app} = W - F_B = W\left(1 - \frac{\rho_l}{\rho_b}\right) \]
Loss of weight = F_B. Relative density of a solid = W_air ÷ (W_air − W_water).
Symbols and assumptions: W_app = support-force magnitude/readout (N); W = true weight (N); F_B = buoyancy (N); ρ_l = liquid density; ρ_b = mean body density, both in kg/m³. A negative W − F_B means a downward restraint is needed, not a negative reading on an ordinary hanging spring balance.
Symbols and assumptions: W_app = support-force magnitude/readout (N); W = true weight (N); F_B = buoyancy (N); ρ_l = liquid density; ρ_b = mean body density, both in kg/m³. A negative W − F_B means a downward restraint is needed, not a negative reading on an ordinary hanging spring balance.
Body at the interface of two liquids
\[ \rho_b V = \rho_1 V_1 + \rho_2 V_2 \]
V₁ + V₂ = V. The body's density is the volume-weighted average of the two liquids.
Symbols and assumptions: ρ_b = mean body density; ρ₁, ρ₂ = upper/lower liquid densities, all in kg/m³; V = total body volume; V₁, V₂ = volumes in the two liquids, all in m³. The displayed form assumes V₁ + V₂ = V; no part is in air.
Symbols and assumptions: ρ_b = mean body density; ρ₁, ρ₂ = upper/lower liquid densities, all in kg/m³; V = total body volume; V₁, V₂ = volumes in the two liquids, all in m³. The displayed form assumes V₁ + V₂ = V; no part is in air.
Equation of continuity (conservation of mass)
\[ A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2 = Q \]
Q = volume flow rate (m³ s⁻¹), constant along the pipe. Mass flow rate = ρQ (kg s⁻¹).
Symbols and assumptions: A₁, A₂ = cross-sectional areas (m²); v₁, v₂ = section-average flow speeds (m/s); Q = volume flow rate (m³/s). This form requires steady incompressible flow with no leak between the sections.
Symbols and assumptions: A₁, A₂ = cross-sectional areas (m²); v₁, v₂ = section-average flow speeds (m/s); Q = volume flow rate (m³/s). This form requires steady incompressible flow with no leak between the sections.
Round pipes
\[ v \propto \frac{1}{A} \propto \frac{1}{d^2}, \qquad \frac{v_1}{v_2} = \left(\frac{d_2}{d_1}\right)^2 \]
Halve the diameter → 4× the speed. Kinetic energy per volume ½ρv² ∝ 1/d⁴.
Symbols and assumptions: v = section-average speed (m/s); A = area (m²); d = diameter (m); indices 1 and 2 identify two sections. Ratios assume the same conserved volume flow rate; diameter ratios must be squared.
Symbols and assumptions: v = section-average speed (m/s); A = area (m²); d = diameter (m); indices 1 and 2 identify two sections. Ratios assume the same conserved volume flow rate; diameter ratios must be squared.
Branching and many holes
\[ A v = \sum_i A_i v_i, \qquad A_1 v_1 = n\,a\,v_2 \]
Flow in = total flow out. Spray pumps and shower heads: n holes, each of area a.
Symbols and assumptions: A, v = inlet area (m²) and mean speed (m/s); A_i, v_i = area and outward mean speed of outlet i; n = number of identical holes; a = area of each hole (m²); A₁, v₁ = inlet values; v₂ = speed at each identical outlet (m/s).
Symbols and assumptions: A, v = inlet area (m²) and mean speed (m/s); A_i, v_i = area and outward mean speed of outlet i; n = number of identical holes; a = area of each hole (m²); A₁, v₁ = inlet values; v₂ = speed at each identical outlet (m/s).
Bernoulli's equation (along a streamline)
\[ P + \tfrac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{constant} \]
Each term is energy per unit volume (J m⁻³ = Pa): P = pressure energy, ½ρv² = kinetic energy, ρgh = potential energy, all per unit volume. Valid along a streamline for steady, incompressible flow with negligible viscosity and no added work or energy loss. Irrotational flow permits comparison across streamlines.
Symbols and assumptions: P = local pressure (Pa); ρ = density (kg/m³); v = speed (m/s); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = height (m) measured upward from a chosen datum. Unlike the earlier depth h, this h is an upward elevation.
Symbols and assumptions: P = local pressure (Pa); ρ = density (kg/m³); v = speed (m/s); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = height (m) measured upward from a chosen datum. Unlike the earlier depth h, this h is an upward elevation.
Per unit mass
\[ \frac{P}{\rho} + \frac{v^2}{2} + g h = \text{const} \]
Units J kg⁻¹.
Symbols and assumptions: P = pressure (Pa); ρ = density (kg/m³); v = speed (m/s); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = upward elevation (m). Each term has units J/kg; the ideal Bernoulli assumptions still apply.
Symbols and assumptions: P = pressure (Pa); ρ = density (kg/m³); v = speed (m/s); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = upward elevation (m). Each term has units J/kg; the ideal Bernoulli assumptions still apply.
Per unit weight ("heads")
\[ \frac{P}{\rho g} + \frac{v^2}{2g} + h = \text{const} \]
Pressure head + velocity head + elevation head, each a length (m).
Symbols and assumptions: P = pressure (Pa); ρ = density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); v = speed (m/s); h = upward elevation (m). Every term is a head in metres; a head is energy per unit weight.
Symbols and assumptions: P = pressure (Pa); ρ = density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); v = speed (m/s); h = upward elevation (m). Every term is a head in metres; a head is energy per unit weight.
Speed of efflux
\[ v = \sqrt{2 g h} \]
h = depth of the hole below the free surface. Independent of the liquid's density and the hole's size.
Symbols and assumptions: v = exit speed (m/s); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = vertical depth of the hole below the free surface (m). Both surface and exit are at the same pressure; the tank area is much larger than the hole area and losses are neglected.
Symbols and assumptions: v = exit speed (m/s); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = vertical depth of the hole below the free surface (m). Both surface and exit are at the same pressure; the tank area is much larger than the hole area and losses are neglected.
Extra pressure on the surface (closed tank, piston, load)
\[ v = \sqrt{2gh + \frac{2(P - P_0)}{\rho}} \]
An extra pressure ΔP on the surface adds ΔP/ρg to the effective head (Test-05 Q35).
Symbols and assumptions: v = exit speed (m/s); h = hole depth below the free surface (m); P = pressure on the liquid surface (Pa); P₀ = pressure outside the hole (Pa); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). A piston load M adds Mg/A to surface pressure, with M its mass and A the piston area.
Symbols and assumptions: v = exit speed (m/s); h = hole depth below the free surface (m); P = pressure on the liquid surface (Pa); P₀ = pressure outside the hole (Pa); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). A piston load M adds Mg/A to surface pressure, with M its mass and A the piston area.
Horizontal range on the ground
\[ R = v\sqrt{\frac{2y}{g}} = 2\sqrt{h\,y} = 2\sqrt{h(H-h)} \]
h = depth below surface, y = height of hole above the ground, H = h + y (liquid surface above the ground). Maximum R = H when h = y = H/2. Holes at depth h and at depth H − h give the same range.
Symbols and assumptions: R = horizontal range (m); v = horizontal exit speed (m/s); y = hole height above the landing level (m); h = hole depth below the liquid surface (m); H = surface height above the landing level (m), so y = H − h; g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). Air resistance and changes in surface height during flight are neglected.
Symbols and assumptions: R = horizontal range (m); v = horizontal exit speed (m/s); y = hole height above the landing level (m); h = hole depth below the liquid surface (m); H = surface height above the landing level (m), so y = H − h; g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). Air resistance and changes in surface height during flight are neglected.
Time to empty (hole at the bottom)
\[ t = \frac{A}{a}\sqrt{\frac{2H}{g}} \;\propto\; \sqrt{H} \]
A = tank area, a = hole area. From H₁ to H₂: \( t = \frac{A}{a}\sqrt{\frac{2}{g}}\,(\sqrt{H_1} - \sqrt{H_2}) \). The first half of the height drains in only 29% of the total time.
Symbols and assumptions: t = emptying time (s); A = constant tank cross-sectional area (m²); a = hole area (m²); H = initial water depth (m); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). The hole is small compared with the tank and viscous/contraction losses are neglected.
Symbols and assumptions: t = emptying time (s); A = constant tank cross-sectional area (m²); a = hole area (m²); H = initial water depth (m); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). The hole is small compared with the tank and viscous/contraction losses are neglected.
Thrust (reaction) of the jet
\[ F = \rho a v^2 = 2\rho a g h \]
Momentum per second carried out by the jet. This is twice the hydrostatic force ρgh·a on a plugged hole. Two holes on opposite walls at depths h₁, h₂: net force 2ρag(h₂ − h₁) (Q40).
Symbols and assumptions: F = horizontal reaction-force magnitude (N); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); a = hole area (m²); v = exit speed (m/s); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = hole depth below the surface (m). The second form uses v² = 2gh.
Symbols and assumptions: F = horizontal reaction-force magnitude (N); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); a = hole area (m²); v = exit speed (m/s); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = hole depth below the surface (m). The second form uses v² = 2gh.
Two equations, two unknowns
\[ A_1v_1 = A_2v_2, \qquad P_1 - P_2 = \tfrac12\rho\,(v_2^2 - v_1^2) \]
Substitute v₂ = v₁A₁/A₂ into Bernoulli and solve for v₁.
Symbols and assumptions: A₁, A₂ = pipe areas (m²); v₁, v₂ = flow speeds (m/s); P₁, P₂ = pressures (Pa); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³). The sections are horizontal and the flow is ideal, steady and incompressible.
Symbols and assumptions: A₁, A₂ = pipe areas (m²); v₁, v₂ = flow speeds (m/s); P₁, P₂ = pressures (Pa); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³). The sections are horizontal and the flow is ideal, steady and incompressible.
Venturimeter result
\[ v_1 = \sqrt{\frac{2\,\Delta P}{\rho\left[(A_1/A_2)^2 - 1\right]}}, \qquad Q = A_1 v_1 = A_1A_2\sqrt{\frac{2\,\Delta P}{\rho\,(A_1^2 - A_2^2)}} \]
ΔP = P₁ − P₂. With vertical tubes of the same liquid, ΔP = ρgΔh. With a U-tube manometer holding a heavier liquid ρ_m (e.g. mercury under water), ΔP = (ρ_m − ρ)gh.
Symbols and assumptions: v₁ = speed in the wider section (m/s); A₁ = wider area and A₂ = throat area (m²), with A₁ > A₂; ΔP = P₁ − P₂ (Pa), positive; ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); Q = volume flow rate (m³/s). The pressure difference is measured at equal elevation.
Symbols and assumptions: v₁ = speed in the wider section (m/s); A₁ = wider area and A₂ = throat area (m²), with A₁ > A₂; ΔP = P₁ − P₂ (Pa), positive; ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); Q = volume flow rate (m³/s). The pressure difference is measured at equal elevation.
Uniform-pressure approximation for a wing
\[P_\text{bottom}-P_\text{top}=\frac12\rho(v_\text{top}^{2}-v_\text{bottom}^{2}),\qquad F_\text{lift}=\Delta P\,A\]
ρ is the air density; A is the effective wing area. Positive F means upward lift. A real wing has a varying pressure distribution, so its total force is found by adding pressure forces over the surface.
Symbols and assumptions: P_bottom, P_top = air pressures below/above the wing (Pa); v_top, v_bottom = air speeds relative to the wing (m/s); ρ = air density (kg/m³); ΔP = P_bottom − P_top; A = effective wing area (m²); F_lift = signed upward lift (N).
Symbols and assumptions: P_bottom, P_top = air pressures below/above the wing (Pa); v_top, v_bottom = air speeds relative to the wing (m/s); ρ = air density (kg/m³); ΔP = P_bottom − P_top; A = effective wing area (m²); F_lift = signed upward lift (N).
Horizontal acceleration
\[\tan\theta=\frac{|a|}{g},\qquad |\Delta h|=\frac{|a|\ell}{g}\]
θ is the tilt from horizontal; ℓ is the horizontal tank length. The rear side is higher, assuming enough liquid and no spilling.
Symbols and assumptions: a = signed horizontal tank acceleration (m/s²); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); θ = free-surface tilt from horizontal; ℓ = horizontal tank length (m); Δh = surface-height difference across that length (m). Absolute values give magnitudes.
Symbols and assumptions: a = signed horizontal tank acceleration (m/s²); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); θ = free-surface tilt from horizontal; ℓ = horizontal tank length (m); Δh = surface-height difference across that length (m). Absolute values give magnitudes.
Vertical acceleration
\[P-P_0=\rho(g+a)h,\qquad F_B=\rho_\ell V_\text{sub}(g+a)\]
Here a is signed positive upward. For downward acceleration of magnitude a, replace g+a with g−a.
Symbols and assumptions: P = absolute pressure at depth h (Pa); P₀ = surface pressure (Pa); ρ or ρ_l = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); a = signed lift acceleration, positive upward (m/s²); h = vertical depth (m); F_B = buoyancy (N); V_sub = submerged volume (m³).
Symbols and assumptions: P = absolute pressure at depth h (Pa); P₀ = surface pressure (Pa); ρ or ρ_l = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); a = signed lift acceleration, positive upward (m/s²); h = vertical depth (m); F_B = buoyancy (N); V_sub = submerged volume (m³).
Fluids II · Viscosity & Surface Tension
Newton's law of viscosity
\[ F = -\,\eta A \frac{dv}{dx} \]
\(\eta\) (eta) = coefficient of viscosity. The minus sign says the force opposes the relative motion. For a liquid film of thickness \(d\) under a plate moving at \(v\): \(F = \eta A v/d\).
Symbols and assumptions: F = signed viscous force (N), opposing relative layer motion; η = dynamic viscosity (Pa·s); A = sheared area (m²); v = flow velocity (m/s); x = distance across layers (m); dv/dx = velocity gradient (s⁻¹). Use |F| = ηA|dv/dx| for the magnitude.
Symbols and assumptions: F = signed viscous force (N), opposing relative layer motion; η = dynamic viscosity (Pa·s); A = sheared area (m²); v = flow velocity (m/s); x = distance across layers (m); dv/dx = velocity gradient (s⁻¹). Use |F| = ηA|dv/dx| for the magnitude.
Velocity gradient
\[ \frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{v}{d} \;\;(\text{uniform film}) \]
Change in speed per unit distance across the layers. Unit s⁻¹. It is also the rate of shear strain.
Symbols and assumptions: v = moving-plate speed relative to the fixed plate (m/s); d = film thickness (m); x = perpendicular distance through the film (m); dv/dx = velocity gradient (s⁻¹). The v/d form assumes a linear velocity profile and no slip.
Symbols and assumptions: v = moving-plate speed relative to the fixed plate (m/s); d = film thickness (m); x = perpendicular distance through the film (m); dv/dx = velocity gradient (s⁻¹). The v/d form assumes a linear velocity profile and no slip.
Units & dimensions of η
\[ \eta = \frac{F/A}{v/d} \;\Rightarrow\; [\mathrm{M\,L^{-1}\,T^{-1}}] \]
SI: N s m⁻² = Pa·s (also called poiseuille, PI). CGS: poise. 1 poise = 0.1 Pa·s (so 1 Pa·s = 10 poise).
Symbols and assumptions: η = viscosity (Pa·s); F = viscous-force magnitude (N); A = plate area (m²); v = relative plate speed (m/s); d = film thickness (m). M, L and T in the dimensional expression mean mass, length and time.
Symbols and assumptions: η = viscosity (Pa·s); F = viscous-force magnitude (N); A = plate area (m²); v = relative plate speed (m/s); d = film thickness (m). M, L and T in the dimensional expression mean mass, length and time.
Volume flow rate
\[Q=\frac{\pi r^4\Delta P}{8\eta\ell}\]
Q in m³/s, r and ℓ in m, ΔP in Pa and η in Pa·s. Flow resistance is \(\Delta P/Q=8\eta\ell/(\pi r^4)\).
Symbols and assumptions: Q = volume flow rate (m³/s); r = inner pipe radius (m); ΔP = pressure drop (Pa); η = viscosity (Pa·s); ℓ = pipe length (m). The pipe is horizontal, circular, straight and has fully developed laminar flow with no slip.
Symbols and assumptions: Q = volume flow rate (m³/s); r = inner pipe radius (m); ΔP = pressure drop (Pa); η = viscosity (Pa·s); ℓ = pipe length (m). The pipe is horizontal, circular, straight and has fully developed laminar flow with no slip.
Velocity profile
\[v(s)=\frac{\Delta P}{4\eta\ell}(r^2-s^2),\quad v_\text{max}=2\bar v\]
The area-averaged speed is \(\bar v=Q/(\pi r^2)\). Zero at the wall; maximum at s = 0.
Symbols and assumptions: v(s) = axial speed (m/s) at radial distance s from the axis (m); r = pipe radius (m); ΔP = pressure drop (Pa); η = viscosity (Pa·s); ℓ = pipe length (m); v_max = axis speed; v̄ = section-average speed. At s = r, v = 0.
Symbols and assumptions: v(s) = axial speed (m/s) at radial distance s from the axis (m); r = pipe radius (m); ΔP = pressure drop (Pa); η = viscosity (Pa·s); ℓ = pipe length (m); v_max = axis speed; v̄ = section-average speed. At s = r, v = 0.
Stokes' law
\[ F_v = 6\pi\eta r v \]
r = radius of sphere, v = its speed relative to the fluid. Drag ∝ η, ∝ r, ∝ v. Valid for small spheres at low speed (laminar flow).
Symbols and assumptions: F_v = drag magnitude (N); η = liquid viscosity (Pa·s); r = sphere radius (m); v = sphere speed relative to the liquid (m/s). Drag opposes that relative motion. The sphere is rigid and sufficiently far from walls; the Reynolds number must be very small.
Symbols and assumptions: F_v = drag magnitude (N); η = liquid viscosity (Pa·s); r = sphere radius (m); v = sphere speed relative to the liquid (m/s). Drag opposes that relative motion. The sphere is rigid and sufficiently far from walls; the Reynolds number must be very small.
Terminal velocity
\[ v_t = \frac{2 r^2 (\rho - \sigma) g}{9\eta} \]
ρ = density of the sphere, σ = density of the fluid. If σ > ρ, \(v_t\) is negative: the body rises (air bubble).
Symbols and assumptions: v_t = terminal settling speed (m/s); r = sphere radius (m); ρ = sphere density; σ = liquid density, both in kg/m³; g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); η = viscosity (Pa·s). Here σ is a density, not stress or Poisson’s ratio. A negative result indicates upward motion; Stokes-flow assumptions must hold.
Symbols and assumptions: v_t = terminal settling speed (m/s); r = sphere radius (m); ρ = sphere density; σ = liquid density, both in kg/m³; g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); η = viscosity (Pa·s). Here σ is a density, not stress or Poisson’s ratio. A negative result indicates upward motion; Stokes-flow assumptions must hold.
At terminal velocity (Q45)
\[ F_v = W - B = \tfrac43\pi r^3(\rho-\sigma)g = Mg\left(1-\tfrac{\sigma}{\rho}\right) \]
If σ = ρ/2, the viscous force is Mg/2.
Symbols and assumptions: F_v = upward viscous drag (N); W = weight (N); B = buoyant force (N), not bulk modulus; M = sphere mass (kg); r = sphere radius (m); ρ = sphere density; σ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). This form describes a sphere settling downward.
Symbols and assumptions: F_v = upward viscous drag (N); W = weight (N); B = buoyant force (N), not bulk modulus; M = sphere mass (kg); r = sphere radius (m); ρ = sphere density; σ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). This form describes a sphere settling downward.
n drops coalesce (Q32)
\[ R = n^{1/3}r,\quad v' = n^{2/3}\,v \]
Volume adds, so \(R^3 = nr^3\). Breaking one sphere into n equal drops: each has \(v/n^{2/3}\) (Q40: 27 pieces → speed ÷ 9).
Symbols and assumptions: n = number of identical initial drops; r = each small radius; R = merged radius, in matching units; v = initial terminal speed; v′ = merged terminal speed (m/s). Densities and viscosity stay unchanged; both speeds must be in the Stokes regime.
Symbols and assumptions: n = number of identical initial drops; r = each small radius; R = merged radius, in matching units; v = initial terminal speed; v′ = merged terminal speed (m/s). Densities and viscosity stay unchanged; both speeds must be in the Stokes regime.
Rising air bubble (Q41)
\[ v = \frac{2r^2\sigma g}{9\eta} \;\Rightarrow\; \eta = \frac{2r^2\sigma g}{9v} \]
Air density ≈ 0 compared with the liquid density σ, so \(\rho - \sigma \approx -\sigma\): the bubble moves up.
Symbols and assumptions: v = steady upward speed (m/s); r = bubble radius (m); σ = solution density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); η = solution viscosity (Pa·s). Air weight is neglected and the school model assumes Stokes-type drag; a clean mobile bubble interface can behave differently.
Symbols and assumptions: v = steady upward speed (m/s); r = bubble radius (m); σ = solution density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); η = solution viscosity (Pa·s). Air weight is neglected and the school model assumes Stokes-type drag; a clean mobile bubble interface can behave differently.
Reynolds number
\[ R_e = \frac{\rho v d}{\eta} = \text{inertia/viscosity scale} \]
ρ = fluid density, v = flow speed, d = pipe diameter, η = viscosity. Dimensionless (no unit). Approximate ranges used in your coaching test: \(R_e \lt 1000\) laminar · 1000–2000 unsteady · \(R_e \gt 2000\) turbulent.
Symbols and assumptions: R_e = Reynolds number, dimensionless; ρ = fluid density (kg/m³); v = mean pipe speed (m/s); d = pipe diameter (m); η = viscosity (Pa·s). The force ratio represents a characteristic scaling, not a universal equality for every geometry.
Symbols and assumptions: R_e = Reynolds number, dimensionless; ρ = fluid density (kg/m³); v = mean pipe speed (m/s); d = pipe diameter (m); η = viscosity (Pa·s). The force ratio represents a characteristic scaling, not a universal equality for every geometry.
Surface tension
\[ T = \frac{F}{L} \]
Unit N m⁻¹ (= J m⁻²). Dimensions [M T⁻²]. Water at 20 °C: ≈ 0.072 N/m. Soap solution: ≈ 0.03 N/m. Mercury: ≈ 0.47 N/m.
Symbols and assumptions: T = surface tension (N/m); F = tangential force (N) across a line of length L (m) on one liquid surface. The line lies in the surface; the force is perpendicular to that line. T here is not temperature.
Symbols and assumptions: T = surface tension (N/m); F = tangential force (N) across a line of length L (m) on one liquid surface. The line lies in the surface; the force is perpendicular to that line. T here is not temperature.
Film on a frame (two surfaces)
\[ F = 2TL \]
A soap film has a front and a back surface, so a slider of length L is pulled by both: \(T L + T L\).
Symbols and assumptions: F = force pulling the movable wire (N); T = surface tension (N/m); L = wire length in contact with one face of the film (m). Both faces contribute, giving the factor 2.
Symbols and assumptions: F = force pulling the movable wire (N); T = surface tension (N/m); L = wire length in contact with one face of the film (m). Both faces contribute, giving the factor 2.
Film (two surfaces)
\[ W = T \cdot 2\,\Delta A \]
ΔA = change in area of the film as you see it (one face).
Symbols and assumptions: W = work to increase surface area (J); T = constant surface tension (N/m); ΔA = increase in area of one face (m²). The total new area is 2ΔA.
Symbols and assumptions: W = work to increase surface area (J); T = constant surface tension (N/m); ΔA = increase in area of one face (m²). The total new area is 2ΔA.
Soap bubble, r₁ → r₂
\[ W = 8\pi T\,(r_2^2 - r_1^2) \]
Two surfaces, each \(4\pi r^2\). Blowing from zero: \(8\pi r^2T\).
Symbols and assumptions: W = increase in surface energy (J); T = surface tension (N/m); r₁, r₂ = initial/final bubble radii (m). This counts two surfaces of a thin soap film and assumes T stays constant.
Symbols and assumptions: W = increase in surface energy (J); T = surface tension (N/m); r₁, r₂ = initial/final bubble radii (m). This counts two surfaces of a thin soap film and assumes T stays constant.
Liquid drop (one surface)
\[ E = 4\pi r^2 T \]
A drop has only its outer surface.
Symbols and assumptions: E = surface energy (J); r = drop radius (m); T = surface tension (N/m). The drop has area 4πr² and one liquid–air interface; creating extra area increases E.
Symbols and assumptions: E = surface energy (J); r = drop radius (m); T = surface tension (N/m). The drop has area 4πr² and one liquid–air interface; creating extra area increases E.
n small drops → one big drop
\[ \Delta E = 4\pi r^2 T\, n\,(1 - n^{-1/3}) = 4\pi R^2 T\,(n^{1/3}-1) \]
Volume conserved, \(R = n^{1/3} r\). Energy is released (as heat). Splitting R into n drops needs this much work.
Symbols and assumptions: ΔE = positive energy released (J); n = number of equal small drops; r = each small radius (m); R = merged radius (m); T = surface tension (N/m). Volume conservation gives R³ = nr³; surface area decreases.
Symbols and assumptions: ΔE = positive energy released (J); n = number of equal small drops; r = each small radius (m); R = merged radius (m); T = surface tension (N/m). Volume conservation gives R³ = nr³; surface area decreases.
Balance of surface tensions at the contact line (NCERT)
\[ S_{la}\cos\theta + S_{sl} = S_{sa} \;\Rightarrow\; \cos\theta = \frac{S_{sa}-S_{sl}}{S_{la}} \]
l = liquid, s = solid, a = air. If \(S_{sl} \gt S_{sa}\), cos θ < 0, so θ is obtuse (does not wet, e.g. water–leaf). If \(S_{sl} \lt S_{sa}\), θ is acute (wets, e.g. water–glass).
Symbols and assumptions: S_la = liquid–air surface tension; S_sl = solid–liquid interfacial energy per area; S_sa = solid–air interfacial energy per area, all in N/m = J/m². θ = equilibrium contact angle measured through the liquid. This balance assumes a smooth equilibrium contact line.
Symbols and assumptions: S_la = liquid–air surface tension; S_sl = solid–liquid interfacial energy per area; S_sa = solid–air interfacial energy per area, all in N/m = J/m². θ = equilibrium contact angle measured through the liquid. This balance assumes a smooth equilibrium contact line.
Liquid drop
\[ P_{in}-P_{out} = \frac{2T}{r} \]
One surface (outer).
Symbols and assumptions: P_in, P_out = pressures inside/outside the drop (Pa); T = surface tension (N/m); r = spherical drop radius (m). Their difference is the excess pressure, not the full inside pressure.
Symbols and assumptions: P_in, P_out = pressures inside/outside the drop (Pa); T = surface tension (N/m); r = spherical drop radius (m). Their difference is the excess pressure, not the full inside pressure.
Soap bubble in air
\[ P_{in}-P_{out} = \frac{4T}{r} \]
Two surfaces (outer and inner).
Symbols and assumptions: P_in, P_out = inside/outside pressures (Pa); T = surface tension (N/m); r = bubble radius (m). A thin film has two surfaces, giving twice the drop’s excess pressure.
Symbols and assumptions: P_in, P_out = inside/outside pressures (Pa); T = surface tension (N/m); r = bubble radius (m). A thin film has two surfaces, giving twice the drop’s excess pressure.
Air bubble at depth h in a liquid
\[ P_{in} = P_0 + \rho g h + \frac{2T}{r} \]
One surface. P₀ = atmospheric pressure on the liquid.
Symbols and assumptions: P_in = bubble inside pressure (Pa); P₀ = pressure on the liquid free surface (Pa); ρ = surrounding liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = bubble depth (m); T = liquid–air surface tension (N/m); r = bubble radius (m).
Symbols and assumptions: P_in = bubble inside pressure (Pa); P₀ = pressure on the liquid free surface (Pa); ρ = surrounding liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); h = bubble depth (m); T = liquid–air surface tension (N/m); r = bubble radius (m).
Common interface of two stuck bubbles
\[ r = \frac{r_1 r_2}{r_2 - r_1} \]
From \(\frac{4T}{r_1} - \frac{4T}{r_2} = \frac{4T}{r}\) (r₁ < r₂). The interface bulges into the bigger bubble.
Symbols and assumptions: r = radius of curvature of the common film (m); r₁, r₂ = radii of the two bubbles (m), with r₁ < r₂; T = soap-film surface tension (N/m). For equal bubble radii, the separating film is flat, corresponding to infinite r.
Symbols and assumptions: r = radius of curvature of the common film (m); r₁, r₂ = radii of the two bubbles (m), with r₁ < r₂; T = soap-film surface tension (N/m). For equal bubble radii, the separating film is flat, corresponding to infinite r.
Moles of air in a bubble
\[ n = \frac{PV}{RT_K} = \frac{\left(P_0 + \frac{4T}{r}\right)\frac43\pi r^3}{RT_K} \]
Use the inside pressure (Q18). \(T_K\) = absolute temperature. If two bubbles merge isothermally in vacuum (P₀ = 0): \(R^2 = r_1^2 + r_2^2\).
Symbols and assumptions: n = amount of gas (mol); P = absolute inside pressure (Pa); V = gas volume (m³); R in PV/(RT_K) = universal gas constant 8.314 J/(mol·K); T_K = gas temperature (K); T = surface tension (N/m); r = bubble radius (m); P₀ = outside pressure (Pa). In the merger result, R instead denotes the final bubble radius: read each R in its local context.
Symbols and assumptions: n = amount of gas (mol); P = absolute inside pressure (Pa); V = gas volume (m³); R in PV/(RT_K) = universal gas constant 8.314 J/(mol·K); T_K = gas temperature (K); T = surface tension (N/m); r = bubble radius (m); P₀ = outside pressure (Pa). In the merger result, R instead denotes the final bubble radius: read each R in its local context.
Capillary rise (Jurin's law)
\[ h = \frac{2T\cos\theta}{r\rho g} \]
r = inner radius. θ > 90° gives h < 0 (fall, e.g. mercury). \(h \propto 1/r\), so \(hr\) = constant for a given liquid.
Symbols and assumptions: h = signed vertical rise above the outside liquid level (m); T = surface tension (N/m); θ = contact angle through the liquid; r = tube inner radius (m); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). Negative h means capillary depression.
Symbols and assumptions: h = signed vertical rise above the outside liquid level (m); T = surface tension (N/m); θ = contact angle through the liquid; r = tube inner radius (m); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²). Negative h means capillary depression.
Force method: weight held up
\[ \pi r^2 h\rho g = 2\pi r T\cos\theta \]
Surface tension pulls up all round the rim. The weight of the column is \(2\pi rT\cos\theta\): independent of h, and ∝ r. So the mass raised ∝ r.
Symbols and assumptions: r = inner tube radius (m); h = vertical rise (m); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); T = surface tension (N/m); θ = contact angle through the liquid. The left side is the raised column’s weight; the right is the upward component of force around its rim.
Symbols and assumptions: r = inner tube radius (m); h = vertical rise (m); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); T = surface tension (N/m); θ = contact angle through the liquid. The left side is the raised column’s weight; the right is the upward component of force around its rim.
Measuring T by capillary rise
\[ T = \frac{r h \rho g}{2\cos\theta} \;\xrightarrow{\theta\,\approx\,0}\; \frac{rh\rho g}{2} \]
Measure h with a travelling microscope and the bore radius r. A finer version adds the meniscus volume: \(T = r(h + r/3)\rho g/2\).
Symbols and assumptions: T = inferred surface tension (N/m); r = measured inner radius (m); h = vertical rise to the meniscus bottom (m); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); θ = contact angle. The h + r/3 correction assumes a nearly hemispherical meniscus at θ ≈ 0.
Symbols and assumptions: T = inferred surface tension (N/m); r = measured inner radius (m); h = vertical rise to the meniscus bottom (m); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); θ = contact angle. The h + r/3 correction assumes a nearly hemispherical meniscus at θ ≈ 0.
School-level capillary-rise measurement
\[T=\frac{\rho grh}{2\cos\theta}\approx\frac{\rho grh}{2}\quad(\theta\approx0)\]
Measure h vertically from the outside free surface to the bottom of the concave meniscus. Use the bore radius, not the wall thickness or outer radius. This approximation neglects the small meniscus-volume correction.
Symbols and assumptions: T = inferred surface tension (N/m); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); r = inner tube radius (m); h = vertical rise above the outside liquid surface (m); θ = contact angle measured through the liquid.
Symbols and assumptions: T = inferred surface tension (N/m); ρ = liquid density (kg/m³); g = gravitational acceleration (m/s²); r = inner tube radius (m); h = vertical rise above the outside liquid surface (m); θ = contact angle measured through the liquid.
Oscillations
Periodic motion and the SHM condition
\[ a=-\omega^2x,\qquad F=-kx,\qquad \omega=\sqrt{k/m} \]
Symbols and assumptions: x is displacement from stable equilibrium (m); a acceleration (m/s²); ω angular frequency (rad/s); F restoring force (N); k positive stiffness (N/m); m mass (kg). The spring relation assumes a linear restoring force.
Effective spring constant from U(x)
\[ k=\left.\frac{d^2U}{dx^2}\right|_{x_0},\qquad \omega=\sqrt{\frac km} \]
Symbols and assumptions: k effective stiffness (N/m); U potential energy (J); x position (m); x₀ stable equilibrium where dU/dx = 0 and U is a minimum; ω angular frequency (rad/s); m mass (kg). Valid for small oscillations about x₀.
Period of sin² and cos² motion
\[ \sin^2\omega t=\tfrac12-\tfrac12\cos2\omega t\quad\Rightarrow\quad T=\frac{\pi}{\omega} \]
Symbols and assumptions: ω angular frequency of the original sine (rad/s); t time (s); T period of the squared function (s). The motion is SHM about the mean value ½, at angular frequency 2ω.
Displacement, phase and initial conditions
\[ x=A\cos(\omega t+\phi),\qquad T=\frac{2\pi}{\omega},\qquad f=\frac1T \]
Symbols and assumptions: x displacement and A amplitude (m); ω angular frequency (rad/s); t time (s); φ initial phase (rad); T period (s); f frequency (Hz). The equilibrium coordinate is x=0.
Amplitude and phase from initial conditions
\[ A=\sqrt{x_0^2+\frac{v_0^2}{\omega^2}},\qquad \tan\phi=-\frac{v_0}{\omega x_0} \]
Symbols and assumptions: A amplitude (m); x₀ initial displacement (m); v₀ initial velocity (m/s); ω angular frequency (rad/s); φ initial phase of x = A cos(ωt + φ) (rad). Choose the quadrant of φ from the signs of x₀ and v₀.
Time from the mean position
\[ t=\frac{T}{2\pi}\sin^{-1}\!\left(\frac xA\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: t shortest time to go from x = 0 to x (s); T period (s); x displacement (m); A amplitude (m). Gives T/12 for A/2, T/8 for A/√2 and T/6 for √3A/2.
Velocity and acceleration through a cycle
\[ v=-A\omega\sin(\omega t+\phi),\quad v^2=\omega^2(A^2-x^2),\quad a=-\omega^2x \]
Symbols and assumptions: v signed velocity (m/s); A amplitude and x displacement (m); ω angular frequency (rad/s); t time (s); φ phase (rad); a acceleration (m/s²). The relation gives |v| and allows two directions at an interior position.
Maximum speed and acceleration
\[ v_{\max}=A\omega,\quad a_{\max}=A\omega^2,\quad \frac{a_{\max}}{v_{\max}}=\omega \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_max speed at the mean position (m/s); a_max acceleration magnitude at the extremes (m/s²); A amplitude (m); ω angular frequency (rad/s).
Velocity–displacement ellipse
\[ \frac{x^2}{A^2}+\frac{v^2}{A^2\omega^2}=1 \]
Symbols and assumptions: x displacement (m); v velocity (m/s); A amplitude (m); ω angular frequency (rad/s). The v–x graph is an ellipse with semi-axes A and Aω.
ω from two positions
\[ \omega^2=\frac{v_1^2-v_2^2}{x_2^2-x_1^2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v₁, v₂ speeds (m/s) at displacements x₁, x₂ (m) of the same SHM; ω angular frequency (rad/s).
Energy exchange in SHM
\[ E=\tfrac12kA^2,\quad U=\tfrac12kx^2,\quad K=\tfrac12k(A^2-x^2) \]
Symbols and assumptions: E total, U potential and K kinetic energies (J); k stiffness (N/m); A amplitude and x displacement (m). Set U=0 at equilibrium and assume no damping or driving.
Total energy in terms of frequency
\[ E=\tfrac12m\omega^2A^2=2\pi^2mf^2A^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: E total mechanical energy (J); m mass (kg); ω angular frequency (rad/s); f frequency (Hz); A amplitude (m). Ideal undamped SHM.
Position where K = nU
\[ x=\frac{A}{\sqrt{n+1}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: x displacement magnitude (m); A amplitude (m); n ratio of kinetic to potential energy (pure number). n = 1 gives A/√2.
Frequency of energy oscillation
\[ f_{K}=f_{U}=2f \]
Symbols and assumptions: f_K, f_U frequencies at which kinetic and potential energy vary (Hz); f frequency of the SHM itself (Hz).
Spring systems and shifted equilibrium
\[ T=2\pi\sqrt{m/k_{\rm eff}},\quad k_{\parallel}=k_1+k_2,\quad \frac1{k_{\rm series}}=\frac1{k_1}+\frac1{k_2},\quad x_0=\frac{mg}{k} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T period (s); m mass (kg); k/k_eff/k₁/k₂ stiffnesses (N/m); x₀ static vertical extension (m); g gravity. Springs are light, linear and arranged for the stated shared force or extension.
Pieces of a cut spring
\[ k_i=k\,\frac{L}{l_i} \]
Symbols and assumptions: k_i stiffness of a piece (N/m); k original stiffness (N/m); L original length (m); l_i length of that piece (m). Assumes uniform coiling.
Two bodies on a spring
\[ T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{\mu}{k}},\qquad \mu=\frac{m_1m_2}{m_1+m_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T period (s); μ reduced mass (kg); m₁, m₂ the two masses (kg); k spring constant (N/m). Smooth floor, no external horizontal force.
Period from static extension
\[ T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{x_0}{g}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T period (s); x₀ extension at equilibrium when the mass hangs at rest (m); g gravity (m/s²). Light, ideal spring.
Simple pendulum and effective gravity
\[ T=2\pi\sqrt{\ell/g},\qquad g_{\rm eff}=g+a\quad\text{(lift accelerating upward)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T period (s); ℓ pivot-to-bob length (m); g gravity magnitude (m/s²); a upward lift acceleration (m/s²); g_eff effective magnitude. Assume small swings, a light inextensible string, a point bob and negligible drag.
Pendulum in a horizontally accelerating vehicle
\[ T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{\ell}{\sqrt{g^2+a^2}}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T period (s); ℓ length (m); g gravity (m/s²); a horizontal acceleration of the vehicle (m/s²). Small oscillations about the tilted equilibrium.
Bob oscillating in a liquid
\[ T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{\ell}{g(1-\sigma/\rho)}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T period (s); ℓ length (m); g gravity (m/s²); σ liquid density and ρ bob density (kg/m³), with ρ > σ. Viscous drag neglected.
Pendulum of very large length
\[ T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{1}{g\left(\frac1\ell+\frac1R\right)}}\ \xrightarrow{\ \ell\to\infty\ }\ 2\pi\sqrt{\frac Rg} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T period (s); ℓ length (m); R Earth radius (m); g surface gravity (m/s²). Accounts for the changing direction of g along the swing.
Other SHM systems: floating body and tunnel through the Earth
\[ T_{\rm float}=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{m}{\sigma Ag}}=2\pi\sqrt{\frac hg},\qquad T_{\rm tunnel}=2\pi\sqrt{\frac Rg} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T periods (s); m floating body’s mass (kg); σ liquid density (kg/m³); A cross-sectional area of the body at the waterline (m²); h depth of the body below the surface when floating at rest (m); g gravity (m/s²); R Earth radius (m). Floating body: vertical sides, no drag. Tunnel: uniform Earth, smooth tunnel, no rotation.
Floating body in terms of density
\[ T=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L\rho}{\sigma g}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T period (s); L height of the body (m); ρ density of the body (kg/m³); σ density of the liquid (kg/m³), with ρ < σ; g gravity (m/s²). Uniform vertical-sided body floating upright.
Speed at the centre of a tunnel
\[ v_{\max}=\sqrt{gR}\approx8\ \text{km/s} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_max speed when passing the centre (m/s); g surface gravity (m/s²); R Earth radius (m). Body released from rest at the surface, uniform Earth, no friction.
Damping, driving and resonance
\[ m\ddot x+b\dot x+kx=F_0\cos(\omega_dt),\qquad \omega_0=\sqrt{k/m} \]
Symbols and assumptions: x displacement (m); dots time derivatives; m mass (kg); b viscous damping coefficient (kg/s); k stiffness (N/m); F₀ drive amplitude (N); ω_d drive and ω₀ undamped natural angular frequencies (rad/s). This is a linear damped driven model.
Exponential decay of a damped oscillator
\[ A(t)=A_0e^{-bt/2m},\qquad E(t)=E_0e^{-bt/m} \]
Symbols and assumptions: A amplitude (m) and E energy (J) at time t (s); A₀, E₀ initial values; b damping constant (kg/s); m mass (kg). Light damping assumed.
Amplitude of forced oscillation
\[ A=\frac{F_0/m}{\sqrt{(\omega_0^2-\omega_d^2)^2+(b\omega_d/m)^2}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: A steady-state amplitude (m); F₀ driving force amplitude (N); m mass (kg); ω₀ natural and ω_d driving angular frequencies (rad/s); b damping constant (kg/s).
Combining SHMs and an oscillating liquid column
\[ x=a\sin\omega t+b\cos\omega t,\quad A=\sqrt{a^2+b^2},\qquad T_{U}=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{L}{2g}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: a/b coefficients and A resultant amplitude (m); ω angular frequency (rad/s); t time (s); T_U U-tube period (s); L total moving liquid-column length (m); g gravity. U-tube assumes uniform area, incompressible liquid, small motions and negligible viscosity.
Resultant phase
\[ \tan\phi=\frac{A_2\sin\delta}{A_1+A_2\cos\delta} \]
Symbols and assumptions: φ phase of the resultant relative to the first SHM (rad); A₁, A₂ amplitudes (m); δ phase difference of the second relative to the first (rad). Same frequency and line.
Equal amplitudes
\[ A=2a\cos\frac{\delta}{2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: A resultant amplitude (m); a each amplitude (m); δ phase difference (rad). Gives 2a at δ = 0, √2 a at δ = π/2, a at δ = 2π/3 and 0 at δ = π.
Waves
Travelling waves and particle motion
\[ y=A\sin(kx-\omega t+\phi),\quad k=\frac{2\pi}{\lambda},\quad \omega=2\pi f,\quad v_w=\frac{\omega}{k}=f\lambda \]
Symbols and assumptions: y particle displacement and A amplitude (m); x position (m); t time (s); k wave number (rad/m); λ wavelength (m); ω angular frequency (rad/s); f frequency (Hz); v_w propagation speed (m/s); φ phase (rad).
Phase difference from path and time
\[ \Delta\phi=\frac{2\pi}{\lambda}\Delta x,\qquad \Delta\phi=\frac{2\pi}{T}\Delta t \]
Symbols and assumptions: Δφ phase difference (rad); λ wavelength (m); Δx separation along the direction of travel (m); T period (s); Δt time interval (s).
Particle velocity and wave slope
\[ v_p=-v\,\frac{\partial y}{\partial x},\qquad \frac{v_{p,\max}}{v}=Ak=\frac{2\pi A}{\lambda} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_p particle velocity (m/s); v wave speed (m/s), positive for travel toward +x; ∂y/∂x slope of the snapshot; A amplitude (m); k wave number (rad/m); λ wavelength (m).
Wave speed on strings and in gases
\[ v_{\rm string}=\sqrt{\frac{F_T}{\mu}},\qquad v_{\rm sound}=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma p}{\rho}}=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: F_T string tension (N); μ mass per length (kg/m); γ gas heat-capacity ratio; p gas pressure (Pa); ρ density (kg/m³); R gas constant (J/mol K); T absolute temperature (K); M molar mass (kg/mol); speeds in m/s. Ideal-gas sound is assumed.
Wire in terms of stress
\[ v=\sqrt{\frac{T}{\rho A}}=\sqrt{\frac{\text{stress}}{\rho}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v transverse wave speed (m/s); T tension (N); ρ density of the wire material (kg/m³); A cross-sectional area (m²); stress = T/A (Pa).
Hanging rope
\[ v=\sqrt{gx},\qquad t_{\rm total}=2\sqrt{\frac Lg} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v wave speed at height x above the free lower end (m/s); g gravity (m/s²); x height above the lower end (m); t_total time for a pulse to run the whole rope (s); L rope length (m). Uniform rope.
Elastic waves in a rod and a fluid
\[ v_{\rm rod}=\sqrt{\frac{Y}{\rho}},\qquad v_{\rm fluid}=\sqrt{\frac{B}{\rho}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v speeds (m/s); Y Young’s modulus (Pa); B bulk modulus (Pa); ρ density (kg/m³). Rod formula is for longitudinal waves in a thin rod.
Speed of sound: Newton, Laplace and what changes it
\[ v_{\rm Newton}=\sqrt{\frac p\rho},\qquad v_{\rm Laplace}=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma p}{\rho}}=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v speed of sound (m/s); p gas pressure (Pa); ρ gas density (kg/m³); γ = C_p/C_v (1.4 for air); R = 8.314 J/(mol K); T absolute temperature (K); M molar mass (kg/mol). Ideal gas, small-amplitude sound.
Temperature dependence near room temperature
\[ v_t\approx v_0+0.61\,t \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_t speed at t °C (m/s); v₀ ≈ 332 m/s at 0 °C; t Celsius temperature. Linear approximation of v ∝ √T for air, good for ordinary temperatures.
Comparing two gases or temperatures
\[ \frac{v_1}{v_2}=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma_1T_1M_2}{\gamma_2T_2M_1}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v₁, v₂ sound speeds (m/s); γ₁, γ₂ heat-capacity ratios; T₁, T₂ absolute temperatures (K); M₁, M₂ molar masses (any consistent unit).
Sound speed and rms speed
\[ \frac{v_{\rm sound}}{v_{\rm rms}}=\sqrt{\frac\gamma3} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_sound speed of sound (m/s); v_rms root-mean-square molecular speed (m/s); γ = C_p/C_v of the gas. Same gas and temperature.
Intensity, energy and loudness
\[ I=\tfrac12\rho v\omega^2A^2=2\pi^2\rho vf^2A^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: I intensity (W/m²); ρ density of the medium (kg/m³); v wave speed (m/s); ω angular frequency (rad/s); f frequency (Hz); A displacement amplitude (m). Harmonic wave in a uniform medium.
Spreading from point and line sources
\[ I_{\rm point}=\frac{P}{4\pi r^2}\propto\frac1{r^2},\qquad I_{\rm line}\propto\frac1r \]
Symbols and assumptions: I intensity (W/m²); P power of the source (W); r distance from the source (m). No absorption; amplitude goes as 1/r for a point source and 1/√r for a line source.
Sound level in decibels
\[ \beta=10\log_{10}\frac{I}{I_0},\qquad \beta_2-\beta_1=10\log_{10}\frac{I_2}{I_1} \]
Symbols and assumptions: β sound level (dB); I intensity (W/m²); I₀ = 10⁻¹² W/m², the reference threshold of hearing; I₁, I₂ two intensities being compared.
Superposition, interference and intensity
\[ y_{\rm net}=y_1+y_2,\quad A_R^2=A_1^2+A_2^2+2A_1A_2\cos\delta,\quad I\propto A^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: y displacements (m); A₁/A₂ component amplitudes (m); A_R resultant amplitude; δ phase difference (rad); I intensity (W/m²). Amplitude formula assumes same frequency and propagation direction at the point considered; intensity scaling holds for fixed medium and frequency.
Resultant intensity
\[ I_R=I_1+I_2+2\sqrt{I_1I_2}\cos\delta \]
Symbols and assumptions: I_R resultant intensity (W/m²); I₁, I₂ intensities of the two waves (W/m²); δ phase difference at the point (rad). Coherent waves of the same frequency in the same medium.
Ratio of maximum to minimum intensity
\[ \frac{I_{\max}}{I_{\min}}=\left(\frac{\sqrt{I_1}+\sqrt{I_2}}{\sqrt{I_1}-\sqrt{I_2}}\right)^2=\left(\frac{A_1+A_2}{A_1-A_2}\right)^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: I_max, I_min extreme intensities (W/m²); I₁, I₂ individual intensities; A₁, A₂ amplitudes (m), with A₁ > A₂.
Interference conditions (sources in phase)
\[ \Delta x=n\lambda\ \text{(max)},\qquad \Delta x=\left(n+\tfrac12\right)\lambda\ \text{(min)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Δx path difference (m); λ wavelength (m); n = 0, 1, 2, … Swap the conditions if the sources are in antiphase.
Reflection and standing waves
\[ y=2A\sin(kx)\cos(\omega t),\quad \Delta x_{NN}=\frac\lambda2,\quad \Delta x_{NA}=\frac\lambda4 \]
Symbols and assumptions: y displacement (m); A amplitude of each travelling component (m); k wave number (rad/m); ω angular frequency (rad/s); λ wavelength (m); Δx_NN adjacent-node spacing; Δx_NA adjacent node–antinode spacing. Origin is a node.
Positions of nodes and antinodes
\[ x_{\rm N}=\frac{n\lambda}{2},\qquad x_{\rm A}=\frac{(2n+1)\lambda}{4}\qquad(n=0,1,2,\ldots) \]
Symbols and assumptions: x_N node positions and x_A antinode positions (m), measured from a node at x = 0; λ wavelength (m). For y = 2A sin kx cos ωt.
Amplitude at a point
\[ A(x)=2A|\sin kx| \]
Symbols and assumptions: A(x) amplitude of the particle at position x (m); A amplitude of each travelling wave (m); k wave number (rad/m). Origin at a node.
String and air-column harmonics
\[ f_n=\frac{nv}{2L}\ \text{(fixed string or open pipe)},\qquad f_n=\frac{(2n-1)v}{4L}\ \text{(one closed end)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: f_n mode frequency (Hz); n=1,2,… is mode index; v appropriate wave speed (m/s); L effective resonator length (m). Closed-pipe harmonic numbers are 1,3,5,… rather than n itself. Ideal boundary conditions are assumed.
End correction
\[ f_{\rm closed}=\frac{v}{4(L+e)},\qquad f_{\rm open}=\frac{v}{2(L+2e)},\qquad e\approx0.6r \]
Symbols and assumptions: f fundamental frequencies (Hz); v speed of sound (m/s); L physical pipe length (m); e end correction at each open end (m); r inner radius of the pipe (m).
Resonance tube
\[ v=2f(l_2-l_1),\qquad e=\frac{l_2-3l_1}{2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v speed of sound (m/s); f tuning-fork frequency (Hz); l₁, l₂ first and second resonating lengths of the air column (m); e end correction (m).
Fundamental from two consecutive resonances
\[ f_1=f_{n+1}-f_n\ \text{(string or open pipe)},\qquad f_1=\frac{f_{\rm next}-f_{\rm prev}}{2}\ \text{(closed pipe)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: f₁ fundamental (Hz); f_n, f_(n+1) consecutive resonant frequencies (Hz). In a closed pipe consecutive resonances are odd harmonics, so they differ by 2f₁.
Beats and nearby frequencies
\[ f_b=|f_1-f_2| \]
Symbols and assumptions: f_b is beat frequency (beats/s or Hz); f₁ and f₂ are nearby source frequencies (Hz). Audible beats require suitable overlap and a small enough difference for the modulation to be perceived.
Resultant of two close frequencies
\[ y=2A\cos\left(\pi\Delta f\,t\right)\sin\left(2\pi\bar f\,t\right),\quad \Delta f=f_1-f_2,\ \bar f=\frac{f_1+f_2}{2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: y displacement (m); A amplitude of each wave (m); Δf frequency difference (Hz); f̄ average frequency, the pitch heard (Hz); t time (s).
Beat period
\[ T_{\rm beat}=\frac{1}{|f_1-f_2|} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T_beat time between successive loudest sounds (s); f₁, f₂ the two frequencies (Hz).
Doppler effect for sound
\[ f'=f\frac{v+v_o}{v-v_s}\quad\text{(source and observer approaching)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: f emitted and f′ observed frequency (Hz); v sound speed relative to medium (m/s); v_o observer speed toward source and v_s source speed toward observer (m/s). Assume collinear subsonic motion and a stationary uniform medium.
General Doppler formula
\[ f'=f\,\frac{v\pm v_o}{v\mp v_s} \]
Symbols and assumptions: f′ observed and f emitted frequency (Hz); v speed of sound in still air (m/s); v_o observer speed and v_s source speed along the line joining them (m/s). Upper signs for motion toward the other; lower signs for motion away. Subsonic speeds.
Echo from a moving reflector
\[ f''=f\,\frac{v+u}{v-u} \]
Symbols and assumptions: f″ frequency of the echo heard by the moving source (Hz); f emitted frequency (Hz); v speed of sound (m/s); u speed of the source approaching a fixed wall, or of a reflector approaching a fixed source (m/s).
Approaching and receding source
\[ \frac{f'_{\rm app}}{f'_{\rm rec}}=\frac{v+v_s}{v-v_s} \]
Symbols and assumptions: f′_app, f′_rec frequencies heard by a stationary observer as the source approaches and recedes (Hz); v speed of sound (m/s); v_s source speed (m/s).
Thermal Properties of Matter
Thermal equilibrium and temperature scales
\[ T_K=t_C+273.15,\qquad \frac{t_F-32}{9}=\frac{t_C}{5} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T_K absolute temperature (K); t_C Celsius reading (°C); t_F Fahrenheit reading (°F). A 1 K temperature interval equals 1 °C; offsets apply to temperatures, not to temperature differences.
Converting between any two linear scales
\[ \frac{X-\text{LFP}_X}{\text{UFP}_X-\text{LFP}_X}=\frac{Y-\text{LFP}_Y}{\text{UFP}_Y-\text{LFP}_Y} \]
Symbols and assumptions: X, Y readings of the same temperature on two scales; LFP and UFP lower and upper fixed points of each scale, in that scale’s own units. Valid when both scales vary linearly with the same thermometric property.
Constant-volume gas thermometer
\[ T=273.16\ \text{K}\times\frac{P}{P_{\rm tr}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T absolute temperature (K); P gas pressure at that temperature (Pa); P_tr pressure of the same gas at the triple point of water (Pa). Fixed volume and fixed amount of a dilute gas.
Linear, area and volume expansion
\[ \Delta L=\alpha L_0\Delta T,\quad \Delta A=\beta A_0\Delta T,\quad \Delta V=\gamma V_0\Delta T,\quad \beta\approx2\alpha,\quad\gamma\approx3\alpha \]
Symbols and assumptions: L₀/A₀/V₀ initial length (m), area (m²), volume (m³); α/β/γ linear/area/volume coefficients (K⁻¹); ΔT temperature change (K); Δ denotes change. Relations assume isotropy, approximately constant coefficients and small fractional changes.
Anisotropic solid
\[ \gamma=\alpha_x+\alpha_y+\alpha_z,\qquad \beta_{xy}=\alpha_x+\alpha_y \]
Symbols and assumptions: α_x, α_y, α_z linear coefficients along three perpendicular axes (K⁻¹); γ volume coefficient (K⁻¹); β_xy area coefficient of a face in the x–y plane (K⁻¹). Small αΔT; for an isotropic solid all α are equal.
Heating a spinning body
\[ \frac{\Delta I}{I}=2\alpha\Delta T,\qquad \frac{\Delta\omega}{\omega}=-2\alpha\Delta T \]
Symbols and assumptions: I moment of inertia about a fixed axis (kg m²); ω angular speed (rad/s); α linear coefficient (K⁻¹); ΔT temperature rise (K). Second result needs zero external torque so that Iω is conserved; small αΔT.
Radius of a bimetallic strip
\[ R\approx\frac{d}{(\alpha_1-\alpha_2)\Delta T} \]
Symbols and assumptions: R radius of curvature of the common interface (m); d thickness of each strip (m); α₁ > α₂ linear coefficients of the two metals (K⁻¹); ΔT temperature rise above the straight state (K). Strips of equal thickness, small αΔT.
Thermal stress, pendulum clocks and metal scales
\[ \sigma_{\rm th}=Y\alpha\Delta\theta,\quad F=YA\alpha\Delta\theta,\quad \frac{\Delta T}{T}=\tfrac12\alpha\Delta\theta \]
Symbols and assumptions: σ_th thermal stress (Pa); Y Young’s modulus (Pa); α linear coefficient (K⁻¹); Δθ temperature change (K); F force on the supports (N); A cross-section (m²); T pendulum period (s) and ΔT its change. Rigid supports, small αΔθ, stress within the elastic limit.
Time lost or gained by a pendulum clock
\[ \Delta t=\tfrac12\,\alpha\,|\Delta\theta|\times86400\ \text{s per day} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Δt time lost (if hotter) or gained (if colder) per day (s); α linear coefficient of the pendulum rod (K⁻¹); Δθ temperature change from the temperature at which the clock is correct (K); 86400 seconds in a day. Small αΔθ.
Correcting a metal-scale reading
\[ L_{\rm true}=L_{\rm read}\,[1+\alpha_s(\theta-\theta_0)] \]
Symbols and assumptions: L_true actual length (m); L_read scale reading (m); α_s linear coefficient of the scale (K⁻¹); θ temperature at measurement and θ₀ calibration temperature (°C or K). The object is measured at θ.
Constant length difference (compensation)
\[ L_1\alpha_1=L_2\alpha_2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: L₁, L₂ lengths of two rods (m); α₁, α₂ their linear coefficients (K⁻¹). Then both expand by the same amount, so L₁ − L₂ is the same at all temperatures.
Apparent expansion, density and anomalous water
\[ \gamma_{\rm app}=\gamma_l-\gamma_v,\qquad \rho_T=\frac{\rho_0}{1+\gamma_l\Delta T} \]
Symbols and assumptions: γ_app apparent, γ_l liquid and γ_v vessel volumetric coefficients (K⁻¹); ρ₀ and ρ_T initial/final densities (kg/m³); ΔT temperature change (K). Assume no mass loss and constant coefficients over the interval; vessel coefficient is for capacity.
Overflow from a full vessel
\[ \Delta V_{\rm overflow}=V_0(\gamma_l-\gamma_v)\Delta T \]
Symbols and assumptions: V₀ initial liquid volume = vessel capacity (m³); γ_l liquid and γ_v vessel volume coefficients (K⁻¹), with γ_v = 3α for an isotropic vessel; ΔT common temperature rise (K). Small γΔT.
Upthrust on an immersed solid after heating
\[ F_B\approx F_{B0}\,[1+(\gamma_s-\gamma_l)\Delta T] \]
Symbols and assumptions: F_B, F_B0 upthrust after and before heating (N); γ_s solid and γ_l liquid volume coefficients (K⁻¹); ΔT temperature rise (K). Body fully immersed; small γΔT.
Specific heat and mixing
\[ Q=mc\Delta T=C\Delta T,\qquad \sum Q_i=0\quad\text{(isolated mixture)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q heat added (J); m mass (kg); c specific heat (J/kg K); C=mc sample heat capacity (J/K); ΔT signed temperature change (K). Sum includes all bodies and phase-change terms when needed; neglect heat loss only if stated.
Final temperature of a mixture (no phase change)
\[ T_f=\frac{\sum_i m_ic_iT_i}{\sum_i m_ic_i} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m_i masses (kg); c_i specific heats (J/kg K); T_i initial temperatures (°C or K, same scale for all); T_f final common temperature. Insulated system, no phase change, no chemical reaction.
Water equivalent of a container
\[ W=\frac{m\,c}{c_w} \]
Symbols and assumptions: W water equivalent (kg); m container mass (kg); c its specific heat (J/kg K); c_w specific heat of water (J/kg K). Add W to the water mass in heat-balance equations.
Heat with temperature-dependent specific heat
\[ Q=\int_{T_1}^{T_2}m\,c(T)\,dT \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q heat supplied (J); m mass (kg); c(T) specific heat as a function of temperature (J/kg K); T₁, T₂ initial and final temperatures (K or °C consistently). No phase change in the range.
Latent heat and phase-change accounting
\[ Q_{\rm phase}=mL,\qquad Q_{\rm total}=\sum mc\Delta T+\sum mL \]
Symbols and assumptions: m mass undergoing the stage (kg); L specific latent heat (J/kg); c stage-specific heat (J/kg K); Q energy (J). Phase-change signs are positive for melting/vaporisation and negative for freezing/condensation in heat-added accounting.
Heating curve with a constant-power heater
\[ \frac{dT}{dt}=\frac{P}{mc},\qquad t_{\rm plateau}=\frac{mL}{P} \]
Symbols and assumptions: dT/dt slope of a sloping part (K/s); P heater power absorbed by the sample (W); m mass (kg); c specific heat of the phase present (J/kg K); t_plateau duration of a flat part (s); L latent heat of that change (J/kg). No heat loss.
Standard latent heats of water at 1 atm
\[ L_f=3.36\times10^5\ \mathrm{J/kg}=80\ \mathrm{cal/g},\qquad L_v=2.26\times10^6\ \mathrm{J/kg}=540\ \mathrm{cal/g} \]
Symbols and assumptions: L_f latent heat of fusion of ice at 0 °C; L_v latent heat of vaporisation of water at 100 °C. Use the value the question gives if it differs slightly (for example 3.34×10⁵ J/kg).
Mixing ice, water and steam: finding the final state
\[ Q_{\rm avail}=m_wc_w(T_w-0),\qquad Q_{\rm need}=m_ic_i(0-T_i)+m_iL_f \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q_avail heat the water can give while cooling to 0 °C (J); Q_need heat the ice needs to warm to 0 °C and melt completely (J); m_w, m_i masses (kg); c_w, c_i specific heats (J/kg K); T_w water temperature and T_i ice temperature (°C, T_i ≤ 0); L_f latent heat of fusion (J/kg). Insulated container of negligible heat capacity unless stated.
Steam needed to just melt ice
\[ m_s\,(L_v+c_w\times100)=m_iL_f \]
Symbols and assumptions: m_s mass of steam at 100 °C (kg); m_i mass of ice at 0 °C (kg); L_v, L_f latent heats of vaporisation and fusion (J/kg); c_w specific heat of water (J/kg K); 100 is the temperature drop in K. Final state all water at 0 °C, no losses.
Mass of ice melted when not all of it melts
\[ m_{\rm melt}=\frac{Q_{\rm avail}-m_ic_i(0-T_i)}{L_f} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m_melt mass of ice that melts (kg); Q_avail heat the hot water gives in cooling to 0 °C (J); m_i, c_i, T_i mass, specific heat and starting temperature of the ice; L_f latent heat of fusion (J/kg). Valid when 0 ≤ m_melt ≤ m_i; the final temperature is then 0 °C.
Conduction and thermal resistance
\[ \dot Q=\frac{\kappa A(T_h-T_c)}{L},\qquad R_{th}=\frac{L}{\kappa A},\qquad R_{\rm series}=\sum R_i \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q̇ heat-transfer rate (W); κ conductivity (W/m K); A cross-sectional area (m²); L thickness (m); T_h/T_c face temperatures (K or consistent °C differences); R_th resistance (K/W). Assume steady one-dimensional conduction, constant κ and negligible side losses.
Equivalent conductivity of composite slabs
\[ \kappa_{\rm series}=\frac{L_1+L_2}{L_1/\kappa_1+L_2/\kappa_2},\qquad \kappa_{\rm parallel}=\frac{\kappa_1A_1+\kappa_2A_2}{A_1+A_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: κ₁, κ₂ conductivities (W/m K); L₁, L₂ thicknesses in series (m), equal cross-section; A₁, A₂ areas side by side (m²), equal length. Steady state, no side losses.
Junction temperature of two slabs in series
\[ T_J=\frac{\frac{\kappa_1}{L_1}T_1+\frac{\kappa_2}{L_2}T_2}{\frac{\kappa_1}{L_1}+\frac{\kappa_2}{L_2}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T_J junction temperature; T₁, T₂ outer face temperatures (°C or K consistently); κ conductivities (W/m K); L thicknesses (m). Equal areas, steady state.
Time for lake ice to thicken
\[ t=\frac{\rho L}{2\kappa\theta}\left(x_2^2-x_1^2\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: t time (s); ρ density of ice (kg/m³); L latent heat of fusion (J/kg); κ conductivity of ice (W/m K); θ magnitude of air temperature below 0 °C (K); x₁, x₂ initial and final ice thickness (m). Water below at 0 °C; steady conduction at each instant.
Convection and thermal radiation
\[ P_{\rm net}=\varepsilon\sigma A(T^4-T_s^4),\qquad \lambda_{\max}T=b \]
Symbols and assumptions: P_net outward radiative power (W); ε emissivity (0 to 1); σ Stefan–Boltzmann constant (W/m² K⁴); A radiating area (m²); T body and T_s surrounding absolute temperatures (K); λ_max peak wavelength (m); b Wien constant (m K). The net formula assumes large uniform surroundings and applicable grey-body emissivity.
Convective heat loss (approximate)
\[ H=hA\,(T-T_0) \]
Symbols and assumptions: H heat loss rate (W); h convective heat-transfer coefficient (W/m² K), set by the fluid and its speed; A exposed area (m²); T surface temperature and T₀ fluid temperature far away (K or °C differences). Empirical; valid for moderate temperature differences.
Radiation laws: Stefan–Boltzmann, Wien and Kirchhoff
\[ E=\varepsilon\sigma T^4,\quad P_{\rm net}=\varepsilon\sigma A\,(T^4-T_0^4),\quad \lambda_mT=b \]
Symbols and assumptions: E power emitted per unit area (W/m²); ε emissivity (0 to 1; 1 for a black body); σ = 5.67×10⁻⁸ W m⁻² K⁻⁴; T body and T₀ surroundings temperatures (K); A surface area (m²); λ_m wavelength of peak emission (m); b ≈ 2.9×10⁻³ m K (Wien constant). Kelvin is essential.
Kirchhoff’s law
\[ \frac{E_\lambda}{a_\lambda}=E_{\lambda,\rm black},\qquad \varepsilon=a \]
Symbols and assumptions: E_λ emissive power of a body at wavelength λ (W/m² per m); a_λ its absorptivity at λ (0 to 1); E_λ,black black-body emissive power at the same λ and T; ε emissivity and a absorptivity of a grey surface. Same temperature for the comparison.
Rate of cooling by radiation
\[ -\frac{dT}{dt}=\frac{\varepsilon\sigma A}{mc}\left(T^4-T_0^4\right) \]
Symbols and assumptions: dT/dt rate of change of temperature (K/s); ε emissivity; σ Stefan–Boltzmann constant (W m⁻² K⁻⁴); A area (m²); m mass (kg); c specific heat (J/kg K); T, T₀ body and surroundings temperatures (K). Uniform body temperature; radiation only.
Luminosity of a star
\[ L=4\pi R^2\sigma T^4 \]
Symbols and assumptions: L total power radiated (W); R radius of the star (m); σ Stefan–Boltzmann constant; T surface temperature (K). Star treated as a spherical black body.
Newton’s cooling law and measurement
\[ \frac{dT}{dt}=-\lambda(T-T_s),\qquad T-T_s=(T_0-T_s)e^{-\lambda t} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T/T₀ current/initial temperature and T_s constant surroundings temperature (K or °C with differences); t time (s); λ positive cooling constant (s⁻¹) incorporating heat transfer and heat capacity. Assumes small excess and constant conditions.
Newton’s law: average-temperature form
\[ \frac{T_1-T_2}{t}=K\left[\frac{T_1+T_2}{2}-T_0\right] \]
Symbols and assumptions: T₁, T₂ temperatures at the start and end of the interval (°C or K); t time taken (s or min); T₀ surroundings temperature; K cooling constant (per unit time) for that body. Small excess, constant surroundings.
Newton’s law: exact form
\[ \ln\frac{T_1-T_0}{T_2-T_0}=kt \]
Symbols and assumptions: T₁, T₂ temperatures at the start and end; T₀ surroundings temperature; k cooling constant (s⁻¹); t time (s). From dT/dt = −k(T − T₀) with constant k.
Comparing specific heats by cooling
\[ \frac{m_1c_1+W}{t_1}=\frac{m_2c_2+W}{t_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: m₁, m₂ masses of the two liquids (kg); c₁, c₂ specific heats (J/kg K); W heat capacity of the identical calorimeters (J/K); t₁, t₂ times to cool through the same temperature range (s). Same surface, same surroundings.
Kinetic Theory of Gases
Ideal-gas model and equation of state
\[ pV=nRT=Nk_BT,\qquad N=nN_A,\qquad R=N_Ak_B \]
Symbols and assumptions: p pressure (Pa); V volume (m³); n amount (mol); R gas constant (J/mol K); N molecule count; k_B Boltzmann constant (J/K); T absolute temperature (K); N_A Avogadro constant (mol⁻¹). Ideal thermal equilibrium is assumed.
Density form of the gas equation
\[ P=\frac{\rho RT}{M}\quad\Rightarrow\quad \rho=\frac{PM}{RT} \]
Symbols and assumptions: P absolute pressure (Pa); ρ gas density (kg/m³); R = 8.31 J/mol K; T absolute temperature (K); M molar mass in kg/mol, not g/mol. Ideal gas.
Number density
\[ n_N=\frac{N}{V}=\frac{P}{k_BT} \]
Symbols and assumptions: n_N molecules per unit volume (m⁻³); N number of molecules; V volume (m³); P pressure (Pa); k_B = 1.38×10⁻²³ J/K; T absolute temperature (K). Same for all ideal gases at given P and T.
Pressure from molecular momentum transfer
\[ p=\frac13\rho\langle v^2\rangle=\frac13\rho v_{rms}^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: p pressure (Pa); ρ gas mass density (kg/m³); ⟨v²⟩ mean squared molecular speed relative to the gas bulk (m²/s²); v_rms its square root (m/s). Assume equilibrium isotropic random motion and ideal elastic collisions.
Pressure from molecular quantities
\[ P=\frac13\,\frac{mN}{V}\,v_{rms}^2=\frac13\,m\,n_N\,v_{rms}^2 \]
Symbols and assumptions: P pressure (Pa); m mass of one molecule (kg); N number of molecules; V volume (m³); n_N = N/V number density (m⁻³); v_rms root-mean-square speed (m/s). Ideal gas, random isotropic motion, elastic collisions.
Pressure and kinetic energy
\[ PV=\frac23E,\qquad P=\frac23\,\frac{E}{V},\qquad \frac12mv_{rms}^2=\frac32k_BT \]
Symbols and assumptions: E total translational kinetic energy of the gas (J); E/V translational KE per unit volume (J/m³); k_B = 1.38×10⁻²³ J/K; T absolute temperature (K). Only translational energy enters, even for diatomic gases.
Molecular energy and characteristic speeds
\[ \langle K_{tr}\rangle=\tfrac32k_BT,\quad v_{rms}=\sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}},\quad \bar v=\sqrt{\frac{8RT}{\pi M}},\quad v_{mp}=\sqrt{\frac{2RT}{M}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: K_tr mean translational energy per molecule (J); k_B constant (J/K); T temperature (K); R gas constant; M molar mass (kg/mol); v_rms/mean/most-probable speeds in m/s. Assume Maxwell equilibrium distribution.
Other forms of the rms speed
\[ v_{rms}=\sqrt{\frac{3k_BT}{m}}=\sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}}=\sqrt{\frac{3P}{\rho}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: k_B = 1.38×10⁻²³ J/K; m mass of one molecule (kg); R = 8.31 J/mol K; M molar mass (kg/mol); T absolute temperature (K); P pressure (Pa); ρ density (kg/m³). Ideal gas in equilibrium.
Ratio of the three speeds
\[ v_{rms}:\bar v:v_{mp}=\sqrt3:\sqrt{\tfrac{8}{\pi}}:\sqrt2\approx1.73:1.60:1.41 \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_rms rms speed, v̄ mean speed, v_mp most probable speed, all in m/s for the same gas at the same temperature. Holds for any ideal gas with a Maxwell distribution.
Speed of sound and rms speed
\[ v_s=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}}=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma}{3}}\;v_{rms} \]
Symbols and assumptions: v_s speed of sound in the gas (m/s); γ = C_P/C_V (no unit); R = 8.31 J/mol K; T absolute temperature (K); M molar mass (kg/mol). Ideal gas, adiabatic sound waves.
Degrees of freedom and heat capacities
\[ U=\tfrac f2nRT,\quad C_V=\tfrac f2R,\quad C_P=C_V+R,\quad \gamma=\frac{C_P}{C_V}=\frac{f+2}{f} \]
Symbols and assumptions: U internal energy (J); f number of active quadratic degrees of freedom per molecule; n amount (mol); T temperature (K); C_V/C_P molar capacities (J/mol K); γ ratio. Ideal gas with temperature-independent f over the interval is assumed.
Average energy from equipartition
\[ \bar\varepsilon=\frac f2k_BT\ \text{per molecule},\qquad U=\frac f2nRT,\qquad f=3N-k \]
Symbols and assumptions: ε̄ average energy per molecule (J); f active degrees of freedom; k_B = 1.38×10⁻²³ J/K; T absolute temperature (K); U internal energy of n moles of ideal gas (J); R = 8.31 J/mol K; N atoms per molecule; k number of independent constraints (rigid bonds). Classical equilibrium.
Specific heats of gases and Mayer’s relation
\[ C_P-C_V=R,\qquad c_p-c_v=\frac{R}{M},\qquad \gamma=\frac{C_P}{C_V}=1+\frac{2}{f} \]
Symbols and assumptions: C_P, C_V molar heat capacities at constant pressure and constant volume (J/mol K); c_p, c_v specific heats (J/kg K); R = 8.31 J/mol K; M molar mass (kg/mol); γ ratio of heat capacities (no unit); f active degrees of freedom. Ideal gas.
C_V and C_P from γ
\[ C_V=\frac{R}{\gamma-1},\qquad C_P=\frac{\gamma R}{\gamma-1} \]
Symbols and assumptions: C_V, C_P molar heat capacities (J/mol K); R = 8.31 J/mol K; γ = C_P/C_V (no unit). Ideal gas; follows from Mayer’s relation.
Sharing of heat at constant pressure
\[ \frac{\Delta U}{Q}=\frac1\gamma,\qquad \frac{W}{Q}=1-\frac1\gamma=\frac{2}{f+2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q heat supplied at constant pressure (J); ΔU rise in internal energy (J); W work done by the gas (J); γ = C_P/C_V; f degrees of freedom. Ideal gas, isobaric process.
Dulong–Petit law for solids
\[ C\approx3R\approx25\ \text{J mol}^{-1}\text{K}^{-1} \]
Symbols and assumptions: C molar heat capacity of a solid element (J/mol K); R = 8.31 J/mol K. Each atom is a 3D oscillator with 6 squared energy terms. Valid at ordinary and high temperatures; fails at low temperatures.
Gas mixtures and partial pressure
\[ p_{\rm total}=\sum p_i,\qquad p_i=\frac{n_iRT}{V},\qquad \frac{p_i}{p_{\rm total}}=\frac{n_i}{\sum n_j} \]
Symbols and assumptions: p_i partial pressure (Pa); n_i species amount (mol); R gas constant; T common temperature (K); V shared volume (m³); i/j species indices. Dalton’s law assumes an ideal nonreacting mixture at equilibrium.
Average molar mass of a mixture
\[ M_{mix}=\frac{n_1M_1+n_2M_2}{n_1+n_2}=\frac{m_1+m_2}{\dfrac{m_1}{M_1}+\dfrac{m_2}{M_2}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: M_mix effective molar mass (kg/mol or g/mol, consistently); n₁, n₂ moles of each gas; M₁, M₂ molar masses; m₁, m₂ masses of each gas. Ideal non-reacting mixture.
Temperature after insulated mixing
\[ T=\frac{f_1n_1T_1+f_2n_2T_2}{f_1n_1+f_2n_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T final common temperature (K); f₁, f₂ degrees of freedom; n₁, n₂ moles; T₁, T₂ initial temperatures (K). No heat exchange with the surroundings and no external work; ideal gases.
γ of a mixture
\[ \frac{n_1+n_2}{\gamma_{mix}-1}=\frac{n_1}{\gamma_1-1}+\frac{n_2}{\gamma_2-1} \]
Symbols and assumptions: γ_mix, γ₁, γ₂ ratios C_P/C_V (no unit); n₁, n₂ moles of each gas. Follows from adding the C_V values; ideal non-reacting gases.
Mean free path and collisions
\[ \ell_{mfp}=\frac1{\sqrt2\pi d^2 n_N}=\frac{k_BT}{\sqrt2\pi d^2p} \]
Symbols and assumptions: ℓ_mfp mean free path (m); d effective molecular diameter (m); n_N=N/V number density (m⁻³), not moles; k_B constant; T temperature (K); p pressure (Pa). Dilute identical hard spheres and an equilibrium ideal gas are assumed.
Collision frequency and mean free time
\[ \nu=\frac{\bar v}{\lambda}=\sqrt2\,\pi d^2n_N\bar v,\qquad \tau=\frac1\nu=\frac{\lambda}{\bar v} \]
Symbols and assumptions: ν collisions per second for one molecule (s⁻¹); v̄ mean speed (m/s); λ mean free path (m); d molecular diameter (m); n_N number density (m⁻³); τ mean time between collisions (s). Hard-sphere ideal gas.
Thermodynamics
State variables and the first law
\[ \Delta U=Q-W,\qquad \Delta U=nC_V\Delta T\quad\text{(ideal gas, constant }C_V) \]
Symbols and assumptions: ΔU internal-energy change (J); Q heat added (J); W work done by gas (J); n gas amount (mol); C_V molar constant-volume heat capacity (J/mol K); ΔT temperature change (K). Ideal-gas U depends only on T; capacities can vary with temperature.
Internal energy and capacities from degrees of freedom
\[ U=\frac{f}{2}nRT,\quad C_V=\frac{f}{2}R,\quad C_P=\left(\frac{f}{2}+1\right)R,\quad \gamma=1+\frac{2}{f} \]
Symbols and assumptions: U internal energy (J); f active degrees of freedom per molecule (3 monatomic, 5 rigid diatomic, 6 rigid non-linear polyatomic); n amount (mol); R = 8.31 J/mol K; T absolute temperature (K); C_V, C_P molar heat capacities (J/mol K); γ = C_P/C_V (no unit). Ideal gas, vibrations not excited.
Pressure–volume work and paths
\[ W=\int_{V_i}^{V_f}p_{\rm ext}\,dV,\quad W=p(V_f-V_i)\quad\text{(constant pressure)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: W work by gas (J); p_ext external resisting pressure (Pa); V_i/V_f initial/final volumes (m³); p constant pressure. A reversible quasistatic path permits p_ext≈p_gas; gas p–V area is not automatically valid for arbitrary irreversible paths.
Work along a straight-line P–V path
\[ W=\tfrac{1}{2}(P_1+P_2)(V_2-V_1) \]
Symbols and assumptions: W work by gas (J); P₁, P₂ pressures at the two ends (Pa); V₁, V₂ initial and final volumes (m³). Valid when the path is a straight line on a P–V diagram; W is negative if V₂ < V₁.
Net work in a cycle
\[ W_{\rm net}=\pm\,(\text{area enclosed on } P\text{–}V)=Q_{\rm net} \]
Symbols and assumptions: W_net net work by the gas per cycle (J); plus sign for a clockwise loop and minus for anticlockwise, with P on the vertical axis and V on the horizontal axis; Q_net net heat absorbed per cycle (J).
Isochoric and isobaric heating
\[ Q_V=nC_V\Delta T,\quad Q_P=nC_P\Delta T,\quad W_P=nR\Delta T,\quad C_P-C_V=R \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q_V/Q_P heat added at fixed volume/pressure (J); n amount (mol); C_V/C_P molar capacities (J/mol K); ΔT temperature rise (K); W_P gas work (J); R gas constant. Assume ideal gas and constant capacities over the interval.
Energy split at constant pressure
\[ \frac{\Delta U}{Q}=\frac{1}{\gamma},\qquad \frac{W}{Q}=1-\frac{1}{\gamma} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q heat supplied at constant pressure (J); ΔU rise in internal energy (J); W work by gas (J); γ = C_P/C_V (no unit). Ideal gas, isobaric process only.
Specific heats per unit mass
\[ c_P-c_V=\frac{R}{M} \]
Symbols and assumptions: c_P, c_V specific heats per unit mass (J/kg K); R = 8.31 J/mol K; M molar mass (kg/mol). Ideal gas. The lighter the gas, the larger the difference.
Isothermal processes and free expansion
\[ W_{\rm rev}=nRT\ln\frac{V_f}{V_i},\quad Q=W_{\rm rev},\quad \Delta U=0\quad\text{(ideal isothermal)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: W_rev reversible isothermal work (J); n amount (mol); R gas constant; T fixed absolute temperature (K); V_i/V_f volumes (m³); ln is natural logarithm. Its argument is dimensionless. Q=W applies to the ideal isothermal energy balance.
Isothermal work in other forms
\[ W=nRT\ln\frac{P_1}{P_2}=2.303\,nRT\log_{10}\frac{V_2}{V_1} \]
Symbols and assumptions: W work by gas (J); n amount (mol); R = 8.31 J/mol K; T constant absolute temperature (K); P₁, P₂ initial and final pressures; V₁, V₂ initial and final volumes. Reversible isothermal ideal-gas process.
Isothermal slope and bulk modulus
\[ \left(\frac{dP}{dV}\right)_{T}=-\frac{P}{V},\qquad B_T=P \]
Symbols and assumptions: P pressure (Pa); V volume (m³); B_T isothermal bulk modulus (Pa). Ideal gas at constant temperature.
Adiabatic change and connected-cylinder reasoning
\[ pV^\gamma=\text{constant},\quad TV^{\gamma-1}=\text{constant},\quad W=\frac{p_iV_i-p_fV_f}{\gamma-1},\quad U_{1i}+U_{2i}=U_{1f}+U_{2f}\ \text{(isolated rigid pair)} \]
Symbols and assumptions: p pressure (Pa), V volume (m³), T temperature (K), γ=C_P/C_V dimensionless; W work by gas (J), U gas internal energies (J); i/f initial/final. First three require a reversible adiabatic ideal gas with constant γ. The last requires a rigid insulated combined system without other energy exchanges.
Adiabatic relation between P and T
\[ P^{1-\gamma}T^{\gamma}=\text{constant},\qquad \frac{T_2}{T_1}=\left(\frac{P_2}{P_1}\right)^{(\gamma-1)/\gamma} \]
Symbols and assumptions: P pressure (Pa); T absolute temperature (K); γ = C_P/C_V. Reversible adiabatic process of an ideal gas with constant γ.
Adiabatic work from temperatures
\[ W=\frac{nR(T_1-T_2)}{\gamma-1}=-\Delta U \]
Symbols and assumptions: W work by gas (J); n amount (mol); R = 8.31 J/mol K; T₁, T₂ initial and final absolute temperatures (K); γ ratio of heat capacities. Q = 0. The temperature form also holds for an irreversible adiabatic process, because it comes from W = −ΔU.
Slopes and bulk moduli
\[ \frac{(dP/dV)_{\rm adia}}{(dP/dV)_{\rm iso}}=\gamma,\qquad B_S=\gamma P,\quad B_T=P \]
Symbols and assumptions: dP/dV slope on a P–V diagram at the same point; B_S adiabatic and B_T isothermal bulk modulus (Pa); P pressure (Pa); γ = C_P/C_V. Ideal gas.
Polytropic processes and molar heat capacity of a process
\[ PV^{n}=\text{constant},\quad W=\frac{\mu R(T_1-T_2)}{n-1}=\frac{P_1V_1-P_2V_2}{n-1},\quad C=C_V+\frac{R}{1-n} \]
Symbols and assumptions: P pressure (Pa); V volume (m³); n polytropic index (no unit, n ≠ 1 in the work and C formulas); μ amount (mol); R = 8.31 J/mol K; T₁, T₂ initial and final absolute temperatures (K); W work by gas (J); C molar heat capacity of the process (J/mol K); C_V molar heat capacity at constant volume. Ideal gas, quasistatic process.
Molar heat capacity in terms of γ
\[ C=\frac{R}{\gamma-1}-\frac{R}{n-1} \]
Symbols and assumptions: C molar heat capacity of the process (J/mol K); R = 8.31 J/mol K; γ = C_P/C_V of the gas; n polytropic index, n ≠ 1. C is negative for 1 < n < γ.
Heat capacity for any process law
\[ C=C_V+\frac{P}{\mu}\frac{dV}{dT} \]
Symbols and assumptions: C molar heat capacity along the process (J/mol K); C_V molar heat capacity at constant volume; P pressure (Pa); μ amount (mol); dV/dT rate of change of volume with temperature along the process (m³/K). Ideal gas, quasistatic process.
Temperature form of the process
\[ TV^{\,n-1}=\text{constant},\qquad n=1-\frac{1}{k}\ \ \text{for } V\propto T^{k} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T absolute temperature (K); V volume (m³); n polytropic index; k exponent in a law V ∝ T^k. Ideal gas with fixed amount.
Cycles, heat engines and efficiency
\[ \Delta U_{\rm cycle}=0,\quad W=Q_h-Q_c,\quad \eta=\frac{W}{Q_h}=1-\frac{Q_c}{Q_h} \]
Symbols and assumptions: W net cycle work (J); Q_h positive heat absorbed from hot source (J); Q_c positive magnitude rejected to cold sink (J); η dimensionless efficiency. The engine returns to its starting state after each cycle.
Carnot heat ratio
\[ \frac{Q_2}{Q_1}=\frac{T_2}{T_1},\qquad Q_1=nRT_1\ln\frac{V_B}{V_A} \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q₁ heat absorbed from the source per cycle (J); Q₂ heat rejected to the sink (J, magnitude); T₁, T₂ source and sink temperatures (K); V_A, V_B volumes at the start and end of the hot isothermal expansion. Reversible Carnot cycle, ideal gas.
Efficiency of any cycle
\[ \eta=\frac{W_{\rm net}}{\sum Q_{\rm absorbed}} \]
Symbols and assumptions: η efficiency (no unit); W_net net work per cycle (J), the loop area; ΣQ_absorbed sum of only the positive heat inputs over the cycle (J). The net heat equals W_net and must not be used in the denominator.
Second law, Carnot limits and refrigerators
\[ \eta_C=1-\frac{T_c}{T_h},\qquad COP=\frac{Q_c}{W},\qquad COP_C=\frac{T_c}{T_h-T_c} \]
Symbols and assumptions: T_h/T_c hot/cold reservoir temperatures (K), T_h>T_c>0; η_C maximum reversible engine efficiency; Q_c heat removed from cold reservoir (J); W input work (J); COP coefficient of performance; COP_C reversible refrigerator limit. Kelvin is essential.
Engine and refrigerator between the same reservoirs
\[ \beta=\frac{1-\eta}{\eta},\qquad \text{COP}_{\rm hp}=\frac{Q_1}{W}=\beta+1=\frac{T_1}{T_1-T_2} \]
Symbols and assumptions: β refrigerator coefficient of performance Q₂/W (no unit); η efficiency of the same reversible machine run as an engine; COP_hp heat-pump coefficient of performance; Q₁ heat delivered to the hot side (J); W work input (J); T₁, T₂ hot and cold reservoir temperatures (K).
Energy balance of a refrigerator
\[ Q_1=Q_2+W \]
Symbols and assumptions: Q₁ heat rejected to the hot surroundings (J); Q₂ heat removed from the cold space (J); W work input (J). Per cycle; all quantities are magnitudes.