Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Physics

Kinematics and Motion Description

Career Path

The career is the line formed by the various points a body follows along its path.

Reference System

A reference system is a point or a set of points used to describe the motion of a body.

Vector of a Point

The vector of a point is that defined by the origin of the chosen reference system and the point P.

Instantaneous Velocity

Instantaneous velocity is the limit that the average velocity vector approaches when the time interval approaches zero.

Vector Speed

Vector speed is the limit that the average acceleration vector approaches when the time interval $\Delta t$ approaches zero.

Physical Magnitudes

Scalars

Scalars are determined by a real number and a unit.

Vectorial Magnitudes

Vectorial magnitudes are completely... Continue reading "Fundamental Concepts in Physics and Mechanics" »

Il Gesu: A Precursor to Baroque

The construction of Il Gesu began in 1527 but faced delays due to financial constraints. It was finally consecrated in 1685 by Andrea Pozzo, although it remained unfinished. Andrea Pozzo painted the dome on canvas, where the roof is flat.

The Facade

The facade bears a striking resemblance to that of the Church of the Gesu. The lower section features a similar joint, with notable entry columns. There is an interplay of inputs and outputs, verticality, and decorative plates with angles, which are more pronounced. These plates would become a defining feature of the Baroque style. On the second level, columns are positioned in front of the pillars seen in the Gesu. The pediment introduces a decorative element, departing... Continue reading "Baroque and Renaissance Architecture: Saint Peter's Basilica and Il Gesu" »

amprio: is the current that, flowing through two parallel conductors Separated from each other by 1m distance, produces on each of them a force of 2.10-7 N per meter of length of the conductor.

The magnetic flux is the number of magnetic field lines that cross a given surface. Is measured in webers. Faraday had found that moving a magnet inside a coil connected to a galvanometer that indicated current flow though the coil was not connected to any generator. The same happened if the coil was that moved over the magnet. This phenomenon we call electromagnetic unduccion was interpreted as a function of its field lines and expressed by the following law: the electromotive force induced in a circuit equals the time rate of change of magnetic flux... Continue reading "Fundamental Concepts of Electromagnetism: Ampere, Flux, and Transformers" »

DC Generators: Contains a rectangular loop rotating in a uniform magnetic field. It consists of 2 main parts: the inductor, which creates the magnetic field, and the conductor, which is crossed by the lines of field strength. Operation: When the loop rotates, the flow of the magnetic field changes with time, and there is an emf. The ends of the loop connect to 2 rings that rotate with the coils. The connections to the external circuit are made via brushes. Starters: The three-phase stator winding of an asynchronous motor can be connected in star or triangle, depending on the network and voltage indicated on the motor's nameplate. There are 6 terminals for the 3 motor windings, but the connection terminal must be grounded. For the star connection,... Continue reading "Understanding DC Generators and Power Types in Motors" »

Understanding Energy: Definition and Units

Energy is the ability of bodies to perform work. Key formulas and conversions include:

• E = P * t (Energy = Power * time)
• E = Q * U (Energy = Charge * Voltage)

Common units of energy are: 1 Watt-hour (Wh) and 1 Joule (J). Important conversions are:

• 1 Joule (J) = 0.239 calories (cal)
• 1 calorie (cal) = 4.18 Joules (J)
• 1 Watt-hour (Wh) = 3,600 Joules (J)

Forms of Energy

Kinetic Energy

The energy possessed by a body due to its motion, depending on its speed and mass.

Potential Energy

Stored energy, often due to a body's position or state, such as its height above a reference point (e.g., the ground).

Mechanical Energy

The sum of kinetic and potential energy in a system, often associated with the motion or position... Continue reading "Energy Fundamentals: Forms, Transformations, and Key Sources" »

Electric Potential: Definition and Fundamentals

Electric potential at a point is the work required to move a unit positive charge from infinity to that point within an electric field. It is defined by the formula: V_A = KQ / r_A

The unit of electric potential is the volt (V), defined as Joules per Coulomb (J/C). A point has a potential of one volt when one Joule of work is required to move a charge of one Coulomb from infinity to that point.

Key Properties of Electric Potential

• Electric potential can be positive or negative, depending on the sign of the charge (Q) that creates the field. A positive charge creates a positive potential, while a negative charge creates a negative potential.
• All points equidistant from a point charge that creates the

... Continue reading "Electric Potential: Core Concepts and Applications" »

Electrostatics: Electricity at Rest

Electrostatics is the study of electric charges at rest.

Benjamin Franklin was the first to assign the names positive and negative to the two types of electric charge, noting that the assignment could have been the opposite.

Protons have approximately 1800 times more mass than electrons, but carry the same magnitude of charge.

Quantization of Electric Charge

Electric charge is always quantized. It is formed by small, indivisible packets. The elementary charge is $1.6 \times 10^{-19}$ Coulomb. Charge cannot be less than this value, nor can it be a fractional amount of this elementary charge; only integer multiples are possible.

Coulomb's Law

Coulomb's Law describes the force ($F$) between two point charges:

• $F = K

... Continue reading "Fundamentals of Electrostatics: Charge, Fields, and Potential" »

1. Waves and Communication

Electromagnetic waves are transmitted through various communication systems, such as radio, telephone, or even our voice. A wave is a disturbance that travels through space without transferring material, but energy.

Features of Waves

• The time it takes for one complete oscillation is called the period.
• The number of oscillations per second is called frequency (f) and equals the inverse of the period: f = 1 / T. It is measured in s^-1, also known as Hertz (Hz).
• The distance between two peaks (the highest points of a wave) or two valleys (the lowest points of a wave) is the wavelength (λ). The longer the wavelength, the lower its frequency.
• The amplitude (A) is the maximum distance a particle displaced by the wave reaches

... Continue reading "Understanding Waves: Communication, Types, and the Electromagnetic Spectrum" »

Purpose and Function of an Automotive Dynamo

The dynamo's mission is to transform mechanical energy received at its axis into electrical energy collected at its terminals. It acts as a power supply circuit for vehicle loads, using this power to charge the battery, where it is stored for later use to provide services in automotive applications and, in turn, feeding various circuits and accessories installed in the vehicle.

Components of a Dynamo

• Stator (Inducer Group)

  This group consists of the casing, the pole pieces (or polar bodies), and coils. Its aim is to create the stator magnetic field within which the induced coil moves. The casing is made of steel, through which the magnetic circuit closes. The pole pieces are inside the casing and attached

... Continue reading "Automotive Dynamo and Alternator: Function & Components" »

Understanding Sound: Properties and Behavior

Sound is produced by the vibration of an elastic medium, which can exist in three states (solid, liquid, gas).

An elastic medium possesses the ability to regain its original shape after deformation.

Types of Sound

The sounds audible to the human ear have frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz.

• Infrasound: Sounds below 20 Hz.
• Ultrasound: Sounds above 20,000 Hz.

Sound is a longitudinal mechanical wave where the medium undergoes vibrating pressure variations. Key aspects include:

• Compression: High-pressure zone.
• Rarefaction: Lower-pressure zone.

Sound Intensity and Volume

The intensity of a sound wave is a physical quantity defined as the sound energy carried by the wave per unit time through a unit area. It... Continue reading "Understanding Sound: Properties, Transmission, and Reflection" »