This introductory, algebra-based, two-semester college physics book is grounded with real-world examples, illustrations, and explanations to help students grasp key, fundamental physics concepts. College Physics can be can be downloaded now by clicking on the "Get this book" button below. This online, fully editable and customizable title includes learning objectives, concept questions, links to labs and simulations, and ample practice opportunities to solve traditional physics application problems.
Senior Contributing Authors
Dr. Paul Peter Urone, California State University Sacramento
Dr. Roger Hinrichs, State University of New York, College at Oswego
Contributing Authors
Dr. Kim Dirks, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Dr. Manjula Sharma, University of Sydney, Australia
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Table of Contents
-
Introduction: The Nature of Science and Physics
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- Introduction to Science and the Realm of Physics, Physical Quantities, and Units
- Physics: An Introduction
- Physical Quantities and Units
- Accuracy, Precision, and Significant Figures
- Approximation
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Kinematics
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- Introduction to One-Dimensional Kinematics
- Displacement
- Vectors, Scalars, and Coordinate Systems
- Time, Velocity, and Speed
- Acceleration
- Motion Equations for Constant Acceleration in One Dimension
- Problem-Solving Basics for One-Dimensional Kinematics
- Falling Objects
- Graphical Analysis of One-Dimensional Motion
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Two-Dimensional Kinematics
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- Introduction to Two-Dimensional Kinematics
- Kinematics in Two Dimensions: An Introduction
- Vector Addition and Subtraction: Graphical Methods
- Vector Addition and Subtraction: Analytical Methods
- Projectile Motion
- Addition of Velocities
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Dynamics: Force and Newton's Laws of Motion
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- Introduction to Dynamics: Newton's Laws of Motion
- Development of Force Concept
- Newton’s First Law of Motion: Inertia
- Newton’s Second Law of Motion: Concept of a System
- Newton’s Third Law of Motion: Symmetry in Forces
- Normal, Tension, and Other Examples of Forces
- Problem-Solving Strategies
- Further Applications of Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Extended Topic: The Four Basic Forces—An Introduction
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Further Applications of Newton's Laws: Friction, Drag, and Elasticity
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- Introduction: Further Applications of Newton’s Laws
- Friction
- Drag Forces
- Elasticity: Stress and Strain
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Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation
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- Introduction to Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation
- Rotation Angle and Angular Velocity
- Centripetal Acceleration
- Centripetal Force
- Fictitious Forces and Non-inertial Frames: The Corioluis Force
- Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation
- Satellites and Kepler’s Laws: An Argument for Simplicity
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Work, Energy, and Energy Resources
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- Introduction to Work, Energy, and Energy Resources
- Work: The Scientific Definition
- Kinetic Energy and the Work-Energy Theorem
- Gravitational Potential Energy
- Conservative Forces and Potential Energy
- Nonconservative Forces
- Conservation of Energy
- Power
- Work, Energy, and Power in Humans
- World Energy Use
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Linear Momentum and Collisions
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- Introduction to Linear Momentum and Collisions
- Linear Momentum and Force
- Impulse
- Conservation of Momentum
- Elastic Collisions in One Dimension
- Inelastic Collisions in One Dimension
- Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions
- Introduction to Rocket Propulsion
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Statics and Torque
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- Introduction to Statics and Torque
- First Condition for Equilibrium
- The Second Condition for Equilibrium
- Stability
- Applications of Statistics, Including Problem-Solving Strategies
- Simple Machines
- Forces and Torques in Muscles and Joints
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Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum
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- Introduction to Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum
- Angular Acceleration
- Kinematics of Rotational Motion
- Dynamics of Rotational Motion: Rotational Inertia
- Rotational Kinetic Energy: Work-Energy Revisited
- Angular Momentum and Its Conservation
- Collisions of Extended Bodies in Two Dimensions
- Gyroscopic Effects: Vector Aspects of Angular Momentum
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Fluid Statics
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- Introduction to Fluid Statics
- What Is a Fluid?
- Density
- Pressure
- Variation of Pressure with Depth in a Fluid
- Pascal’s Principle
- Gauge Pressure, Absolute Pressure, and Pressure Measurement
- Archimedes’ Principle
- Cohesion and Adhesion in Liquids: Surface Tension and Capillary Action
- Pressures in the Body
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Fluid Dynamics and Its Biological and Medical Applications
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- Introduction to Fluid Dynamics and Its Biological and Medical Applications
- Flow Rate and Its Relation to Velocity
- Bernoulli’s Equation
- The Most General Applications of Bernoulli’s Equation
- Viscosity and Laminar Flow: Poiseuille’s Law
- The Onset of Turbulence
- Motion of an Object in a Viscous Fluid
- Molecular Transport Phenomena: Diffusion, Osmosis, and Related Processes
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Temperature, Kinetic Theory, and the Gas Laws
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- Introduction to Temperature, Kinetic Theory, and the Gas Laws
- Temperature
- Thermal Expansion of Solids and Liquids
- The Ideal Gas Law
- Kinetic Theory: Molecular Explanation of Pressure and Temperature
- Phase Changes
- Humidity, Evaporation, and Boiling
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Heat and Heat Transfer Methods
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- Introduction to Heat and Heat Transfer Methods
- Heat
- Temperature Change and Heat Capacity
- Phase Change and Latent Heat
- Heat Transfer Methods
- Conduction
- Convection
- Radiation
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Thermodynamics
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- Introduction to Thermodynamics
- The First Law of Thermodynamics
- The First Law of Thermodynamics and Some Simple Processes
- Introduction To The Second Law Of Thermodynamics: Heat Engines And Their Efficiency
- Carnot’s Perfect Heat Engine: The Second Law of Thermodynamics Restated
- Applications of Thermodynamics: Heat Pumps and Refrigerators
- Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics: Disorder and the Unavailability of Energy
- Statistical Interpretation of Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics: The Underlying Explanation
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Oscillatory Motion and Waves
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- Introduction to Oscillatory Motion and Waves
- Hooke’s Law: Stress and Strain Revisited
- Period and Frequency in Oscillations
- Simple Harmonic Motion: A Special Periodic Motion
- The Simple Pendulum
- Energy and the Simple Harmonic Oscillator
- Uniform Circular Motion and Simple Harmonic Motion
- Damped Harmonic Motion
- Forced Oscillations and Resonance
- Waves
- Superposition and Interference
- Energy in Waves: Intensity
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Physics of Hearing
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- Introduction to the Physics of Hearing
- Sound
- Speed of Sound, Frequency, and Wavelength
- Sound Intensity and Sound Level
- Doppler Effect and Sonic Booms
- Sound Interference and Resonance: Standing Waves in Air Columns
- Hearing
- Ultrasound
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Electric Charge and Electric Field
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- Introduction to Electric Charge and Electric Field
- Static Electricity and Charge: Conservation of Charge
- Conductors and Insulators
- Coulomb’s Law
- Electric Field: Concept of a Field Revisited
- Electric Field Lines: Multiple Charges
- Electric Forces in Biology
- Conductors and Electric Fields in Static Equilibrium
- Applications of Electrostatics
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Electric Potential and Electric Field
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- Introduction to Electric Potential and Electric Energy
- Electric Potential Energy: Potential Difference
- Electric Potential in a Uniform Electric Field
- Electric Potential due to a Point Change
- Equipotential Lines
- Capacitors and Dielectrics
- Capacitors in Series and Parallel
- Energy Stored in Capacitors
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Electric Current, Resistance, and Ohm's Law
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- Introduction to Electric Current, Resistance, and Ohm's Law
- Current
- Ohm’s Law: Resistance and Simple Circuits
- Resistance and Resistivity
- Electric Power and Energy
- Alternating Current versus Direct Current
- Electric Hazards and the Human Body
- Nerve Conduction-Electrocardiograms
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Circuits, Bioelectricity, and DC Instruments
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- Introduction to Circuits, Bioelectricity, and DC Instruments
- Resistors in Series and Parallel
- Electromotive Force: Terminal Voltage
- Kirchhoff’s Rules
- DC Voltmeters and Ammeters
- Null Measurements
- DC Circuits Containing Resistors and Capacitors
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Magnetism
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- Introduction to Magnetism
- Magnets
- Ferromagnets and Electromagnets
- Magnetic Fields and Magnetic Field Lines
- Magnetic Field Strength B: Force on a Moving Charge in a Magnetic Field
- Force on a Moving Charge in a Magnetic Field: Examples and Applications
- The Hall Effect
- Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor
- Torque on a Current Loop: Motors and Meters
- Magnetic Fields Produced by Currents: Ampere’s Law
- Magnetic Force Between Two Parallel Conductors
- More Applications of Magnetism
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Electromagnetic Induction, AC Circuits, and Electrical Technologies
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- Introduction to Electromagnetic Induction: AC Circuits, and Electrical Technologies
- Induced Emf and Magnetic Flux
- Faraday’s Law of Induction: Lenz’s Law
- Motional Emf
- Eddy Currents and Magnetic Damping
- Electric Generators
- Back Emf
- Transformers
- Electrical Safety: Systems and Devices
- Inductance
- RL Circuits
- Reactance, Inductive and Capacitive
- RLC Series AC Circuits
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Electromagnetic Waves
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- Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
- Maxwell’s Equations: Electromagnetic Waves Predicted and Observed
- Production of Electromagnetic Waves
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Energy in Electromagnetic Waves
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Geometric Optics
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- Introduction to Geometric Optics
- The Ray Aspect of Light
- The Law of Reflection
- The Law of Refraction
- Total Internal Reflection
- Dispersion: The Rainbow and Prisms
- Image Formation by Lenses
- Image Formation by Mirrors
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Vision and Optical Instruments
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- Introduction to Vision and Optical Instruments
- Physics of the Eye
- Vision Correction
- Color and Color Vision
- Microscopes
- Telescopes
- Aberrations
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Wave Optics
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- Introduction to Wave Optics
- The Wave Aspect of Light: Interference
- Huygen’s Principle: Diffraction
- Young’s Double Slit Experiment
- Multiple Slit Diffraction
- Single Slit Diffraction
- Limits of Resolution: The Rayleigh Criterion
- Thin Film Interference
- Polarization
- *Extended Topic* Microscopy Enhanced by the Wave Characteristics of Light
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Special Relativity
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- Introduction to Special Relativity
- Einstein’s Postulates
- Simultaneity and Time Dilation
- Length Contraction
- Relativistic Addition of Velocities
- Relativistic Momentum
- Relativistic Energy
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Introduction to Quantum Physics
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- Introduction to Quantum Physics
- Quantization of Energy
- The Photoelectric Effect
- Photon Energies and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Photon Momentum
- The Particle-Wave Duality
- The Wave Nature of Matter
- Probability: The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
- The Particle-Wave Duality Reviewed
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Atomic Physics
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- Introduction to Atomic Physics
- Discovery of the Atom
- Discovery of the Parts of the Atom: Electrons and Nuclei
- Bohr’s Theory of the Hydrogen Atom
- X-Rays: Atomic Origins and Applications
- Applications of Atomic Excitations and De-Excitations
- The Wave Nature of Matter Causes Quantization
- Patterns in Spectra Reveal More Quantization
- Quantum Numbers and Rules
- The Pauli Exclusion Principle
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Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics
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- Introduction to Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics
- Nuclear Radioactivity
- Radiation Detection and Detectors
- Substructure of the Nucleus
- Nuclear Decay and Conservation Laws
- Half-Life and Activity
- Binding Energy
- Tunneling
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Medical Applications of Nuclear Physics
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- Introduction to Applications of Nuclear Physics
- Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
- Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation
- Therapeutic Uses of Ionizing Radiation
- Food Irradiation
- Fusion
- Fission
- Nuclear Weapons
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Particle Physics
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- Introduction to Particle Physics
- The Yukawa Particle and the Heinsenberg Uncertainty Principle Revisited
- The Four Basic Forces
- Accelerators Create Matter from Energy
- Particles, Patterns, and Conservation Laws
- Quarks: Is That All There Is?
- GUTs, the Unification of Forces
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Frontiers of Physics
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- Introduction to Frontiers of Physics
- Cosmology and Particle Physics
- General Relativity and Quantum Gravity
- Superstrings
- Dark Matter and Closure
- Complexity and Chaos
- High-Temperature Superconductors
- Some Questions We Know to Ask
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Appendix A: Atomic Masses
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- Appendix A: Atomic Masses
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Appendix B: Selected Radioactive Isotopes
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- Appendix B: Selected Radioactive Isotopes
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Appendix C: Useful Information
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- Appendix C: Useful Information
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Appendix CO: Missions of Exploration
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- Appendix CO: Missions of Exploration
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Appendix G: Glossary of Key Symbols and Notation
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- Appendix G: Glossary of Key Symbols and Notation
Learning Resources
- Expert TA
Expert TA is committed to building a dynamic online homework grading software for Introductory physics classes with a comprehensive library of original content to supplement a range of texts. Expert TA provides an integrated suite that combines online homework and tutorial modes to enhance student-learning outcomes and meet physics instructors’ assessment needs. Expert TA is used by universities, community colleges, and high schools.
- Sapling Learning
Sapling Learning is a leading independent on line homework that has been used by hundreds of thousands of students. Sapling learning is a powerful tool for physics and provides content for algebra- and calculus-based introductory physics courses. In addition to numeric and equation based questions, conceptual understanding is measured using sorting, labeling, ranking, multiple choice, and multiple select answer types.
- WebAssign
WebAssign is an independent online homework and assessment system that has been available commercially since 1998.
WebAssign has recently begun to support the physics community by creating a high quality online homework solution for selected open source textbooks, available at an affordable price to students.
- Student Solution Manual
The Student Solution Manual is a free download for students. The SSM will have full stepped out solutions for:every third conceptual question and every sixth Problem. Answers to all odd Problems will be displayed in the online version of the SE when the student clicks the “Answer” link under an odd problem.
- Free! Vertias Tutors and How to Succeed In Physics Guide
Veritas Tutors is a premiere provider of educational products and services Veritas Tutors is also pleased to provide a free and open study guide "How to Succeed in Physics" to teach you essential concepts, provide essential math review, and demonstrate problem solving techniques to help you master physics. Download Now!
- Instructor Solution Manual (faculty only)
The instructor solution manual contains the detailed solutions to all the end of chapter problems in College Physics. This is a restricted item requiring faculty registration.
- Powerpoint Slides (faculty only)
The PowerPoint slides are based on the extensive illustrations from College Physics. They can be edited, incorporated into lecture notes, and you are free to share with anyone in the community. This is a restricted item requiring faculty registration. NOTE: This file is very large and may take some time to download.
Errata
OpenStax College prides itself on the accuracy of its textbooks. However, errors do occasionally occur. Building on the community-oriented nature of this project, we invite you to peruse the list of errata and to suggest corrections that we should make.
To view the errata list or suggest a correction, click here.
College Physics
by OpenStax College
is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
