University Physics

by Openstax

Complete Table of Contents

• Vol 1 Unit 1. Mechanics
• Vol 1 Unit 2. Waves and Acoustics
• Vol 2 Unit 1. Thermodynamics
• Vol 2 Unit 2. Electricity and Magnetism
• Vol 3 Unit 1. Optics
• Vol 3 Unit 2. Modern Physics
• Appendicies

Openstax websites: Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3
Find Student Resources there for solutions to all odd-numbered problems, Notetaking Guide, Managing Time and Priorities).

Vol 1 Unit 1. Mechanics

1-1. Units and Measurement

• 1-1.1 The Scope and Scale of Physics
• 1-1.2 Units and Standards
• 1-1.3 Unit Conversion
• 1-1.4 Dimensional Analysis
• 1-1.5 Estimates and Fermi Calculations
• 1-1.6 Significant Figures
• 1-1.7 Solving Problems in Physics
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-2. Vectors

• 1-2.1 Scalars and Vectors
• 1-2.2 Coordinate Systems and Components of a Vector
• 1-2.3 Algebra of Vectors
• 1-2.4 Products of Vectors
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-3. Motion Along a Straight Line

• 1-3.1 Position, Displacement, and Average Velocity
• 1-3.2 Instantaneous Velocity and Speed
• 1-3.3 Average and Instantaneous Acceleration
• 1-3.4 Motion with Constant Acceleration
• 1-3.5 Free Fall
• 1-3.6 Finding Velocity and Displacement from Acceleration
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-4. Motion in Two and Three Dimensions

• 1-4.1 Displacement and Velocity Vectors
• 1-4.2 Acceleration Vector
• 1-4.3 Projectile Motion
• 1-4.4 Uniform Circular Motion
• 1-4.5 Relative Motion in One and Two Dimensions
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-5. Newton’s Laws of Motion

• 1-5.1 Forces
• 1-5.2 Newton’s First Law
• 1-5.3 Newton’s Second Law
• 1-5.4 Mass and Weight
• 1-5.5 Newton’s Third Law
• 1-5.6 Common Forces
• 1-5.7 Drawing Free-Body Diagrams
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-6. Applications of Newton’s Laws

• 1-6.1 Solving Problems with Newton’s Laws
• 1-6.2 Friction
• 1-6.3 Centripetal Force
• 1-6.4 Drag Force and Terminal Speed
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-7. Work and Kinetic Energy

• 1-7.1 Work
• 1-7.2 Kinetic Energy
• 1-7.3 Work-Energy Theorem
• 1-7.4 Power
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-8. Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy

• 1-8.1 Potential Energy of a System
• 1-8.2 Conservative and Non-Conservative Forces
• 1-8.3 Conservation of Energy
• 1-8.4 Potential Energy Diagrams and Stability
• 1-8.5 Sources of Energy
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-9. Linear Momentum and Collisions

• 1-9.1 Linear Momentum
• 1-9.2 Impulse and Collisions
• 1-9.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum
• 1-9.4 Types of Collisions
• 1-9.5 Collisions in Multiple Dimensions
• 1-9.6 Center of Mass
• 1-9.7 Rocket Propulsion
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-10. Fixed-Axis Rotation

• 1-10.1 Rotational Variables
• 1-10.2 Rotation with Constant Angular Acceleration
• 1-10.3 Relating Angular and Translational Quantities
• 1-10.4 Moment of Inertia and Rotational Kinetic Energy
• 1-10.5 Calculating Moments of Inertia
• 1-10.6 Torque
• 1-10.7 Newton’s Second Law for Rotation
• 1-10.8 Work and Power for Rotational Motion
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-11. Angular Momentum

• 1-11.1 Rolling Motion
• 1-11.2 Angular Momentum
• 1-11.3 Conservation of Angular Momentum
• 1-11.4 Precession of a Gyroscope
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-12. Static Equilibrium and Elasticity

• 1-12.1 Conditions for Static Equilibrium
• 1-12.2 Examples of Static Equilibrium
• 1-12.3 Stress, Strain, and Elastic Modulus
• 1-12.4 Elasticity and Plasticity
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-13. Gravitation

• 1-13.1 Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
• 1-13.2 Gravitation Near Earth’s Surface
• 1-13.3 Gravitational Potential Energy and Total Energy
• 1-13.4 Satellite Orbits and Energy
• 1-13.5 Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion
• 1-13.6 Tidal Forces
• 1-13.7 Einstein’s Theory of Gravity
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-14. Fluid Mechanics

• 1-14.1 Fluids, Density, and Pressure
• 1-14.2 Measuring Pressure
• 1-14.3 Pascal’s Principle and Hydraulics
• 1-14.4 Archimedes’ Principle and Buoyancy
• 1-14.5 Fluid Dynamics
• 1-14.6 Bernoulli’s Equation
• 1-14.7 Viscosity and Turbulence
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

Vol 1 Unit 2. Waves and Acoustics

1-15. Oscillations

• 1-15.1 Simple Harmonic Motion
• 1-15.2 Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion
• 1-15.3 Comparing Simple Harmonic Motion and Circular Motion
• 1-15.4 Pendulums
• 1-15.5 Damped Oscillations
• 1-15.6 Forced Oscillations
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-16. Waves

• 1-16.1 Traveling Waves
• 1-16.2 Mathematics of Waves
• 1-16.3 Wave Speed on a Stretched String
• 1-16.4 Energy and Power of a Wave
• 1-16.5 Interference of Waves
• 1-16.6 Standing Waves and Resonance
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

1-17. Sound

• 1-17.1 Sound Waves
• 1-17.2 Speed of Sound
• 1-17.3 Sound Intensity
• 1-17.4 Normal Modes of a Standing Sound Wave
• 1-17.5 Sources of Musical Sound
• 1-17.6 Beats
• 1-17.7 The Doppler Effect
• 1-17.8 Shock Waves
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

Vol 2 Unit 1. Thermodynamics

2-1. Temperature and Heat

• 2-1.1 Temperature and Thermal Equilibrium
• 2-1.2 Thermometers and Temperature Scales
• 2-1.3 Thermal Expansion
• 2-1.4 Heat Transfer, Specific Heat, and Calorimetry
• 2-1.5 Phase Changes
• 2-1.6 Mechanisms of Heat Transfer
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-2. The Kinetic Theory of Gases

• 2-2.1 Molecular Model of an Ideal Gas
• 2-2.2 Pressure, Temperature, and RMS Speed
• 2-2.3 Heat Capacity and Equipartition of Energy
• 2-2.4 Distribution of Molecular Speeds
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-3. The First Law of Thermodynamics

• 2-3.1 Thermodynamic Systems
• 2-3.2 Work, Heat, and Internal Energy
• 2-3.3 First Law of Thermodynamics
• 2-3.4 Thermodynamic Processes
• 2-3.5 Heat Capacities of an Ideal Gas
• 2-3.6 Adiabatic Processes for an Ideal Gas
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-4. The Second Law of Thermodynamics

• 2-4.1 Reversible and Irreversible Processes
• 2-4.2 Heat Engines
• 2-4.3 Refrigerators and Heat Pumps
• 2-4.4 Statements of the Second Law of Thermodynamics
• 2-4.5 The Carnot Cycle
• 2-4.6 Entropy
• 2-4.7 Entropy on a Microscopic Scale
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

Vol 2 Unit 2. Electricity and Magnetism

2-5. Electric Charges and Fields

• 2-5.1 Electric Charge
• 2-5.2 Conductors, Insulators, and Charging by Induction
• 2-5.3 Coulomb’s Law
• 2-5.4 Electric Field
• 2-5.5 Calculating Electric Fields of Charge Distributions
• 2-5.6 Electric Field Lines
• 2-5.7 Electric Dipoles
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-6. Gauss’s Law

• 2-6.1 Electric Flux
• 2-6.2 Explaining Gauss’s Law
• 2-6.3 Applying Gauss’s Law
• 2-6.4 Conductors in Electrostatic Equilibrium
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-7. Electric Potential

• 2-7.1 Electric Potential Energy
• 2-7.2 Electric Potential and Potential Difference
• 2-7.3 Calculations of Electric Potential
• 2-7.4 Determining Field from Potential
• 2-7.5 Equipotential Surfaces and Conductors
• 2-7.6 Applications of Electrostatics
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-8. Capacitance

• 2-8.1 Capacitors and Capacitance
• 2-8.2 Capacitors in Series and in Parallel
• 2-8.3 Energy Stored in a Capacitor
• 2-8.4 Capacitor with a Dielectric
• 2-8.5 Molecular Model of a Dielectric
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-9. Current and Resistance

• 2-9.1 Electrical Current
• 2-9.2 Model of Conduction in Metals
• 2-9.3 Resistivity and Resistance
• 2-9.4 Ohm’s Law
• 2-9.5 Electrical Energy and Power
• 2-9.6 Superconductors
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-10. Direct-Current Circuits

• 2-10.1 Electromotive Force
• 2-10.2 Resistors in Series and Parallel
• 2-10.3 Kirchhoff’s Rules
• 2-10.4 Electrical Measuring Instruments
• 2-10.5 RC Circuits
• 2-10.6 Household Wiring and Electrical Safety
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-11. Magnetic Forces and Fields

• 2-11.1 Magnetism and Its Historical Discoveries
• 2-11.2 Magnetic Fields and Lines
• 2-11.3 Motion of a Charged Particle in a Magnetic Field
• 2-11.4 Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor
• 2-11.5 Force and Torque on a Current Loop
• 2-11.6 The Hall Effect
• 2-11.7 Applications of Magnetic Forces and Fields
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-12. Sources of Magnetic Fields

• 2-12.1 The Biot-Savart Law
• 2-12.2 Magnetic Field Due to a Thin Straight Wire
• 2-12.3 Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Currents
• 2-12.4 Magnetic Field of a Current Loop
• 2-12.5 Ampère’s Law
• 2-12.6 Solenoids and Toroids
• 2-12.7 Magnetism in Matter
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-13. Electromagnetic Induction

• 2-13.1 Faraday’s Law
• 2-13.2 Lenz’s Law
• 2-13.3 Motional Emf
• 2-13.4 Induced Electric Fields
• 2-13.5 Eddy Currents
• 2-13.6 Electric Generators and Back Emf
• 2-13.7 Applications of Electromagnetic Induction
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-14. Inductance

• 2-14.1 Mutual Inductance
• 2-14.2 Self-Inductance and Inductors
• 2-14.3 Energy in a Magnetic Field
• 2-14.4 RL Circuits
• 2-14.5 Oscillations in an LC Circuit
• 2-14.6 RLC Series Circuits
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-15. Alternating-Current Circuits

• 2-15.1 AC Sources
• 2-15.2 Simple AC Circuits
• 2-15.3 RLC Series Circuits with AC
• 2-15.4 Power in an AC Circuit
• 2-15.5 Resonance in an AC Circuit
• 2-15.6 Transformers
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

2-16. Electromagnetic Waves

• 16.1 Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
• 16.2 Plane Electromagnetic Waves
• 16.3 Energy Carried by Electromagnetic Waves
• 16.4 Momentum and Radiation Pressure
• 16.5 The Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

Vol 3 Unit 1. Optics

3-1. The Nature of Light

• 3-1.1 The Propagation of Light
• 3-1.2 The Law of Reflection
• 3-1.3 Refraction
• 3-1.4 Total Internal Reflection
• 3-1.5 Dispersion
• 3-1.6 Huygens’s Principle
• 3-1.7 Polarization
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

3-2. Geometric Optics and Image Formation

• 3-2.1 Images Formed by Plane Mirrors
• 3-2.2 Spherical Mirrors
• 3-2.3 Images Formed by Refraction
• 3-2.4 Thin Lenses
• 3-2.5 The Eye
• 3-2.6 The Camera
• 3-2.7 The Simple Magnifier
• 3-2.8 Microscopes and Telescopes
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

3-3. Interference

• 3-3.1 Young’s Double-Slit Interference
• 3-3.2 Mathematics of Interference
• 3-3.3 Multiple-Slit Interference
• 3-3.4 Interference in Thin Films
• 3-3.5 The Michelson Interferometer
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

3-4. Diffraction

• 3-4.1 Single-Slit Diffraction
• 3-4.2 Intensity in Single-Slit Diffraction
• 3-4.3 Double-Slit Diffraction
• 3-4.4 Diffraction Gratings
• 3-4.5 Circular Apertures and Resolution
• 3-4.6 X-Ray Diffraction
• 3-4.7 Holography
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

Vol 3 Unit 2. Modern Physics

3-5. Relativity

• 3-5.1 Invariance of Physical Laws
• 3-5.2 Relativity of Simultaneity
• 3-5.3 Time Dilation
• 3-5.4 Length Contraction
• 3-5.5 The Lorentz Transformation
• 3-5.6 Relativistic Velocity Transformation
• 3-5.7 Doppler Effect for Light
• 3-5.8 Relativistic Momentum
• 3-5.9 Relativistic Energy
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

3-6. Photons and Matter Waves

• 3-6.1 Blackbody Radiation
• 3-6.2 Photoelectric Effect
• 3-6.3 The Compton Effect
• 3-6.4 Bohr’s Model of the Hydrogen Atom
• 3-6.5 De Broglie’s Matter Waves
• 3-6.6 Wave-Particle Duality
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

3-7. Quantum Mechanics

• 3-7.1 Wave Functions
• 3-7.2 The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
• 3-7.3 The Schrödinger Equation
• 3-7.4 The Quantum Particle in a Box
• 3-7.5 The Quantum Harmonic Oscillator
• 3-7.6 The Quantum Tunneling of Particles through Potential Barriers
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

3-8. Atomic Structure

• 3-8.1 The Hydrogen Atom
• 3-8.2 Orbital Magnetic Dipole Moment of the Electron
• 3-8.3 Electron Spin
• 3-8.4 The Exclusion Principle and the Periodic Table
• 3-8.5 Atomic Spectra and X-rays
• 3-8.6 Lasers
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

3-9. Condensed Matter Physics

• 3-9.1 Types of Molecular Bonds
• 3-9.2 Molecular Spectra
• 3-9.3 Bonding in Crystalline Solids
• 3-9.4 Free Electron Model of Metals
• 3-9.5 Band Theory of Solids
• 3-9.6 Semiconductors and Doping
• 3-9.7 Semiconductor Devices
• 3-9.8 Superconductivity
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

3-10. Nuclear Physics

• 3-10.1 Properties of Nuclei
• 3-10.2 Nuclear Binding Energy
• 3-10.3 Radioactive Decay
• 3-10.4 Nuclear Reactions
• 3-10.5 Fission
• 3-10.6 Nuclear Fusion
• 3-10.7 Medical Applications and Biological Effects of Nuclear Radiation
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

3-11. Particle Physics and Cosmology

• 3-11.1 to Particle Physics
• 3-11.2 Particle Conservation Laws
• 3-11.3 Quarks
• 3-11.4 Particle Accelerators and Detectors
• 3-11.5 The Standard Model
• 3-11.6 The Big Bang
• 3-11.7 Evolution of the Early Universe
• Chapter Review: Key Terms, Key Equations, Summary, Conceptual Questions, Problems, Additional Problems

Appendicies

• Units
• Conversion Factors
• Fundamental Constants
• Astronomical Data
• Mathematical Formulas
• Chemistry
• The Greek Alphabet

Last modified: October 13, 2024