Physics Fundamentalized

The notion of lines of equipotential is introduced and explored.

The integral that defines electric potential is evaluated in the context of two uniform, spherically symmetric charge distributions, the first of which results in the electric potential due to a point charge.

The Electrostatic Potential energy is derived from the work-energy theorem which leads, in turn to our definition of electric potential, the energy per unit charge.

The harmonic oscillator is solved with a damping force proportional to the speed of the oscillator.

The principles of harmonic motion are reviewed and then applied to three examples: the simple pendulum, the physical pendulum and a can bobbing in water.

The problem of a mass connected to a spring is analyzed using Newton's 2nd law to reveal the harmonic oscillator differential equation which is then solved for the position, velocity and acceleration of the oscillator as a function of time. Arguments are made that such solutions are approximately true for any system for which there exists a potential energy minimum, provided the oscillation is small. Also, it is demonstrated that identical solutions are obtained for a mass hanging from a vertical spring by applying a thoughtful change in coordinate.

The problem of a mass connected to a spring is analyzed using Newton's 2nd law to reveal the harmonic oscillator differential equation which is then solved for the position, velocity and acceleration of the oscillator as a function of time. Arguments are made that such solutions are approximately true for any system for which there exists a potential energy minimum, provided the oscillation is small. Also, it is demonstrated that identical solutions are obtained for a mass hanging from a vertical spring by applying a thoughtful change in coordinate.

A modern demonstration of the discovery that a one over r squared force law results in planetary motions that are ellipses in agreement with Kepler’s observations.

The gravitational potential energy between two mutually attracting bodies is derived. After, several essential applications of universal gravitation are presented.