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Physics
119 topics across 7 chapters
Chapter 1
Mathematical Tools for Physics
1
Calculus and Vector Calculus
2 subtopics
2
Single-variable calculus refresh (derivatives, integrals, Taylor series) + problem set
3
Vector calculus drills: grad/div/curl, line & surface integrals, Gauss/Stokes theorems
4
Linear Algebra
2 subtopics
5
Matrix operations + eigenvalues/eigenvectors practice (including diagonalization)
6
Orthogonality, inner products, and change of basis (incl. least-squares intuition)
7
Differential Equations
2 subtopics
8
Solve common ODEs (first/second order), with physical examples (SHM, RC/RL)
9
Separation of variables for PDEs (wave/heat/Laplace) + boundary condition practice
10
Complex Numbers and Fourier Methods
2 subtopics
11
Complex exponentials and phasors (connect sinusoids ↔ exponentials) + exercises
12
Fourier series/transform practice on simple signals and waveforms
13
Probability and Statistics for Physics
2 subtopics
14
Random variables and key distributions (Gaussian, Poisson, exponential) + physics examples
15
Uncertainty propagation and least-squares estimation (derive and apply)
16
Numerical Methods Basics
2 subtopics
17
Numerical differentiation/integration (trapezoid/Simpson) + error behavior experiments
18
ODE solvers (Euler vs Runge–Kutta) mini-project on a physical system
Chapter 2
Measurement, Data, and Scientific Practice
19
Units, Dimensions, and Scaling
2 subtopics
20
SI units, dimensional analysis, and consistency checks (do 20+ quick drills)
21
Scaling and order-of-magnitude estimation (Fermi problems) for physical systems
22
Uncertainty and Error Analysis
2 subtopics
23
Significant figures, systematic vs random error, and reporting results correctly
24
Confidence intervals and combining uncertainties (incl. repeated measurements)
25
Data Visualization and Model Fitting
2 subtopics
26
Least-squares curve fitting (linear and nonlinear) using a real dataset
27
Residual plots and model checking: detect overfitting, bias, and outliers
28
Experimental Design and Lab Skills
2 subtopics
29
Lab notebook workflow, safety basics, and writing a clear experimental procedure
30
Calibration and instrument limits (resolution, drift, saturation) + short lab exercise
Chapter 3
Classical Mechanics
31
Kinematics and Newton’s Laws
2 subtopics
32
Free-body diagrams and Newton’s 2nd law setup (multi-step problems)
33
2D kinematics problems: projectile motion, uniform circular motion, relative motion
34
Work–Energy and Momentum
2 subtopics
35
Work–energy theorem + conservative potentials (solve and interpret)
36
Momentum and impulse problems: collisions, center-of-mass frame, rockets basics
37
Rotational Motion and Rigid Bodies
2 subtopics
38
Torque and angular momentum conservation problems (point mass and rigid body)
39
Moments of inertia + rolling without slipping (solve several canonical examples)
40
Gravitation and Orbits
2 subtopics
41
Gravitational potential energy, escape velocity, and effective potentials (problems)
42
Keplerian orbits: circular/elliptic parameters, energy and angular momentum relations
Differential Equations (see Chapter 1)
43
Oscillations and Resonance
2 subtopics
44
SHM, damping, and driven oscillators (amplitude/phase) + problem set
45
Resonance, quality factor, and energy flow in oscillators (interpret experiments)
46
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
2 subtopics
47
Derive Euler–Lagrange equations for standard systems (pendulum, Atwood, central force)
48
Hamiltonian mechanics basics: phase space, canonical equations, Poisson brackets (intro)
Chapter 4
Electricity and Magnetism
49
Electrostatics
2 subtopics
50
Gauss’s law for symmetric charge distributions (spheres, cylinders, planes) + practice
51
Electric potential, capacitance, and stored energy (derive and solve problems)
52
Electric Circuits
2 subtopics
53
Kirchhoff’s laws: analyze DC networks and measure equivalent resistance
54
RC/RL/RLC circuits: transients, resonance, and AC impedance/phasors (problems)
55
Magnetostatics and Induction
2 subtopics
56
Compute magnetic fields with Biot–Savart and Ampère’s law (canonical geometries)
57
Faraday’s law and Lenz’s law: induction problems + inductance intuition
58
Fields in Matter (Dielectrics and Magnetics)
2 subtopics
59
Polarization/magnetization: bound charge/current, susceptibility concepts (problems)
60
Boundary conditions at material interfaces (E, D, B, H) + worked examples
61
Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
2 subtopics
62
Translate Maxwell’s equations between integral and differential forms + interpret each term
63
Derive EM wave equation; compute Poynting vector and radiation pressure basics
Differential Equations (see Chapter 1)
Chapter 5
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
64
Thermodynamic Systems and the First Law
2 subtopics
65
First law practice: sign conventions, PV work, and energy bookkeeping in processes
66
Heat capacities, calorimetry, and phase changes (solve multi-step problems)
67
Second Law and Entropy
2 subtopics
68
Entropy calculations for ideal gases and phase changes (reversible vs irreversible)
69
Carnot cycle and efficiency limits (engines and refrigerators) + problems
70
Thermodynamic Potentials and Maxwell Relations
2 subtopics
71
Thermodynamic potentials (F, G) and Legendre transforms: derive key identities
72
Maxwell relations and phase equilibrium/chemical potential basics (apply to examples)
73
Kinetic Theory and the Ideal Gas
2 subtopics
74
Kinetic theory derivations: pressure, temperature, equipartition (work through steps)
75
Mean free path and transport estimates (diffusion/viscosity) at order-of-magnitude level
76
Statistical Mechanics Foundations
2 subtopics
77
Compute partition functions for simple systems (two-level, harmonic oscillator)
78
Classical vs quantum statistics: when Maxwell–Boltzmann fails; intro to Bose/Fermi
Probability and Statistics for Physics (see Chapter 1)
Chapter 6
Waves, Optics, and Acoustics
79
Wave Basics (Wave Equation, Boundary Conditions)
2 subtopics
80
Derive the 1D wave equation and write traveling-wave solutions; interpret parameters
81
Standing waves and normal modes on strings and air columns (boundary conditions)
Differential Equations (see Chapter 1)
Complex Numbers and Fourier Methods (see Chapter 1)
82
Superposition, Fourier Analysis, and Dispersion
2 subtopics
83
Superposition + Fourier decomposition to build signals and wave packets (practice)
84
Dispersion, group velocity, beats; connect math to real wave phenomena
85
Geometric Optics
2 subtopics
86
Ray tracing: reflection/refraction, Snell’s law, and sign conventions (problem set)
87
Thin lens equation, magnification, and optical instruments (microscope/telescope basics)
88
Physical Optics (Interference, Diffraction, Polarization)
2 subtopics
89
Interference: double-slit and thin-film interference (predict fringe patterns)
90
Diffraction: single-slit and gratings; resolving power and aperture limits (problems)
91
Acoustics and Sound
2 subtopics
92
Sound intensity, decibel scale, Doppler effect (solve and interpret)
93
Resonance in cavities + acoustic impedance basics (connect to reflections/transmission)
Chapter 7
Modern Physics (Relativity, Quantum, and Matter)
94
Special Relativity
2 subtopics
95
Lorentz transformations and spacetime diagrams (events, simultaneity) + exercises
96
Relativistic energy–momentum, invariants, and collision kinematics (problems)
97
Quantum Mechanics Fundamentals
2 subtopics
98
Solve Schrödinger equation in 1D: infinite well, finite step/barrier, tunneling
99
Operators and commutators; uncertainty principle; spin-1/2 and measurement postulates
100
Atomic Physics
2 subtopics
101
Hydrogen atom qualitative structure + spectra (n, l, m, orbitals conceptually)
102
Fine structure and Zeeman effect overview; selection rules basics + simple exercises
103
Nuclear and Particle Physics
2 subtopics
104
Radioactive decay (exponential law, half-life chains) + nuclear binding energy basics
105
Particle physics survey (quarks/leptons/interactions) + detector/accelerator fundamentals
106
Condensed Matter and Materials
2 subtopics
107
Crystals and band structure intuition; semiconductors (pn junction concepts)
108
Superconductivity and magnetism survey (key phenomena) + short conceptual problem set
109
Modern Experiments and Applications
2 subtopics
110
Photoelectric and Compton effects: experimental signatures and interpretations
111
Modern physics applications case study (choose one: MRI, GPS, lasers, quantum tech)