Equation Sheet This is a link to a pdf version of the course equation sheet. This sheet (or its updates) will be attached to each midterm and final. You may also bring it to quizzes (I would suggest you do), but it will not be handed out each time. You are not permitted to bring any other 'equation sheet'.
There are several purposes for this sheet:
1. To show how few fundamental equations there really are in
Physics. It's not knowing the equations that counts, but learning to see
the world around you in the context of a few basic principles. The former
is easy, the latter takes practice (i. e., do your homework!)
2. It is intended that you should be able to work all problems from
these equations (plus the very simple ideas that you presumably know; e. g. the
area of a circle, the volume of a cube, etc.). It is true that in some
cases more complex "plug and chug" equations will give a quicker answer, even
without much understanding. I work hard to avoid these problems when
making out tests. My rule in selecting problems is that they must be
workable in a few steps from these basic equations, with the least possible
arithmetic. I have no interest in encouraging you to learn a lot of
complex equations that few physicists know and which there is little chance
you'll remember one week after the final. I have some modest hope that
you'll remember what these few basic laws of physics mean forever.
3. To help you to see the relations between these few basic laws
and how all physics fits together into a logical and coherent whole.