Physics 7B Problem Types and Approaches

Energies:
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Use eqn sheet for respective types (magnetic fields/inductors, electric fields/capacitors)
Try to have as many constant variables as possible so that solving for the unknown variable is
easier (using CV2 vs Q2/C etc.)
If given energy density or have to find energy density, find volume by geometry or integration

Inductance:
-

Calculate magnetic field, then flux, then plug into L formula

If mutual inductance, find flux of the other inductor

Transformer:
-

Use eqn sheet

Find Req with I and V

Magnetic Fields:
-

If symmetry, use Amperes law, else use Biot-Savart (remember that dl x r = dl sin())
Use slice and dice method (if cylinder, cut into disk, if disk cut into ring, if ring cut into tiny
pieces)
Iencl is important: find it using current density or as a fraction of r/R
Dipoles: find d, either by dI or dA

Particles in Electric Fields:

-

If solving for something having to do with trajectory, set Lorentz Force equal to centripetal force

AC circuit:
-

V = IRcos()

LC circuit:
-

Use Kirchoffs Rules to put voltage in 2nd ODE w/ resp to charge Q to solve
Watch out for signs (is I = -dQ/dt or + dQ/dt?)

LR circuit:
-

Use Kirchoffs Rules to put voltage in 1st ODE w/ resp to current I to solve
Watch out for signs

RC circuit:
-

Kirchoffs Rules to put 1st ODE w/ resp to charge Q, solve for Q(t), I(t), V(t)

DC circuits in general:
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Loop rule: all changes in potential add up to 0 [add up voltage sources (batteries and inductors
(remember sign) to equal voltage stealers (resistors and capacitors)

Read carefully when the switches are closed and if capacitors are charged
Look at direction of current from battery

Capacitors:
-

Dielectrics: if one side of // plate capacitor has one and the other doesnt, consider them as
capacitors in //, if they are layered, they are in series
Find E between the plates (consider K from dielectric), then find V
Find the areas spanned for each part

Current Density:
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Integrate over dA to find current

Resistors:
-

Resistivity, length, area changes resistance

Potential:
-

Use dQ for continuous distros of charge, else use E dl

Electric Fields:
-

Slice and dice method (disks to rings to rd segments)

Gausss law *type of field distro Gaussian surface] (plates use cylinder, cylinder use
cylinder, sphere use sphere)
Qencl is important, use charge densities and check signs

Heat Engine:
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Draw out cycle

If non-deal, cannot use Carnot Efficiency

Thermo:
-

Draw out on PV diagram

At each point of the beginning and end of processes, find the unknowns using the givens
Entropy: use path-independency so use isochoric + isobaric or isothermic