Author: Saim Khalid
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Introduction
Oscillations are among the most fundamental phenomena in nature and science. From the swinging of a simple pendulum to the vibrations of atoms in a crystal lattice, oscillatory motion plays a vital role in physics, engineering, biology, music, and even human physiology. An oscillation can be defined as a repetitive back-and-forth motion about an equilibrium…
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What Are Mechanical Waves?
Introduction Whenever you toss a pebble into a still pond, you watch ripples spread outward in concentric circles. When a guitar string is plucked, a musical note vibrates through the air to your ears. In both cases, something moves, yet the water in the pond or the air in the room does not travel all…
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Human Work & Power
Introduction Every movement of the human body—from lifting a grocery bag to sprinting on a track—obeys the same physical laws that govern the motion of planets and the operation of machines. Physics provides a universal language to describe these actions, and two of its most important concepts are work and power. In everyday conversation, work…
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Work Done by Non-Conservative Forces
Introduction In physics, forces can be broadly classified as conservative and non-conservative. Conservative forces, such as gravity and spring force, have the special property that the work they do is independent of the path taken and depends only on the initial and final positions of an object. Non-conservative forces, on the other hand, behave differently.…
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Solved Numericals on Work, Energy & Power
Introduction: Why Numericals Matter in Physics Physics is a subject built on understanding concepts and applying them to solve real-world problems. While theoretical knowledge provides the foundation, numericals or problem-solving exercises bring these ideas to life. They test understanding, improve analytical skills, and show how abstract formulas translate into real-world quantities. In mechanics, the concepts…
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Energy Transformations in Daily Life
1. Introduction Energy is everywhere. It fuels our bodies, powers our homes, drives vehicles, and sustains technology. But what many people overlook is that energy is never created or destroyed—it only changes from one form to another. This idea is the essence of the Law of Conservation of Energy: Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only change form.\text{Energy can neither be created nor…
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Work Done in Circular Motion
Introduction Circular motion is one of the most common types of motion in nature and technology. From planets orbiting the Sun, to cars taking a turn on a curved road, to a stone tied with a string moving in a circle, the concept of circular motion is everywhere. But what about work done in circular…
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Power Output of Engines
1. Introduction Engines and machines are the backbone of modern civilization. From the tiny motor inside your smartphone’s vibration unit to the colossal turbines of a hydroelectric dam, they all share a common role: converting one form of energy into useful work. But when comparing two machines, how do we know which is “better” or…
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Potential Energy Curves & Stability
Introduction In classical mechanics and modern physics, the concepts of potential energy curves and stability play a central role. Whether we are analyzing how a pendulum swings, how atoms bond in molecules, or how planets orbit the Sun, potential energy diagrams provide an elegant way to visualize and predict motion. A potential energy curve is…
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Work Done by Friction
Introduction Whenever you push a heavy box across the floor, ride a bicycle, or apply brakes in a car, you experience resistance. This resistance is due to friction. While friction is essential for walking, driving, and gripping objects, it also leads to energy loss. In physics, this loss is explained through the work done by…