Physics for Engineers: Waves, Optics, Electromagnetism & Mechanics Guide
Physics for engineers covers the principles behind energy, waves, light, electric and magnetic fields, and motion. These guides explain each concept with the equations and examples engineering students need.
Start here
Core ideas to learn first.
Waves & optics
Sound, electromagnetic waves, ray optics and interference.
Electric fields & capacitance
Gauss’s law, potential, dipoles and capacitors.
Electric Flux & Gauss’s Law
How flux and Gauss’s law describe electric fields.
Electric Potential & Energy
Potential and energy for charged particles.
Dipole & Quadrupole Fields
How these systems shape electric and magnetic fields.
Capacitance & Dielectrics
How capacitors store energy.
Physics II Practice Exams
Practice material for electricity and magnetism.
Magnetism & induction
Magnetic fields, magnets and Maxwell’s equations.
Mechanics & rotation
Moment of inertia and the dynamics of mechanical systems.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between energy and power?
Energy is the ability to do work, while power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.
What is a mechanical wave?
A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium such as a solid, liquid or gas, transferring energy without transporting matter.
What is ray optics?
Ray optics, also called geometrical optics, describes light as rays, imaginary lines that show the path along which light travels.
What is moment of inertia?
Moment of inertia measures how much an object resists changes to its rotational motion. It plays a central role in rotational dynamics.
Prefer a simple list? See every article in the Physics category, or browse all categories.