šŸ“ Physics 101

Fundamentals of Mechanics & Energy

A semester-long journey through the laws that govern our universe ā€” from falling apples to orbiting satellites, from thrown balls to vibrating strings.

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Course Description

Prerequisites: Basic algebra and trigonometry (sin, cos, tan, solving equations). No calculus required for the core course.

Need a refresher? šŸ“Š Algebra Review | šŸ“ Trigonometry Review

Textbook: Halliday, Resnick & Walker ā€” Fundamentals of Physics

Supplement: Walker ā€” Physics (free PDF available)

šŸ’” Study Tip: Physics is a skill, not a spectator sport. Draw diagrams, check your units, and practice problems ā€” a lot of them!

šŸ“… Course Syllabus (16 Weeks)

Week Topic Core Concept
1The Scientific Method & MeasurementUnits, significant figures, dimensional analysis
2ā€“3Kinematics ā€” Motion in 1D & 2DVelocity, acceleration, projectile motion
3ā€“4Newton's Laws of MotionForce, F=ma, free-body diagrams, friction
4Newton's Laws ā€” ContinuedTension, normal force, problem sets
5ā€“6Work, Energy & ConservationWork-energy theorem, KE, PE, conservation
6Energy ā€” ContinuedPower, non-conservative forces, problems
7Momentum & CollisionsImpulse, conservation, elastic/inelastic
8Rotational MotionTorque, angular velocity, moment of inertia
9GravitationUniversal gravitation, orbits, escape velocity
10Simple Harmonic Motion Springs, pendulums, oscillation
11FluidsPressure, buoyancy, Bernoulli
12ā€“13Waves & SoundWave properties, interference, Doppler
13Waves ā€” ContinuedStanding waves, sound intensity, problems
14Thermodynamics ITemperature, heat, specific heat, phase changes
15Thermodynamics IIEntropy, heat engines, laws of thermodynamics
16šŸ“ Review & Final ExamCumulative assessment

šŸ“Š Grading Policy

ComponentWeight
Weekly Problem Sets (built into lessons)30%
Three Midterm Exams (Weeks 4, 8, 13)30%
Lab Reports15%
Final Exam (Week 16)20%
Participation & Quizzes5%

šŸ“š Study Tips

  1. Draw diagrams for every problem. A good free-body diagram solves half the problem.
  2. Check your units. Dimensional analysis catches errors before you make them.
  3. Start with what you know. List knowns, unknowns, and relevant equations before plugging numbers.
  4. Think before computing. If a car accelerates at 500 m/sĀ², something went wrong.
  5. Practice is everything. Do the problems ā€” a lot of them.

šŸ“‹ Prerequisite Quick Links

šŸ“Š Algebra Review (8 Lessons) šŸ“ Trigonometry Review (8 Lessons)

Complete these before or alongside the Physics 101 lessons for the smoothest experience.

"Physics is not like geometry. In geometry you can start with definitions and axioms, but in physics you have to go out and look at nature first."

ā€” Richard Feynman