Physics 101: Forces and Kinematics Course

Lesson 1 • SI Units and Physical Quantities

Introduces the seven base SI units and derived units essential to mechanics. Connects unit literacy to every subsequent calculation in the course.

Lesson 2 • Measurement and Experimental Uncertainty

Covers precision, accuracy, and systematic vs. random error in physical measurements. Provides the error-analysis foundation needed for lab work throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Vector Operations in Two Dimensions

Develops addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication of vectors using components. These operations underpin all two-dimensional kinematics and force analysis.

Lesson 1 • Kinematic Equations for Constant Acceleration

Derives and applies the four constant-acceleration equations to solve 1D motion problems. Students practice selecting the correct equation based on known and unknown variables.

Lesson 2 • Acceleration in One Dimension

Defines average and instantaneous acceleration and links them to velocity-time graph slopes. Prepares students to apply kinematic equations under constant acceleration.

Lesson 3 • Velocity and Speed

Differentiates average and instantaneous velocity and connects them to position-time graphs. Students gain graphical and algebraic tools for velocity analysis.

Lesson 4 • Describing Position and Displacement

Defines reference frames, position coordinates, and displacement as a vector quantity. Establishes the conceptual language used in all kinematic equations.

Lesson 1 • Motion in a Plane: Vector Approach

Generalizes position, velocity, and acceleration to two dimensions using vector components. Connects 1D kinematic concepts to the 2D framework used throughout this chapter.

Lesson 2 • Projectile Motion Fundamentals

Analyzes the parabolic path of a projectile by separating horizontal and vertical components. Students apply free-fall equations vertically while treating horizontal motion as uniform.

Lesson 3 • Relative Motion and Reference Frames

Introduces Galilean relativity and velocity addition for observers in different inertial frames. Students solve river-crossing and aircraft-wind problems using relative velocity vectors.

Lesson 1 • Newton's First Law and Inertia

Defines inertia and the condition of equilibrium for objects at rest or in uniform motion. Challenges common misconceptions about force as the cause of motion.

Lesson 2 • Applying Newton's Laws to Simple Systems

Solves single-object and two-object problems on horizontal and inclined surfaces. Integrates free-body diagrams, component equations, and algebraic solution strategies.

Lesson 3 • Force, Mass, and Newton's Second Law

Quantifies the relationship F = ma and explores how net force and mass determine acceleration. Students practice calculating acceleration from multiple concurrent forces.

Lesson 4 • Free-Body Diagrams

Develops systematic construction of free-body diagrams as the primary tool for applying Newton's laws. Accurate diagrams are required for every dynamics problem in subsequent chapters.

Lesson 1 • Normal Force and Contact Forces

Explains the normal force as a surface reaction perpendicular to the contact surface. Students calculate normal force on flat, inclined, and accelerating surfaces.

Lesson 2 • Tension in Ropes and Cables

Models tension as a pulling force transmitted through massless, inextensible strings. Students solve pulley and multi-segment rope problems using Newton's second law.

Lesson 3 • Static and Kinetic Friction

Derives friction force models using coefficients of static and kinetic friction. Students determine whether an object slides or remains stationary under applied forces.

Lesson 4 • Multi-Force Problem Solving

Combines gravity, normal force, tension, and friction in complex multi-body scenarios. Students practice systematic equation setup and solution verification.

Lesson 1 • Circular Motion in Vertical Planes

Analyzes roller coasters, pendulums at the bottom of a swing, and objects on the inside of a loop. Students determine minimum speed conditions and normal force variation around a vertical circle.

Lesson 2 • Circular Motion in Horizontal Planes

Solves problems involving cars on curves, rotating platforms, and banked roads. Students apply friction and normal force as the centripetal force sources in horizontal-plane scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Centripetal Acceleration

Derives the centripetal acceleration formula a = v²/r and identifies its direction toward the center. Students distinguish centripetal acceleration from tangential acceleration.

Lesson 4 • Centripetal Force and Newton's Second Law

Applies F = ma to circular motion, identifying which physical forces provide centripetal force. Students avoid the misconception of centripetal force as a separate, additional force.

Lesson 1 • Gravitational Potential Energy

Defines gravitational potential energy PE = mgh and explains its dependence on reference level choice. Prepares students for energy conservation by introducing stored energy due to position.

Lesson 2 • Power and Energy Transfer Rate

Defines power as the rate of work done and connects it to force and velocity via P = Fv. Students solve problems involving engines, motors, and human exertion using power concepts.

Lesson 3 • Work Done by a Constant Force

Defines work as W = Fd cosθ and identifies conditions under which forces do positive, negative, or zero work. Connects force and displacement concepts from Newton's laws to the energy framework.

Lesson 4 • Conservation of Mechanical Energy

States the conservation law for systems with only conservative forces and applies it to solve motion problems. Students compare energy and kinematics methods to appreciate each approach's efficiency.

Lesson 1 • Conservation of Linear Momentum

States the conservation law for isolated systems and identifies when external forces violate it. Students apply conservation to two-body problems before and after collisions.

Lesson 2 • Linear Momentum and Newton's Second Law

Defines momentum as p = mv and reformulates Newton's second law in terms of momentum change. Establishes momentum as a conserved vector quantity under specific conditions.

Lesson 3 • Impulse and the Impulse-Momentum Theorem

Defines impulse as the product of force and time and proves it equals the change in momentum. Students apply the theorem to analyze collisions, airbags, and sports impacts.

Lesson 4 • Two-Dimensional Collisions

Extends momentum conservation to 2D by applying it independently to x and y components. Students solve glancing collision problems using vector component equations.