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How Things Work
An Introduction to Physics
Louis A. Bloomfield
Louis A. Bloomfield
An introduction to physics in the context of everyday objects.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Introduction
Start here!
Skating
Professor Bloomfield examines the principle of inertia through skate boarding. Objects at rest tend to remain at rest while objects in motion, tend to remain in motion. Why does a stationary skater remain stationary? Why does a moving skater tend to continue moving? How can we describe the fluid, effortless motion of a coasting skater? How does a skater start, stop, or turn? Why does a skater need ice or wheels in order to skate? Physics concepts covered include Newton's first and second laws and 5 physical quantities: position, velocity, acceleration, force, and mass.
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Syllabus
Course Introduction
Start here!
Skating
Professor Bloomfield examines the principle of inertia through skate boarding. Objects at rest tend to remain at rest while objects in motion, tend to remain in motion. Why does a stationary skater remain stationary? Why does a moving skater tend to continue moving? How can we describe the fluid, effortless motion of a coasting skater? How does a skater start, stop, or turn? Why does a skater need ice or wheels in order to skate? Physics concepts covered include Newton's first and second laws and 5 physical quantities: position, velocity, acceleration, force, and mass.
Read more
Falling Balls
Professor Bloomfield examines the physics concepts of gravity, weight, constant acceleration, and projectile motion working with falling balls.
Ramps
Professor Bloomfield examines the physics concepts of Newton's third law including conserved quantities, support forces, work, energy, and mechanical advantage working with ramps.
Seesaws
Professor Bloomfield illustrates the physics concepts of rotational versus translational motion, Newton's law of rotation, and 5 physical quantities: angular position, angular velocity, angular acceleration, torque, and rotational mass using seesaws.
Wheels
Professor Bloomfield illustrates the physics concept of frictional forces through experiments with wheels.
Bumper Cars
Professor Bloomfield examines the physics concepts of momentum, impulse, angular momentum, angular impulse, and the relationship between potential energy and force using bumper cars.
Final
This is the final exam.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces physics concepts through hands-on experiments with everyday objects, making them more accessible and relatable
Provides a solid foundation in foundational physics concepts, such as Newton's laws, force, motion, and energy
Engaging and interactive, featuring demonstrations, experiments, and real-world examples to illustrate concepts
Well-structured and sequential, allowing learners to build on their understanding gradually
Suitable for beginners with little to no background in physics
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Save How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Physics for the curious
learners say this course presents introductory physics concepts, blending everyday examples, engaging assignments, and a supportive approach. It's especially well-received for its enthusiastic instructor, clear explanations, and use of visual aids and demonstrations to illustrate key principles. While some note that the content is largely qualitative and may not be rigorous enough for advanced students, many emphasize that it's a great resource for building a foundational understanding of physics.
The course includes quizzes and a final exam to help students test their understanding of the material. Many learners found these assessments to be engaging and effective in reinforcing the concepts covered in the videos.
"The quizzes are challenging."
"The final exam was humerous while staying while testing knowledge."
"Lauged right out loud at a couple of them!"
The course makes extensive use of visual aids, such as diagrams, animations, and demonstrations, to help students visualize and understand the concepts being taught. These visuals are particularly helpful for illustrating complex or abstract ideas.
"He clearly demonstrates each and every experiment and then explains it in the easiest way possible."
"His enthusiasm and the way he showcased each concept through actual objects really made it easier for me to understand and retain the informations."
"Makes physics both fun and understandable through his fun teaching videos"
Professor Bloomfield is described as enthusiastic, passionate, and engaging. His energy and excitement for the subject matter are contagious, and he has a gift for making physics accessible and enjoyable for learners of all levels.
"I love and appreciate his hard work and find his teachings very useful and understandable."
"I wish I had this course when I was in secondary school."
"I will never forgot these topics forever !!!"
Professor Bloomfield is praised for his ability to break down complex physics concepts into easy-to-understand terms. He uses clear language, provides helpful diagrams and demonstrations, and relates the material to real-life examples.
"He explains things in easy to understand terms"
"His enthusiasm and the way he showcased each concept through actual objects really made it easier for me to understand and retain the informations."
"His effort really shows through out the whole course"
The course focuses on qualitative explanations of physics concepts, with minimal use of mathematics. While this makes the material more accessible to beginners, some learners may find it lacking in depth or rigor.
"It serves as a fantastic primer to further learning and helps you "think physically"."
"There is no equation or math, and it should be at the beginner level."
Activities
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We're preparing activities for
How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics.
These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.
Career center
Learners who complete How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, build, and operate machines, systems, and devices for various industries, from energy to manufacturing. An understanding of the principles taught in this course, such as Newton's laws of motion, gravity, and energy, is essential for success in this field. By taking this course, you can build a solid foundation in physics that will help you excel as a Mechanical Engineer.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, build, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles that operate in the air and space. A deep understanding of physics, including the principles taught in this course, such as Newton's laws of motion, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics, is essential for success in this field. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in physics that will prepare you for a successful career as an Aerospace Engineer.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design, operate, and maintain nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. A comprehensive understanding of physics, including the principles covered in this course, such as nuclear physics, thermodynamics, and radiation protection, is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these facilities. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in physics that will be invaluable in your career as a Nuclear Engineer.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and oversee the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, and buildings. A strong understanding of physics, including the principles covered in this course, is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of these structures. This course will provide you with a comprehensive foundation in physics that will be invaluable in your career as a Civil Engineer.
Geophysicist
Geophysicist
Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth, including its interior, atmosphere, and oceans. A strong understanding of physics, including the principles taught in this course, such as geophysics, seismology, and gravity, is crucial for understanding the Earth's structure and processes. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in physics that will be invaluable in your career as a Geophysicist.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials with improved properties for various applications. A strong understanding of physics, including the principles taught in this course, such as solid-state physics, condensed matter physics, and materials characterization, is essential for success in this field. This course will provide you with a comprehensive foundation in physics that will help you excel as a Materials Scientist.
Physicist
Physicist
Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature and the properties of matter and energy. A comprehensive understanding of physics, including the principles covered in this course, such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics, is essential for success in this field. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in physics that will prepare you for a successful career as a Physicist.
Science Teacher
Science Teacher
Science Teachers educate students about the principles of science and the natural world. A strong understanding of physics, including the principles taught in this course, is crucial for effectively teaching these concepts to students. This course will provide you with a comprehensive foundation in physics that will help you excel as a Science Teacher.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys help inventors protect their intellectual property by drafting and filing patents. A strong understanding of physics, including the principles taught in this course, such as the laws of motion, energy, and thermodynamics, is essential for understanding the inventions and technologies that are the subject of patents. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in physics that will be invaluable in your career as a Patent Attorney.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create instructional materials, manuals, and other documents that explain complex technical information to users. A strong understanding of physics, including the principles taught in this course, such as the laws of motion, energy, and thermodynamics, is essential for effectively communicating technical concepts to non-experts. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in physics that will help you excel as a Technical Writer.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts evaluate and recommend investments for individuals and organizations. A strong understanding of mathematics and statistics, including the principles taught in this course, such as probability, statistics, and linear algebra, is essential for success in this field. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics that will help you excel as a Financial Analyst.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. A strong understanding of mathematics and statistics, including the principles taught in this course, such as probability, statistics, and linear algebra, is essential for success in this field. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics that will help you excel as a Data Analyst.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. A strong understanding of computer science, including the principles taught in this course, such as algorithms, data structures, and software design, is essential for success in this field. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in computer science that will help you excel as a Software Engineer.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts ensure that products and services meet quality standards. A strong understanding of quality assurance principles, including the principles taught in this course, such as quality control, testing, and inspection, is essential for success in this field. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in quality assurance that will help you excel as a Quality Assurance Analyst.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and oversee projects to achieve specific goals. A strong understanding of project management principles, including the principles taught in this course, such as project planning, risk management, and resource management, is essential for success in this field. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in project management that will help you excel as a Project Manager.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/7c3e18/how
Reading list
We've selected 26 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics.
This legendary series of lectures provides an in-depth and engaging exploration of physics, offering a comprehensive complement to the course material.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of mechanics, covering topics such as kinematics, dynamics, and statics. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including wave-particle duality, the Schrödinger equation, and the hydrogen atom. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed in the course.
Save
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of electromagnetism, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electromagnetic waves. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of physics, including mechanics, heat, and electricity and magnetism, making it a valuable resource for supplementing the course material.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of classical mechanics, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including kinematics, dynamics, and statics. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of classical mechanics.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of physics, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and electricity and magnetism. It valuable resource for students seeking a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed in the course.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of waves, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including wave propagation, interference, diffraction, and polarization. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed in the course.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of modern physics, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including special relativity, general relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed in the course.
This textbook provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electromagnetic waves. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed in the course.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of modern physics, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including special relativity, general relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed in the course.
This textbook provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of statistical physics, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and the kinetic theory of gases. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed in the course.
This textbook provides a clear and concise introduction to physics, covering topics such as motion, energy, and waves, which are covered in the course.
This textbook emphasizes conceptual understanding over mathematical rigor, making it a valuable resource for students who are looking for an intuitive introduction to the fundamental principles of physics.
This concise and engaging textbook covers the core concepts of physics in a clear and approachable manner. It is particularly helpful for students who are new to the subject or who need a refresher on the basics.
Save
This popular book presents complex physics concepts in a clear and accessible style, making it a valuable resource for reinforcing understanding.
This textbook provides a concise and engaging introduction to the fundamental principles of mechanics, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including kinematics, dynamics, and statics. It valuable resource for students who are seeking a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed in the course.
This textbook is designed for students pursuing science and engineering degrees, providing a rigorous foundation in physics principles.
This autobiographical work offers a glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest physicists of all time, providing insights into his approach to problem-solving and the nature of scientific inquiry.
Delves into the principles of mechanics and relativity, offering a deeper understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
This collection of lectures explores the philosophical implications of physics, offering a unique perspective on the nature of reality.
This classic textbook provides a thorough treatment of electricity and magnetism, complementing the introductory coverage in the course.
Save
This ambitious work attempts to provide a unified understanding of the fundamental laws of physics, offering a glimpse into the frontiers of modern scientific thought.
Save
Provides an accessible introduction to the enigmatic world of quantum mechanics, which is not covered in the course.
Save
This popular science book explores the history and nature of the universe, providing a broader context for the concepts covered in the course.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/7c3e18/how
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Effort
11 hours of videos and assessments
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Virginia
Instructor
Louis A. Bloomfield
Language
English
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Good to know
Introduces physics concepts through hands-on experiments with everyday objects, making them more accessible and relatable
Provides a solid foundation in foundational physics concepts, such as Newton's laws, force, motion, and energy
Engaging and interactive, featuring demonstrations, experiments, and real-world examples to illustrate concepts
Well-structured and sequential, allowing learners to build on their understanding gradually
Suitable for beginners with little to no background in physics
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