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Prof. Joe Wolfe,
Dr Elizabeth J. Angstmann,
and
Mr Sebastian Fricke
Most of the phenomena in the world around you are, at the fundamental level, based on physics, and much of physics is based on mechanics. Mechanics begins by quantifying motion, and then explaining it in terms of forces, energy and momentum. This allows us to analyse the operation of many familiar phenomena around us, but also the mechanics of planets, stars and galaxies.
This on-demand course is recommended for senior high school and beginning university students and anyone with a curiosity about basic physics. (The survey tells us that it's often used by science teachers, too.)
Read more
Most of the phenomena in the world around you are, at the fundamental level, based on physics, and much of physics is based on mechanics. Mechanics begins by quantifying motion, and then explaining it in terms of forces, energy and momentum. This allows us to analyse the operation of many familiar phenomena around us, but also the mechanics of planets, stars and galaxies.
This on-demand course is recommended for senior high school and beginning university students and anyone with a curiosity about basic physics. (The survey tells us that it's often used by science teachers, too.)
Read more
Most of the phenomena in the world around you are, at the fundamental level, based on physics, and much of physics is based on mechanics. Mechanics begins by quantifying motion, and then explaining it in terms of forces, energy and momentum. This allows us to analyse the operation of many familiar phenomena around us, but also the mechanics of planets, stars and galaxies.
This on-demand course is recommended for senior high school and beginning university students and anyone with a curiosity about basic physics. (The survey tells us that it's often used by science teachers, too.)
The course uses rich multimedia tutorials to present the material: film clips of key experiments, animations and worked example problems, all with a friendly narrator. You'll do a range of interesting practice problems, and in an optional component, you will use your ingenuity to complete at-home experiments using simple, everyday materials.
You will need some high-school mathematics: arithmetic, a little algebra, quadratic equations, and the sine, cosine and tangent functions from trigonometry. The course does not use calculus. However, we do provide a study aid introducing the calculus that would accompany this course if it were taught in a university.
By studying mechanics in this course, you will understand with greater depth many of the wonders around you in everyday life, in technology and in the universe at large. Meanwhile, we think you'll have some fun, too.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/h0862i/mechanics
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction and Basic Tools
This introductory section covers some basic tools you will need to solve some of the physics problems we will encounter later.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction and Basic Tools
This introductory section covers some basic tools you will need to solve some of the physics problems we will encounter later.
Read more
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores physics, which is standard in many academic programs and professions
Teaches physics, which helps learners understand the world around them
Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners
Taught by distinguished professors recognized in physics
Covers many relevant topics in physics, including kinematics, dynamics, gravity, and special relativity
Requires only high school mathematics, making it accessible to a wide range of learners
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Reviews summary
Mechanics: clear explanations & engaging demos
According to learners, this course is a highly effective introduction to mechanics, praised for its clear explanations and engaging multimedia content. Students particularly appreciate the high-quality videos and demonstrations that help visualize complex concepts. It's widely seen as accessible, largely due to its no-calculus approach, making it suitable for high school or beginning university students and those seeking a solid foundation in physics fundamentals. While the core content is logically structured and well-received, some students note that the quizzes and assessments can be quite challenging and sometimes feel disconnected from the lectures, requiring careful attention.
Course avoids calculus, making it accessible.
"The lack of calculus makes it accessible, yet it covers key mechanics topics thoroughly."
"...No calculus needed, which was a relief."
"The no-calculus approach is good for accessibility..."
"Perfect for someone wanting a strong mechanics base without calculus."
Provides a strong base in mechanics.
"Highly recommended!"
"A very good introduction to mechanics."
"It built up from basics (motion, forces) very logically. ... Great foundation."
"Solid course on mechanics fundamentals."
Videos and demonstrations are high quality.
"...the demonstrations are engaging and help visualize complex concepts."
"The videos are high quality. ..."
"Loved this course! The way gravity and orbits were explained was fascinating. Demos using everyday items were a highlight."
"This is truly one of the best online physics courses I've taken. The videos are top-notch..."
Instructor provides very clear explanations.
"Absolutely fantastic course! Professor Warren provides incredibly clear explanations..."
"The lecturer is excellent, explaining concepts simply."
"Excellent explanations by the instructor. Complex topics are broken down well."
"Lectures are clear. I liked the examples."
Quizzes and exams can be difficult.
"Quizzes were fair but made you think."
"Some of the quiz questions were tricky, but overall a great learning experience."
"Okay course, but the assessments were quite challenging."
"Sometimes the quizzes felt a bit out of sync with lecture difficulty. Overall positive though."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets with these
activities:
Read 'University Physics' by Young & Freedman
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of the course material by reviewing this comprehensive physics textbook.
Show steps
-
Read the chapters corresponding to the topics covered in the course.
-
Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Review basic algebra and trigonometry
Show steps
Brush up on your algebra and trigonometry skills to ensure a strong foundation for the course.
Show steps
-
Review the rules of exponents, logarithms, and polynomials.
-
Practice solving trigonometric equations involving sine, cosine, and tangent.
Solve kinematics problems using free-body diagrams
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of kinematics by solving practice problems involving the analysis of forces acting on objects.
Browse courses on
Kinematics
Show steps
-
Identify the forces acting on an object and draw a free-body diagram.
-
Apply Newton's laws of motion to solve for unknown forces, velocities, or accelerations.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore interactive simulations of motion and energy transformations
Show steps
Engage with interactive simulations to visualize and explore the concepts of motion and energy transformations.
Browse courses on
Motion
Show steps
-
Find online simulations that demonstrate the laws of motion and energy conservation.
-
Use the simulations to experiment with different variables and observe the resulting effects.
Design a simple machine that demonstrates a physical principle
Show steps
Apply your understanding of physics principles by designing and building a working model of a simple machine.
Show steps
-
Identify a physical principle you want to demonstrate.
-
Research and design a simple machine that embodies that principle.
-
Build and test your machine, making modifications as needed.
Develop a narrated video explaining a specific physics concept
Show steps
Enhance your comprehension and communication skills by creating a visually engaging video that explains a physics concept.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific physics concept you want to explain.
-
Write a script that clearly and concisely conveys the concept.
-
Record a video of yourself presenting the concept and any relevant demonstrations.
Attend a workshop on advanced topics in mechanics
Show steps
Expand your knowledge and skills by participating in a workshop focused on advanced topics in mechanics.
Browse courses on
Continuing Education
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant workshops in your area.
-
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
Contribute to an open-source physics project
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the broader physics community by participating in an open-source project.
Browse courses on
Open-Source Software
Show steps
-
Find an open-source physics project that aligns with your interests and skills.
-
Identify a way to contribute to the project, such as bug fixes or feature development.
Read 'University Physics' by Young & Freedman
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of the course material by reviewing this comprehensive physics textbook.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the chapters corresponding to the topics covered in the course.
- Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Review basic algebra and trigonometry
Show steps
Brush up on your algebra and trigonometry skills to ensure a strong foundation for the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the rules of exponents, logarithms, and polynomials.
- Practice solving trigonometric equations involving sine, cosine, and tangent.
Solve kinematics problems using free-body diagrams
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of kinematics by solving practice problems involving the analysis of forces acting on objects.
Browse courses on
Kinematics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the forces acting on an object and draw a free-body diagram.
- Apply Newton's laws of motion to solve for unknown forces, velocities, or accelerations.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore interactive simulations of motion and energy transformations
Show steps
Engage with interactive simulations to visualize and explore the concepts of motion and energy transformations.
Browse courses on
Motion
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online simulations that demonstrate the laws of motion and energy conservation.
- Use the simulations to experiment with different variables and observe the resulting effects.
Design a simple machine that demonstrates a physical principle
Show steps
Apply your understanding of physics principles by designing and building a working model of a simple machine.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a physical principle you want to demonstrate.
- Research and design a simple machine that embodies that principle.
- Build and test your machine, making modifications as needed.
Develop a narrated video explaining a specific physics concept
Show steps
Enhance your comprehension and communication skills by creating a visually engaging video that explains a physics concept.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific physics concept you want to explain.
- Write a script that clearly and concisely conveys the concept.
- Record a video of yourself presenting the concept and any relevant demonstrations.
Attend a workshop on advanced topics in mechanics
Show steps
Expand your knowledge and skills by participating in a workshop focused on advanced topics in mechanics.
Browse courses on
Continuing Education
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant workshops in your area.
- Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
Contribute to an open-source physics project
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the broader physics community by participating in an open-source project.
Browse courses on
Open-Source Software
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open-source physics project that aligns with your interests and skills.
- Identify a way to contribute to the project, such as bug fixes or feature development.
Career center
Learners who complete Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers research, design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal devices, including tools, engines, and machines. Through this course, you will build a foundation in the laws of motion that govern the dynamic behavior of mechanical systems. Concepts such as velocity, acceleration, momentum, and energy are essential for understanding and analyzing the performance of mechanical devices.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as bridges, buildings, and roads. They must understand the forces that act on structures and how to design them to withstand these forces. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of mechanics, which are essential for understanding structural behavior and designing safe and efficient structures.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They must understand the forces that act on these vehicles and how to design them to fly safely and efficiently. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of mechanics, which are essential for understanding flight dynamics and designing aerospace vehicles.
Architectural Engineer
Architectural Engineer
Architectural Engineers design and build buildings. They must understand the forces that act on buildings and how to design them to withstand these forces. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of mechanics, which are essential for understanding structural behavior and designing safe and efficient buildings.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and technologies. They must understand the forces that act on the human body and how to design devices that are safe and effective. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of mechanics, which are essential for understanding biomechanics and designing biomedical devices.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems and devices. They must understand the forces that act on electrical systems and how to design them to operate safely and efficiently. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of mechanics, which are essential for understanding electrical engineering concepts such as circuit analysis and electromagnetic fields.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design and develop software applications. While they typically do not need a deep understanding of mechanics, this course may be useful for those who are interested in developing software for robotics or other applications that involve physical systems. The course will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics, which can be helpful for understanding how physical systems work and how to design software that interacts with them.
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers design and develop computer hardware and software. While they typically do not need a deep understanding of mechanics, this course may be useful for those who are interested in developing hardware for robotics or other applications that involve physical systems. The course will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics, which can be helpful for understanding how physical systems work and how to design hardware that interacts with them.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data. While they typically do not need a deep understanding of mechanics, this course may be useful for those who are interested in working with data from physical systems. The course will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics, which can be helpful for understanding how physical systems work and how to collect and analyze data from them.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide advice to businesses and individuals on financial matters. While they typically do not need a deep understanding of mechanics, this course may be useful for those who are interested in working in the financial sector and understanding how the economy works. The course will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics, which can be helpful for understanding how the economy works and how to make sound financial decisions.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products and services. While they typically do not need a deep understanding of mechanics, this course may be useful for those who are interested in working in the marketing field and understanding how to reach target audiences. The course will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics, which can be helpful for understanding how people interact with their environment and how to develop effective marketing campaigns.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. While they typically do not need a deep understanding of mechanics, this course may be useful for those who are interested in working in the sales field and understanding how to build relationships with customers. The course will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics, which can be helpful for understanding how people interact with their environment and how to build rapport with customers.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide support to customers and resolve their issues. While they typically do not need a deep understanding of mechanics, this course may be useful for those who are interested in working in the customer service field and understanding how to interact with customers. The course will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics, which can be helpful for understanding how people interact with their environment and how to provide excellent customer service.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students in various subjects. While they typically do not need a deep understanding of mechanics, this course may be useful for those who are interested in teaching science or engineering. The course will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics, which can be helpful for understanding how the world works and how to teach it to students.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. While they typically do not need a deep understanding of mechanics, this course may be useful for those who are interested in working in a library and understanding how to organize and manage information. The course will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics, which can be helpful for understanding how the world works and how to organize information in a logical and accessible way.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/h0862i/mechanics
Reading list
We've selected 43 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
Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets.
Comprehensive and rigorous treatment of statistical mechanics that is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics. It good choice for students who want to learn about the foundations of statistical mechanics.
Comprehensive and rigorous treatment of electromagnetism that is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics. It good choice for students who want to learn about the foundations of electromagnetism.
Comprehensive and rigorous treatment of solid state physics that is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics. It good choice for students who want to learn about the foundations of solid state physics.
Classic textbook that has been used by generations of students to learn mechanics. It comprehensive and rigorous treatment of the subject, and it is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics.
Save
Classic textbook that has been used by generations of students to learn about gravity. It comprehensive and rigorous treatment of the subject, and it is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics.
Comprehensive and rigorous treatment of quantum mechanics that is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics. It good choice for students who want to learn about the foundations of quantum mechanics.
Classic in theoretical mechanics. This book can be used as a supplement for almost any mechanics course.
Is an encyclopedia of physics. It valuable refernce for a wide range of topics in classical mechanics, from the kinematics of rigid bodies to special relativity.
Save
This textbook has been used at universities all over the world in teaching introductory courses Newton mechanics. In addition to derivations and problem sets, the book features explorations of the relationship between mechanics and other areas of science, art, and technology.
This textbook comprehensive and well-regarded resource for the study of introductory physics. It covers a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, optics, and modern physics. The book provides clear explanations, numerous worked examples, and practice problems to help students master the material.
Comprehensive textbook that covers all the topics in the course, and it is written in a clear and engaging style. It good choice for students who want a thorough understanding of mechanics.
Save
Classic textbook that has been used by generations of students to learn mechanics. It comprehensive and rigorous treatment of the subject, and it is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics.
Save
Comprehensive and rigorous treatment of mechanics that is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics. It good choice for students who want to learn the subject in depth.
Save
This classic text provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of classical mechanics, covering a wide range of topics from kinematics to chaos theory. It valuable resource for students who want to deepen their understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
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Is an excellent introduction to theoretical mechanics. It good choice for students who are planning on a career in physics.
Provides an in-depth introduction to classical mechanics at a slightly higher mathematical level than other books on this list.
Is written for a typical introductory mechanics course sequence. It good source of exercises and examples.
More advanced treatment of mechanics that is suitable for students who have a strong background in physics. It covers a wide range of topics, including Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, and special relativity.
More advanced treatment of mechanics that is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics. It covers a wide range of topics, including Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, and it good choice for students who want to learn about the foundations of mechanics.
More modern treatment of mechanics that is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics. It covers a wide range of topics, including Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, and special relativity.
More advanced treatment of general relativity that is suitable for students who have a strong background in mathematics. It covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of general relativity, black holes, and cosmology.
Save
This textbook is known for its clear and engaging writing style. It provides a thorough introduction to classical mechanics, with a focus on problem-solving and applications. It good choice for students who want to develop a strong foundation in mechanics.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mechanics, covering a wide range of topics from kinematics to gravitation. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
This textbook provides a clear and concise introduction to both classical mechanics and special relativity. It good choice for students who want to learn about the basics of mechanics and how it relates to the theory of relativity.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the fundamental principles of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. It valuable resource for students who are new to the subject or who need a refresher.
Concise and readable introduction to mechanics. It good choice for students who are new to the subject or who want a review of the basics.
This textbook takes a conceptual approach to mechanics, focusing on the underlying principles rather than on mathematical formulas. It good choice for students who want to understand the big ideas of mechanics without getting bogged down in details.
Provides a comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. It valuable resource for students who are interested in a broad overview of the subject.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mechanics, covering a wide range of topics from kinematics to gravitation. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mechanics, covering a wide range of topics from kinematics to gravitation. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mechanics, covering a wide range of topics from kinematics to gravitation. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the fundamental principles of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. It valuable resource for students who are new to the subject or who need a refresher.
This popular textbook for introductory physics courses. Although not as strong in the area of mechanics as the other textbooks on this list it solid starting point.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mechanics, covering a wide range of topics from kinematics to gravitation. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mechanics, covering a wide range of topics from kinematics to gravitation. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
Save
Provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of mechanics, including both classical and relativistic topics. It valuable resource for students who are interested in a deeper understanding of the subject.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the fundamental principles of optics. It valuable resource for students who are interested in a deeper understanding of the subject.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mechanics, covering a wide range of topics from kinematics to gravitation. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the fundamental principles of nuclear and particle physics. It valuable resource for students who are interested in a deeper understanding of the subject.
Save
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the fundamental principles of solid state physics. It valuable resource for students who are interested in a deeper understanding of the subject.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the fundamental principles of thermodynamics. It valuable resource for students who are interested in a deeper understanding of the subject.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mechanics, covering a wide range of topics from kinematics to gravitation. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mechanics, covering a wide range of topics from kinematics to gravitation. It valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/h0862i/mechanics
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Rating
4.7
Effort
Approx. 25 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Instructors
Prof. Joe Wolfe
Dr Elizabeth J. Angstmann
Mr Sebastian Fricke
Language
English
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