Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets from Coursera

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.

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.

Velocity and Acceleration

Here we introduce kinematics, in which we describe and quantify movement of objects through space over time. Motion is so important to mechanics (and most of physics) that we'll spend a few weeks establishing the tools and techniques we'll need. We'll leave explaining motion to the later weeks, starting with Newton's laws in week 4. Here we study the simplest case: motion in a straight line.

Motion in Two Dimensions

Here we look at kinematics in two-dimensions – specifically, projectiles and objects in circular motion.

Newton's Laws of Motion

After describing and quantifying motion (weeks 2 and 3), we now start explaining it with Newton's three laws of motion. Knowledge of Newton's laws and the ability to apply them to various situations will allow us to explain much of the motion we observe in the world around us. They are also very important for analysing things (like bridges) that don't move much (a subject called Statics that's important in some Engineering programs). Because Newton's laws are so important, week 4 has five lessons, as well as slightly longer quizzes than the previous chapters.

Weight, Friction and Spring Forces

We return to the difference between weight and mass. We introduce Hooke's law for elastic deformations. We consider forces between objects in contact and (for convenience) resolve them into their normal and frictional components – and as usual give you some problems to solve.

Work, Energy and Power

In week 6 we explore work and energy, then power – the rate of doing work. We'll use work and Newton's second law to derive the quantity called kinetic energy. Looking at where work comes from, we'll distinguish two sorts of force – conservative and non-conservative. That will allow us to introduce potential energy and mechanical energy. Power is the rate of doing work. We'll spend some time relating these quantities and their units to your everyday experience, relating Joules to kilowatt hours (the unit used by electricity companies) and kilowatts to horsepower and to human power.

Momentum and Collisions

It’s time for some smashing fun! Once we've defined momentum we'll use momentum to analyse elastic and inelastic collisions. Stand by for hammers, skateboards, car crashes and a bed of nails…

Gravity

For as long as history – and probably much longer – people have stared at the planets and stars and wondered. Why do they shine? What keeps them moving? Why don't they fall down? So next is gravity – and how it runs the solar system, the galaxy and the universe. Escape speed, orbits, satellite manoeuvring, black holes: yes, all of the these.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Informative mechanics course

Learners say that this mechanics course is well-rounded and informative. One reviewer in particular mentions the engaging videos and thorough explanations.

Videos offer engaging explanations

"视频生动讲解透彻~"

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

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Supplement your understanding of the course material by reviewing this comprehensive physics textbook.

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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

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Brush up on your algebra and trigonometry skills to ensure a strong foundation for the course.

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Review the rules of exponents, logarithms, and polynomials.
Practice solving trigonometric equations involving sine, cosine, and tangent.

Solve kinematics problems using free-body diagrams

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Reinforce your understanding of kinematics by solving practice problems involving the analysis of forces acting on objects.

Browse courses on Kinematics

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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

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Explore interactive simulations of motion and energy transformations

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Engage with interactive simulations to visualize and explore the concepts of motion and energy transformations.

Browse courses on Motion

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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

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Apply your understanding of physics principles by designing and building a working model of a simple machine.

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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

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Enhance your comprehension and communication skills by creating a visually engaging video that explains a physics concept.

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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

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Expand your knowledge and skills by participating in a workshop focused on advanced topics in mechanics.

Browse courses on Continuing Education

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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

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Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the broader physics community by participating in an open-source project.

Browse courses on Open-Source Software

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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 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace 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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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