Force and Motion: Newton's Laws - Physics (Undergraduate Foundation)

Dynamics is the study of why objects move, and Newton's laws of motion provide the definitive mathematical framework for this analysis. This course transitions from kinematics to the rigorous application of force vectors, covering inertia, the quantitative relationship of mass and acceleration, and the necessity of action-reaction pairs. You will master the mechanics of special forces including gravity, tension, and springs, while resolving complex resistive interactions across static, kinetic, and fluid friction regimes. Every mechanical system - from civil engineering structures to aerospace propulsion - operates under these foundational principles. Understanding the interaction of forces is essential for predicting system failure, calculating vehicular safety margins, and designing efficient machinery. This knowledge provides the analytical tools required to solve real-world problems involving particle equilibrium and dynamic acceleration in both linear and circular paths. By the end of this course, you will be able to construct precise free-body diagrams to isolate bodies from their surroundings. You will acquire the technical skill to apply the second law to multi-force systems, calculate centripetal force requirements for uniform circular motion, and utilise the laws of equilibrium to solve for unknown force magnitudes and directions. These skills establish the mathematical competence required for advanced modules in work, energy, and momentum. This course is a mandatory foundation for first-year university students of physics and engineering. It is equally beneficial for technical professionals needing a refresher on classical mechanics and pre-university students seeking a rigorous introduction to undergraduate dynamics. Mastery of these laws ensures a logical, structured approach to any scientific inquiry involving motion.

Enrolment valid for 12 months

This course is also part of the following learning track. You may join the track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.

PHY 101: General Physics I - Mechanics

This learning track provides a complete and rigorous treatment of introductory classical mechanics as specified by the NUC Core Curriculum. It is structured to build a comprehensive analytical framework, starting with the mathematical description of motion (kinematics) and progressing through its causes (Newtonian dynamics), the powerful conservation laws, the dynamics of rotating systems, and finally, the principles of universal gravitation. Mastery of this material is the non-negotiable foundation for all subsequent study in physics and engineering. The principles of classical mechanics are the operational language for analysing the physical world. This track provides the essential toolset for solving problems in every field of engineering, from aerospace to civil, and for understanding phenomena from the trajectory of a projectile to the orbits of planets. By the end of this track, you will be able to analyse motion using vectors and calculus, apply Newton's laws to solve any standard dynamics problem, use conservation laws to analyse complex systems and collisions, analyse rotational motion, and solve problems in celestial mechanics. This learning track is a mandatory prerequisite for all first-year university students of physics, engineering, and related physical sciences. It provides the foundational knowledge required for all subsequent courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.

Course Chapters

1. Introduction

This chapter establishes the foundational definitions of dynamics, transitioning from describing motion to identifying its causes. You will define force as a vector interaction and classify its various forms, providing the essential vocabulary and mathematical notation required for the entire study of classical mechanics. You will master four objectives: understanding the course structure; defining force as a vector quantity; distinguishing between contact and field forces; and calculating resultant net forces using vector addition.

Concept Overviews

3 Lessons

55:07

2. Newton's Laws of Motion

This chapter covers the three fundamental laws governing classical mechanics and the quantitative relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Mastery of these principles is the absolute prerequisite for all subsequent engineering and physical science modules. You will master four objectives: defining inertia and inertial frames of reference; applying the second law to calculate translational acceleration; formalising the inverse relationship between mass and acceleration; and identifying action-reaction force pairs in multi-body systems.

Concept Overviews

5 Lessons

3. Some Special Forces

This chapter classifies the specific contact and field forces required for rigorous dynamic analysis. Proficiency in identifying and quantifying these forces is essential for constructing the mathematical models used to predict the behaviour of engineering structures and mechanical systems. You will master five objectives: differentiating between mass and weight; resolving normal forces on varied surfaces; calculating tension in coupled systems; applying Hooke's Law to spring forces; and synthesising these interactions into accurate free-body diagrams.

Concept Overviews

5 Lessons

4. Friction

This chapter analyses friction as a non-conservative contact force that opposes motion. You will learn to quantify resistive interactions across various physical states, which is a critical requirement for accurate dynamic modelling and real-world mechanical design. You will master four objectives: determining friction direction; calculating static and kinetic thresholds; evaluating rolling resistance; and modelling fluid drag.

Concept Overviews

4 Lessons

5. Equilibrium of Particles

This chapter covers the conditions under which a particle remains in a state of rest or constant velocity. Mastery of equilibrium is the fundamental requirement for structural analysis and mechanical design, providing the basis for resolving complex force systems into solvable algebraic equations. You will master three objectives: constructing rigorous free-body diagrams for isolated particles; applying the equations of equilibrium to concurrent force systems; and resolving unknown force magnitudes and directions in two-dimensional space.

Concept Overviews

1 Lesson

6. Dynamics of Particles

This chapter applies Newton's laws to particles to resolve the relationship between applied forces and resultant motion. Precision here is vital as it forms the mechanical basis for analysing complex systems in subsequent engineering and physics modules. You will master four objectives: constructing accurate free-body diagrams; applying the second law to solve for acceleration in multi-force systems; calculating frictional forces in translational motion; and determining tension in coupled particle systems.

Concept Overviews

1 Lesson

7. Uniform Circular Motion

This chapter extends Newton's laws to objects moving in circular paths at constant speed. Understanding the dynamics of rotation is critical for analysing systems ranging from orbital mechanics and centrifugal governors to vehicle cornering stability. You will master four objectives: defining centripetal acceleration and force; applying the second law to rotational kinematics; calculating banking angles for friction-limited curves; and resolving gravitational interactions in planetary orbits.

Concept Overviews

1 Lesson

8. Conclusion

This chapter consolidates the principles of Newtonian dynamics. It provides a structured summary of Newton's three laws of motion and the concept of momentum conservation, reinforcing the core of classical mechanics. The conclusion summarises the three laws and the momentum principle. It also provides a forward look to the next course, where the concepts of work and energy will provide an alternative approach to solving mechanics problems.

Concept Overviews

1 Lesson