Introduction to Physics (Undergraduate Foundation)
2
10 hrs
[NUC Core] PHY 101: General Physics I - MechanicsThis 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.
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. Introduction2
This chapter establishes the course framework. It defines physics as a science of precise measurement and outlines the fundamental approach required for all subsequent topics. Master this section to understand the structure of the course and what is required to succeed. Key objectives: define the scope and methodology of physics; understand the course structure and assessment; and confirm your command of the required mathematical prerequisites.
Chapter lessons
1-1. Welcome6:10
1-2. What is Physics?32:51
2. Measurements5
Precise measurement is the foundation of physics. This chapter introduces the core concepts of physical quantities and the standards that define them. We will establish the International System of Units (SI), the formal framework required for all subsequent quantitative work. Key objectives: distinguish between fundamental and derived quantities; identify the seven SI base units; and explain the role of standards in defining physical units.
Chapter lessons
2-1. Physical quantities14:03
2-2. Fundamental and derived quantities15:48
2-3. The fundamental quantities6:26
2-3. Systems of units5:17
3. Length, Mass and Time5
This chapter examines the three fundamental quantities of mechanics: mass, length, and time. We will establish their formal definitions and the SI standards used to quantify them. A precise understanding of these core concepts is the absolute prerequisite for the study of motion. Key objectives: define mass, length, and time and state their SI units; distinguish clearly between the concepts of mass and weight; and identify the standard instruments used to measure these quantities.
Chapter lessons
3-1. Length13:01
3-2. Length measurement35:55
3-3. Mass11:14
3-4. Mass measurement9:15
4. Dimensional Analysis23
A physical equation must be dimensionally consistent to be valid. This chapter details the method of dimensional analysis, a critical tool for verifying equations and preventing errors in technical work. Mastery of this technique is a non-negotiable skill for problem-solving. Key objectives: determine the dimensions of physical quantities; apply the principle of homogeneity to test the validity of equations; and use dimensional analysis to deduce relationships between variables.
Chapter lessons
4-1. Dimensions13:54
This lesson distinguishes the concept of a physical dimension from a unit. It establishes the fundamental dimensions – [M], [L], [T] – and demonstrates the method for deriving the dimensional formula for any quantity. This is the required first step for all analysis.
4-2. Homogeneity of equations25:41
This lesson introduces the principle of dimensional homogeneity. This is the fundamental rule that for any physical equation to be valid, all its constituent terms must have the exact same dimensions. This concept is the basis for all dimensional checks.
5. Scalars and Vectors78
Physical quantities have either magnitude (scalars) or magnitude and direction (vectors). This chapter defines this critical distinction and establishes the complete mathematical framework for vector algebra. Command of vectors is non-negotiable for describing forces, velocity, fields, or any change in physical systems. You will: distinguish scalars from vectors; resolve vectors into components; add vectors analytically; calculate scalar and vector products; and differentiate vector functions.
Chapter lessons
5-1. Definitions26:37
This lesson establishes the critical distinction between scalar and vector quantities. We define scalars by magnitude alone and vectors by both magnitude and direction, providing clear, contrasting examples. This classification is non-negotiable for correct physical analysis.
5-2. Vector components32:31
This lesson covers the critical technique of resolving a vector into its perpendicular components using trigonometry. Mastering this process is the non-negotiable prerequisite for performing analytical vector algebra, particularly addition and subtraction.
5-3. Vector addition29:18
Vectors do not add like scalars. This lesson covers the formal methods for vector addition, from the graphical head-to-tail rule for visualisation to the precise analytical method of adding components. Mastering this is essential for calculating any resultant vector.
5-4. Unit vectors21:04
This lesson introduces unit vectors – dimensionless vectors with a magnitude of one, used solely to specify direction. We will define the standard basis vectors, $\hat{i}$, $\hat{j}$, and $\hat{k}$, and use them to construct a concise and efficient notation for all vector algebra.
5-5. Vector products (1)21:28
This lesson introduces the first method of vector multiplication: the scalar or dot product. We define this operation, which yields a scalar quantity, and cover the methods for its calculation using both vector components and the angle between them.
5-6. Vector products (2)30:55
This lesson introduces the vector (cross) product, an operation that yields a new vector perpendicular to the original two. We will cover the calculation of the resultant vector's magnitude and the use of the right-hand rule to determine its direction, a process essential for analysing torque.
5-7. Differentiating vectors10:07
To analyse how vector quantities change with time, we must apply calculus. This lesson covers the differentiation of a vector function with respect to a scalar variable, a process performed on each component. This is the formal method for deriving velocity from position.
6. Conclusion1
This chapter consolidates the course's core analytical tools. It summarises the complete toolkit – dimensional analysis, vector algebra, and vector calculus – confirming your command of the non-negotiable foundation for all subsequent study in the physical sciences. You will: consolidate your understanding of the course's analytical methods; recognise their direct application in mechanics; and verify your readiness for the next physics course.
Chapter lessons
6-1. Summary and lookahead6:17
We consolidate the course toolkit: dimensional analysis, vector algebra, and vector calculus. We then show how these tools are immediately applied to mechanics. This summary verifies your readiness for the next course.