PHY 101: General Physics I - Mechanics

Physics is not a collection of facts; it is a quantitative language. This course establishes that language. We cover the formal system of measurement and units, the rigorous method of dimensional analysis, the complete framework of vector algebra, and the use of calculus to describe how vector quantities change. This is the essential grammar of science. The tools in this course have immediate, practical applications. Correct dimensional analysis is a critical technique for verifying equations and preventing catastrophic errors in any technical calculation. Vectors are the required language for describing forces, displacements, velocities, and fields in any engineering or scientific discipline. Mastering this material is the first step to becoming a competent technical professional. Upon completion, you will command the mathematical toolkit for physics. You will perform dimensional analysis to validate equations. You will resolve vectors into components, calculate vector sums and products, and differentiate vector functions to analyse rates of change, such as deriving velocity from a position vector. This course is the mandatory starting point for first-year university students of engineering, physics, computer science, and related disciplines. A firm command of secondary school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is a prerequisite. It is also suitable for professionals who require a rigorous and efficient refresher on the foundational mathematical tools of science.

Motion is the most fundamental concept in physics. This course provides the mathematical framework to describe it with quantitative precision. We will systematically analyse motion in one, two, and three dimensions, progressing from motion along a straight line to the vector analysis of projectiles and general spatial motion. This requires a full command of both vector algebra and introductory calculus. The principles of kinematics are the bedrock of physical analysis, engineering design, and biomechanics. This knowledge is required to analyse everything from vehicle performance and projectile trajectories to the movement of organisms and robotic motion. A command of this material is essential for any work involving the dynamics of moving systems, providing the tools to predict and control motion in the real world. Upon completion, you will be able to analyse motion in multiple dimensions. You will solve one-dimensional problems using the standard kinematic equations for constant acceleration. You will analyse two-dimensional projectile motion by resolving vectors into independent components. Critically, you will use vector calculus to describe the general case of motion with variable acceleration. This course is designed for first-year university students of the physical, biological, and medical sciences, as well as engineering and computer science. A firm command of vector algebra and introductory calculus (differentiation and integration) is a mandatory prerequisite. This material is the necessary foundation for the subsequent study of Newtonian dynamics and biomechanics.

Dynamics explains why objects move, and Newton's laws provide the exact mathematical rules for this movement. This course transitions from basic motion to the rigorous use of force vectors, inertia, and action-reaction pairs. You will learn to handle gravity, tension, and springs while solving resistive problems involving static, kinetic, and fluid friction. We build from first principles to complex systems used in modern machinery. Every machine and structure operates under these principles. Understanding these forces is required to predict when a system will fail, how to build safe cars, and how to design efficient engines. These analytical tools allow you to solve real problems in construction, manufacturing, and transport. This knowledge is the foundation for anyone building or maintaining physical systems. After this course, you will construct precise free-body diagrams to isolate objects from their surroundings. You will acquire the technical skill to calculate acceleration in systems with multiple forces, find centripetal force for circular motion, and use equilibrium laws to find unknown force values. You will master the mathematics of friction on ramps, calculate terminal velocity in fluids, and solve for tension in connected pulley systems. This course is for first-year university engineering and physics students. It also helps technicians who need a refresher and secondary school leavers who want to prepare for undergraduate work. Anyone interested in how things work will find these structured methods useful for clear thinking and scientific problem-solving.

Master the laws that govern how everything moves, from a simple football to a space rocket. This course teaches you to solve complex physics problems by tracking energy and momentum instead of just forces. You will learn to calculate work, power, and efficiency; use the work-energy theorem to predict speeds; apply conservation laws to collisions; and find the balance point of complex objects using centre of mass principles. Understanding energy and momentum is the backbone of engineering and modern technology. These principles are used to design safe cars with crash zones, build efficient engines, and calculate rocket trajectories for space exploration. Mastering these concepts allows you to predict the outcome of physical events with high accuracy, making it an essential skill for anyone looking to build machines, design structures, or solve real-world technical problems. By the end of this course, you will be able to calculate work done by constant and variable forces; apply the principles of kinetic and potential energy to find the velocity of moving objects; and use the law of conservation of energy to solve systems with springs and weights. You will also learn to analyse elastic and inelastic collisions using momentum; calculate impulse and impact forces; and determine the centre of mass for composite shapes and moving systems. This course is specifically for first-year university students of physics and engineering who need a solid foundation in mechanics. It is also highly beneficial for secondary school leavers preparing for advanced placement exams or those entering technical fields who want to understand the physical laws behind machines and motion. Even those not pursuing a degree will gain a sharp, logical approach to solving problems by learning how energy and matter interact in the physical world.

Everything in the universe from car wheels to distant planets follows the laws of rotational motion. This course explains how objects spin and move in circles by breaking down the physics of torque, angular momentum, and inertia. You will learn to calculate how much force is needed to start a rotation, how energy is stored in spinning flywheels, and why objects like gyroscopes resist falling. We cover the transition from simple circular movement to complex rolling and the conservation laws that govern every rotating system. Mastering these principles is essential for any career in mechanical, civil, or aerospace engineering. You will use this knowledge to design efficient engines, stabilising systems for ships, and better vehicle parts. Understanding how torque and power relate allows you to analyse machine performance and industrial turbines. These tools are also the foundation for tracking satellite paths and managing the stability of aircraft in flight. By the end of this course, you will be able to calculate angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration; determine the moment of inertia for various shapes; and apply Newton's second law to rotational systems. You will master solving problems involving rotational kinetic energy and work; linking linear and angular variables for rolling objects; and using the conservation of angular momentum to predict the behaviour of spinning systems. These skills allow you to model and solve real-world dynamics problems with precision. This course is built for first-year university students of physics and engineering who need a solid foundation in mechanics. It is a mandatory requirement for those moving into advanced robotics, automotive design, or space science. Even if you are not an engineering student, these lessons help anyone interested in the logic of how machines work or those preparing for technical entrance exams. The material is presented simply to ensure any learner with a basic understanding of mathematics can follow and apply these laws.

This course provides a complete treatment of Newton's law of universal gravitation. It covers the principles governing the attractive force between masses, the concepts of gravitational fields and potential energy, and culminates in the application of these laws to the orbital mechanics of planets and satellites. The law of gravitation is a fundamental principle of the cosmos. It is essential for understanding the motion of celestial bodies, launching and maintaining artificial satellites for communications and Earth observation, and for calculating interplanetary trajectories. This is the physics that governs the structure of the solar system and the universe. By the end of this course, you will be able to apply Newton's law of universal gravitation to calculate the force between two masses, determine the gravitational potential energy of a system, explain Kepler's laws of planetary motion, and solve problems involving the orbital velocity and period of satellites. This course is a mandatory part of the curriculum for first-year university students of physics and engineering. It directly builds upon the principles of rotational motion and dynamics and is a critical prerequisite for the study of astrophysics and celestial mechanics.