Free online courseFundamentals of Physics

Course Description

The course "Fundamentals of Physics" is an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the foundational concepts within the field of physics. With a total duration of 28 hours and 44 minutes, this course has garnered an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars, reflecting the high-quality content and delivery that learners can expect. It falls under the category of Basic Studies and is a part of the Physics subcategory, ideal for those beginning their journey into the world of physics.

The course kicks off with an introduction to Newtonian Mechanics, laying a strong foundation by exploring the fundamental principles that govern the physical world. This section sets the stage for deeper dives into more complex concepts, ensuring that learners grasp the essentials before moving forward.

Next, the course delves into vectors and their application in multiple dimensions, a crucial tool for solving a variety of physical problems. This is followed by an in-depth analysis of Newton's Laws of Motion, where learners will explore how these laws describe the relationship between a body and the forces acting upon it.

The course doesn't stop there; it extends the discussion on Newton's Laws to include contexts involving inclined planes, enhancing the understanding of how forces operate in different scenarios. This naturally transitions into the work-energy theorem and the law of conservation of energy, core concepts that illustrate how energy is transferred and conserved in physical systems.

Moving into higher dimensions, the course continues to expound on the law of conservation of energy, providing learners with a deeper appreciation of its universality and application. From there, the focus shifts to Kepler's Laws, which describe the motion of planets and are pivotal to understanding celestial mechanics.

The dynamics of multiple-body systems are then introduced, followed by an exploration of rotations and the dynamics of rigid bodies. This segment is split into two parts, ensuring a thorough comprehension of both the dynamics and the parallel axis theorem, which is crucial for analyzing rotational motion.

Torque, another fundamental concept, is dissected before the course transitions to the realm of relativity. Learners are introduced to the basics of relativity, the Lorentz transformation, and the concept of the four-vector, which are essential for understanding modern physics.

The mathematical underpinnings of physics are also addressed with topics like the Taylor Series and other critical mathematical concepts, providing the tools needed to tackle advanced problems. Simple Harmonic Motion and its continuation, along with an introduction to waves, form the basis of understanding oscillatory systems and wave phenomena.

Fluid dynamics, statics, and Bernoulli's Equation are explored, demonstrating the behavior of fluids in various states and conditions. The course then shifts gears to thermodynamics, unpacking the Boltzmann constant and the laws of thermodynamics, which dictate energy transfer and efficiency.

The course concludes with an exploration of the second law of thermodynamics, Carnot's engine, and entropy, ensuring that learners have a well-rounded understanding of these fundamental principles and their implications. Overall, "Fundamentals of Physics" is an invaluable resource for aspiring physicists and anyone interested in the workings of the universe.