An introduction to physics in the context of everyday objects.
Offered By
How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics
University of Virginia
About this Course
71,366 recent views
Learner Career Outcomes
17%
started a new career after completing these courses
29%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
25%
got a pay increase or promotion
Learner Career Outcomes
17%
started a new career after completing these courses
29%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
25%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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Flexible deadlines
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Intermediate Level
Approx. 17 hours to complete
Suggested: 11 hours of videos and assessments
English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Greek, Italian, Korean, German, Urdu, Russian, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Course Introduction
Start here!
1 hour to complete
1 video (Total 5 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
1 video
2 readings
Suggested Readings10m
Translations10m
1 practice exercise
Preliminary Assessment42m
1 hour to complete
Skating
Professor Bloomfield examines the principle of inertia through skate boarding. Objects at rest tend to remain at rest while objects in motion, tend to remain in motion. Why does a stationary skater remain stationary? Why does a moving skater tend to continue moving? How can we describe the fluid, effortless motion of a coasting skater? How does a skater start, stop, or turn? Why does a skater need ice or wheels in order to skate? Physics concepts covered include Newton's first and second laws and 5 physical quantities: position, velocity, acceleration, force, and mass.
1 hour to complete
7 videos (Total 49 min)
7 videos
Why Does a Motionless Skater Tend to Remain Motionless?9m
Why Does a Moving Skater Tend to Continue Moving?4m
How Can We Describe the Fluid, Effortless Motion of a Coasting Skater?8m
How Does a Skater Start, Stop, or Turn?16m
Why Does a Skater Need Ice or Wheels in Order to Skate?4m
Skating Summary1m
1 practice exercise
Skating20m
2 hours to complete
Falling Balls
Professor Bloomfield examines the physics concepts of gravity, weight, constant acceleration, and projectile motion working with falling balls.
2 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 111 min)
8 videos
Why Does a Dropped Ball Fall Downward?4m
How Differently do Different Balls Fall?14m
How Would a Ball Fall on the Moon?9m
How Does a Falling Ball Move After it is Dropped?24m
How Can a Ball Move Upward and Still be Falling?21m
How Does a Ball's Horizontal Motion Affect its Fall?25m
Falling Balls Summary3m
1 practice exercise
Falling Balls20m
2 hours to complete
Ramps
Professor Bloomfield examines the physics concepts of Newton's third law including conserved quantities, support forces, work, energy, and mechanical advantage working with ramps.
2 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 85 min)
7 videos
Why Doesn't a Wagon Fall Through a Sidewalk?11m
Why Does a Sidewalk Perfectly Support a Wagon?7m
How Does a Wagon Move as You Let it Roll Freely on a Ramp?12m
Why is it More Exhausting to Lift a Wagon Up Than to Lower a Wagon Down?29m
Why is it Easier to Pull a Wagon Up a Ramp Than to Lift it Up a Ladder?14m
Ramps Summary3m
1 practice exercise
Ramps20m
Reviews
4.8
TOP REVIEWS FROM HOW THINGS WORK: AN INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
by MMSep 17, 2015
A brilliant teacher makes a course easy, makes you wish learning his lessons without too much effort from your side, this being the case here, I really enjoy this course and I find it useful.
by COct 27, 2018
The course was simple and easy to follow! I enjoyed Professor Bloomfield's teaching very much! I definitely would recommend it for anyone who is curious about the basic principles of science!
by WYJun 21, 2017
Great introduction to Physics. I use the concepts taught in this course frequently in everyday life. Professor Bloomfield explains concepts very clearly without getting overly mathematical.
by AASep 11, 2017
The course was utilized as a template for teaching physics in an after school program. I enjoyed taking the class and obtained some creative ideas for teaching basic physics principles.
by VLSep 22, 2016
this course brings to me a explanatory answers to the ordinary physical works surrounding us, i can say that is a fundamental stuff for beginner who love physics. It's naturally good.
by KCJun 18, 2017
I am a homeschool mom to an 11 yr old boy. He took this course and really enjoyed it. The demonstrations of physics at work made the information very intersting and accessible to him.
by JRApr 18, 2016
I love the course. Professor Bloomberg makes me love this class. I am glad to take the class with him since I need to learn physics to learn astronomy. Thank you professor Bloomberg.
by MMFeb 16, 2020
Very good course for introducing the basics of main physics' aspects in your real life, however, as well very entertaining. Hope to be able to participate in the next session soon.
by HHJan 22, 2018
This course really helped strengthen my physics concepts and really helps you understand physics. This course is for people that need to understand the basics concepts of physics.
by JApr 8, 2018
I find this course simple to follow and well taught by the professor because it associates daily objects and incorporates such complexity in the simplest format so I can follow.
by DCFeb 26, 2019
I'm a secondary school teacher of physics, and I've got and collected a lot of new ideas of approaching things. I will use them in my teaching practice.\n\nThanks, professor! :)
by SKNov 9, 2016
One of THE best courses I have done so far online. Wish the good Prof would offer other courses in Physics. He has a nice and simple way of putting across the scientific stuff.
Offered by
University of Virginia
A premier institution of higher education, The University of Virginia offers outstanding academics, world-class faculty, and an inspiring, supportive environment. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University is guided by his vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of students from all walks of life. Through these courses, global learners have an opportunity to study with renowned scholars and thought leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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