An introduction to physics in the context of everyday objects.
How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics
University of VirginiaAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
17%
started a new career after completing these courses
31%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
29%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Intermediate Level
Approx. 14 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Greek, Italian, Korean, German, Urdu, Russian, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese
Learner Career Outcomes
17%
started a new career after completing these courses
31%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
29%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Intermediate Level
Approx. 14 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Greek, Italian, Korean, German, Urdu, Russian, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese
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.
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
Skating30m
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 Balls30m
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
Ramps30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM HOW THINGS WORK: AN INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
by MSMay 6, 2020
Mind blowing.. excellent study by Prof. Bloomfield. Hatsoff to you sir. Very excellent representation of physics concepts by taking interesting examples. Good Pesonalited Professor i have ever seen .
by HRMay 29, 2020
Excellent Course for someone who seeks to learn Physics and its applications. Professor Bloomfield is Exceptional as he explains concepts with practical examples. Definitely a highly worthy course!!!
by AVMay 9, 2020
It is a fabulous course.During the Entire Course I feel A Great Enthusiasm in my own.I loved this course..Thanks to profesor Louis A. Bloomfield & University of Virginia For there great contribution.
by DKJun 26, 2020
tremendous efforts done by the Professor, not only for students but also for the parent who really wish to impart the practical knowledge of basics of physics to their children!!! Thanks a lot.
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