This first course serves as an introduction to the physics of force and motion. Upon completion, learners will understand how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe the motions and interactions of objects around us. Learners will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus. This first course covers 1D Kinematics, 2D Kinematics, and Newton's Laws. Each of the three modules contains reading links to a free textbook, complete video lectures, conceptual quizzes, and a set of homework problems. Once the modules are completed, the course ends with an exam. This comprehensive course is similar in detail and rigor to those taught on-campus at Rice. It will thoroughly prepare learners for their upcoming introductory physics courses or more advanced courses in physics.
Physics 101 - Forces and Kinematics
This course is part of Introduction to Mechanics Specialization
Instructor: Jason Hafner
23,603 already enrolled
Included with 
(175 reviews)
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Learners will be prepared to critically evaluate real-world data and information regarding motion.
Learners can apply mathematical laws to the motions of objects under a variety of physical circumstances.
Learners will be prepared for more advanced courses in physics.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Add to your LinkedIn profile
44 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
Here you will be introduced to the course (Section 0), and then we will cover the concepts you need for mathematical and graphical descriptions of uniform and accelerated motion in one dimension.
What's included
21 videos5 readings13 assignments
The application of kinematics to motion in two dimensions, including practice with vector analysis.
What's included
21 videos4 readings11 assignments
How forces affect motion, and the nature of several common forces in mechanics: gravitational, normal, friction, damping, tension, and fictitious.
What's included
21 videos3 readings19 assignments
This module contains the exam that covers Forces and Kinematics. The style is very similar to the homework problems sets, except you must complete it on your own.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
Instructor
Offered by
Explore more from Physics and Astronomy
Rice University
Rice University
Rice University
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Learner reviews
175 reviews
- 5 stars
78.28%
- 4 stars
14.85%
- 3 stars
3.42%
- 2 stars
1.14%
- 1 star
2.28%
Showing 3 of 175
Reviewed on Oct 27, 2021
A very nice introduction to forces and kinematics with many interesting questions!!!
Reviewed on Jan 19, 2025
overall ok, the homework and test questions were mostly harder than the examples. Also there's a typo in the final exam. The angular velocity is requested in hz but the accepted answer is in rad/sec.
Reviewed on Jul 14, 2022
Great course: Great content, great quizzes and exam.I definitely had trouble on some of the harder questions, but was able to solve them all with the materials from the course.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. 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.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
More questions
Financial aid available,