This course is part of the Introduction to Mechanics Specialization

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79 ratings

Jason Hafner

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Offered By

Introduction to Mechanics SpecializationRice University

About this Course

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This course serves as an introduction to the physics of force and motion.  Upon completion, learners will have an understanding of how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe the motions and interactions of objects all around us.  They will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus.  The course follows the typical progression of topics of a first-semester university physics course:  Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Energy, and Momentum.  Each of five 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.  With 100 brief lectures and over 100 problems, this comprehensive course is similar in detail and rigor to those taught on-campus.  It will thoroughly prepare learners for their upcoming introductory physics courses, or more advanced courses in physics.

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Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

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Course 1 of 3 in the

Introduction to Mechanics Specialization

Intermediate Level

A solid familiarity with algebra and trigonometry.

Approx. 29 hours to complete

English

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What you will 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 will gain

Mechanical Engineering
Problem Solving
Physics

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Course 1 of 3 in the

Introduction to Mechanics Specialization

Intermediate Level

A solid familiarity with algebra and trigonometry.

Approx. 29 hours to complete

English

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Instructor

Instructor rating

4.96/5 (31 Ratings)

Jason Hafner

Professor

Department of Physics and Astronomy

21,665 Learners

13 Courses

Offered by

Rice University

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating94%(1,401 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

7 hours to complete

1D Kinematics

7 hours to complete

21 videos (Total 110 min), 5 readings, 13 quizzes

21 videos

Physics 101 Trailer1mWelcome!27sWhy Physics is Hard2mA Stationary Mass4mA Smoothly Moving Mass4mDisplacement from Here to There6mAverage Velocity8mInstantaneous Velocity5mDistance of a Path 5mSpeed of a Path5mVelocity and Speed Comparison Chart 6mThe Football Player Solution 5mThe Meeting of the Band Nerds solution 6mSpeeding Up 4mAcceleration near the Earth 11mThrowing Chalk Solution 3mPosition 6mGraphical Kinematics 6mThrowing Chalk 2 Solution 4mAcceleration over a Distance 5mSPT - The Silly One 2m

5 readings

Class Overview10mGrading Philosophy and Advice10mUniversity Physics10mUniversity Physics10mUniversity Physics10m

13 practice exercises

Police Officer's Dilemna2mDisplacements?2mReading a Kinematics Graph4mGetting from A to B2mThe Football Player Problem5mThe Meeting of the Band Nerds Problem5mHarmonic Motion4mAcceleration Direction2mThrowing Chalk Problem5mKinematics Graph2mThrowing Chalk 2 Problem5mUnits2m1D Kinematics Homework4h

Week2

Week 2

8 hours to complete

2D Kinematics

8 hours to complete

21 videos (Total 143 min), 4 readings, 11 quizzes

21 videos

Graphing X and Y3mThe Position Vector 6mShoot7mShoot and Drop7mHow Much Further?6mKinematics in X and Y4mTrajectory Range, Height, and Time6mIntro Beer Pong Solution7mAdvanced Beer Pong (error in answer, should be +79 and -57)8mThe Hunter and the Monkey Demo10mUniform Circular Motion11mCircular Motion is Periodic Motion3mAngular and Translational Motion4mTangential and Radial Acceleration5mRelative Motion6mGalilean Transformations7mThe Hunter, the Ant, the Butterfly, and the Selfie Stick 18mThe Hunter, the Ant, the Butterfly, and the Selfie Stick 28mTime Dilation8mTime Travel6mSPT - The Balancing Act2m

4 readings

University Physics10mUniversity Physics10mUniversity Physics10mUniversity Physics10m

11 practice exercises

'r'2mWhite Cliffs of Dover2mGreater Acceleration?2mPerpendicular?2mIntro Beer Pong Problem10mAdvanced Beer Pong Problem10mConstants of Uniform Circular Motion2mTick Tock5mAcceleration in the Loop2mFastest Frame2m2D Kinematics Homework4h

Week3

Week 3

9 hours to complete

Newton's Laws

9 hours to complete

21 videos (Total 133 min), 3 readings, 19 quizzes

21 videos

Newton's First Law3mNewton's Second Law3mNewton's Third Law3mGravitational Force3mNormal Force6mFriction Force11mAir Drag10mLiquid Drag 13mLiquid Drag 212mSpring Force7mTension Force6mFictitious Force3mPushing Blocks Solution9mBlocks with Friction Solution7mOverhill and Underhill 1 Solution6mWhen Will It Slide? Solution7mAtwood Acceleration Solution5mThe Conical Pendulum Solution7mOverhill and Underhill 2 Solution 5mMasses on Strings Solution4mSPT - The Telekinetic Grad Student2m

3 readings

University Physics10mUniversity Physics10mUniversity Physics10m

19 practice exercises

A Mouse on Your Desk2mReaction to the Mouse2mNormal Size2mPushing a Book6mSky Diving2mAnchors Aweigh!2mTime Constant2mSpringy Damping?2mFrequently Missed Tension Problem2mAccelerating Elevator2mPushing Blocks Problem15mBlocks with Friction Problem10mOverhill and Underhill 1 Problem10mWhen Will It Slide? Problem15mAtwood Acceleration Problem10mThe Conical Pendulum Problem10mOverhill and Underhill 2 Problem10mMasses on Strings Problem15mNewton's Laws Homework4h

Week4

Week 4

6 hours to complete

Forces and Kinematics EXAM

6 hours to complete

1 video (Total 2 min)

Reviews

4.6

24 reviews

5 stars
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4 stars
13.75%
3 stars
5%
1 star
5%

TOP REVIEWS FROM PHYSICS 101 - FORCES AND KINEMATICS

by JMJul 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.

by SYOct 27, 2021

A very nice introduction to forces and kinematics with many interesting questions!!!

by ARMar 6, 2023

I have learnt the basics and the difficult concepts in much better and fun way. I never thought I would finish this course and watch all supplement videos and finish the aassessments

by TKSep 26, 2021

Excellent course! very well explained, and the homework and final exam are at a good level.

View all reviews

About the Introduction to Mechanics Specialization

This specialization is for learners who are interested in first-year, university-level physics. Through three courses, you will gain a foundation in mechanics including motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and gravitation. With 100 brief lectures and over 100 problems, this comprehensive specialization is similar in detail and rigor to what is taught in on-campus courses. It will thoroughly prepare learners for their upcoming introductory physics courses, or more advanced studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
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.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
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.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Physics 101 - Forces and Kinematics

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