An introduction to physics in the context of everyday objects.



How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics

Instructor: Louis A. Bloomfield
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There are 8 modules in this course
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1 video2 readings1 assignment
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.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment
Professor Bloomfield examines the physics concepts of gravity, weight, constant acceleration, and projectile motion working with falling balls.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
Professor Bloomfield examines the physics concepts of Newton's third law including conserved quantities, support forces, work, energy, and mechanical advantage working with ramps.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment
Professor Bloomfield illustrates the physics concepts of rotational versus translational motion, Newton's law of rotation, and 5 physical quantities: angular position, angular velocity, angular acceleration, torque, and rotational mass using seesaws.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
Professor Bloomfield illustrates the physics concept of frictional forces through experiments with wheels.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
Professor Bloomfield examines the physics concepts of momentum, impulse, angular momentum, angular impulse, and the relationship between potential energy and force using bumper cars.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment
This is the final exam.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
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Reviewed on Jun 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.
Reviewed on Jun 27, 2020
This course is extravagantly excellent!In this course you will be able to apply all theorotical knowledge in your practicle life not only in physics but almost every part of your learned theory : )
Reviewed on Oct 29, 2022
Excellent introductory course. Clearly explains alot of subtle points which can be challenging without using too much math. It would be nice if there were additional courses in this series.
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