- Comfort rearranging simple algebraic equations
- Basic graph reading and arithmetic with positive and negative values
Science · High School & College
Physics: Mechanics Foundations
Build intuition for motion, forces, energy, momentum, and the mathematical models behind mechanics.
Course roadmap
Know where you are going before you begin
A useful course should make the starting point, destination, and learning method clear—not make you guess from a list of links.
Learning material
Inside this course
Move through the material in order unless a prerequisite or practice link gives you a better reason to branch.
Knowledge check
Test what you can apply
Five course-specific questions covering the most important ideas in Physics: Mechanics Foundations. Commit to an answer before reading the explanation.
Score0 / 50 answered
01
If the net force on an object is zero, what can be true?
Newton’s first law says zero net force means constant velocity, which can include rest.
Review this topic →02
A 10 kg cart experiences a net force of 30 N. Its acceleration is:
Using F = ma gives a = 30/10 = 3 m/s².
Review this topic →03
Which belongs on a free-body diagram for a book resting on a table?
A free-body diagram shows external forces acting on the chosen object.
Review this topic →04
Newton’s third-law force pairs act on:
Action-reaction pairs are equal and opposite forces on two different interacting objects.
Review this topic →05
What is the best first step in a mechanics problem?
A clear model starts with the system boundary, known quantities, unknowns, and applicable assumptions.
Review this topic →Complete
Review any missed answers, then continue while the concepts are fresh enough to connect.