University of Virginia
How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics
University of Virginia

How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics

Louis A. Bloomfield

Instructor: Louis A. Bloomfield

Top Instructor

268,217 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(2,942 reviews)

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 14 hours
Learn at your own pace
95%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(2,942 reviews)

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 14 hours
Learn at your own pace
95%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 8 modules in this course

Start here!

What's included

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

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.9 (687 ratings)
Louis A. Bloomfield

Top Instructor

University of Virginia
1 Course268,217 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Physics and Astronomy

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 2942

4.8

2,942 reviews

  • 5 stars

    85.92%

  • 4 stars

    10.67%

  • 3 stars

    2.07%

  • 2 stars

    0.50%

  • 1 star

    0.81%

HR
5

Reviewed on May 29, 2020

WY
5

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2017

RK
5

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2022

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ 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