Principles of Physics
ePrep Course for University
Now Also Available at SF@NS LXP
Principles of Physics ePrep Course is one of the ten specially developed ePrep (or e-PREP) courses to help NSF, NSmen, and others to better prepare themselves for university studies anywhere. It is also available at SF@NS LXP platform. Physics is the fundamental of engineering and physical science studies and yet many students, especially those without A-level physics, do not have a strong foundation in physics leading to great problems!
The course is based on the popular textbook, Principles of Physics by Serway and Jewett, and this textbook comes free with the course, together with excellent learning materials provided by the publishers, Cengage.
In addition, learning materials on discrete mathematics also made available so that students get to build up their knowledge on this important topic in mathematics. Samples of materials provided are given below.
A retired NTU professor is also available for consultations. He can be reached via email or WhatsApp messaging. Please note that this Principles of Physics university prep course is very different from the other physics university prep course also by NTU. Please read below for details for this university prep course on physics.
Please note that this course, as well as the other ePrep courses provided by NTU, is now also available at SF@NS LXP, the SkillsFuture@NationalService Learning eXperience Platform.
Principles of Physics ePrep Course
Learning Contents
I. Compulsory Chapters
1 Introduction and Vectors
1.1 Standards of Length, Mass, and Time
1.2 Dimensional Analysis
1.3 Conversion of Units
1.4 Order-of-Magnitude Calculations
1.5 Significant Figures
1.6 Coordinate Systems
1.7 Vectors and Scalars
1.8 Some Properties of Vectors
1.9 Components of a Vector and Unit Vectors
1.10 Modeling, Alternative Representations, and Problem-Solving Strategy
2 Motion in One Dimension
2.1 Average Velocity
2.2 Instantaneous Velocity
2.3 Analysis Model: Particle Under Constant Velocity
2.4 Acceleration
2.5 Motion Diagrams
2.6 Analysis Model: Particle Under Constant Acceleration
2.7 Freely Falling Objects
2.8 Context Connection: Acceleration Required by Consumers
3 Motion in Two Dimensions
3.1 The Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Vectors
3.2 Two-Dimensional Motion with Constant Acceleration
3.3 Projectile Motion
3.4 Analysis Model: Particle in Uniform Circular Motion
3.5 Tangential and Radial Acceleration
3.6 Relative Velocity and Relative Acceleration
3.7 Context Connection: Lateral Acceleration of Automobiles
4 The Laws of Motion
4.1 The Concept of Force
4.2 Newton’s First Law
4.3 Mass
4.4 Newton’s Second Law
4.5 The Gravitational Force and Weight
4.6 Newton’s Third Law
4.7 Analysis Models Using Newton’s Second Law
4.8 Context Connection: Forces on Automobiles
5 More Applications of Newton’s Laws
5.1 Forces of Friction
5.2 Extending the Particle Uniform Circular Motion Model
5.3 Nonuniform Circular Motion
5.4 Motion in the Presence of Velocity-Dependent Resistive Forces
5.5 The Fundamental Forces of Nature
5.6 Context Connection: Drag Coefficients of Automobiles
6 Energy of a System
6.1 Systems and Environments
6.2 Work Done by a Constant Force
6.3 The Scalar Product of Two Vectors
6.4 Work Done by a Varying Force
6.5 Kinetic Energy and the Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem
6.6 Potential Energy of a System
6.7 Conservative and Nonconservative Forces
6.8 Relationship Between Conservative Forces and Potential Energy
6.9 Potential Energy for Gravitational and Electric Forces
6.10 Energy Diagrams and Equilibrium of a System
6.11 Context Connection: Potential Energy in Fuels
7 Conservation of Energy
7.1 Analysis Model: Nonisolated System (Energy)
7.2 Analysis Model: Isolated System (Energy)
7.3 Analysis Model: Nonisolated System in Steady State (Energy)
7.4 Situations Involving Kinetic Friction
7.5 Changes in Mechanical Energy for Nonconservative Forces
7.6 Power
7.7 Context Connection: Horsepower Ratings of Automobiles
8 Momentum and Collisions
8.1 Linear Momentum
8.2 Analysis Model: Isolated System (Momentum)
8.3 Analysis Model: Nonisolated System (Momentum)
8.4 Collisions in One Dimension
8.5 Collisions in Two Dimensions
8.6 The Center of Mass
8.7 Motion of a System of Particles
8.8 Context Connection: Rocket Propulsion
II. Optional Chapters (Learning Materials are Provided Too)
- Gravity, Planetary Orbits, and the Hydrogen Atom.
- Oscillatory Motion.
- Mechanical Waves.
- Superposition and Standing Waves.
- Fluid Mechanics.
- Temperature and the Kinetic Theory of Gases.
- Energy in Thermal Processes: The First Law of Thermodynamics.
- Heat Engines, Entropy, and the Second Law of
- Thermodynamics.
- Electric Forces and Electric Fields.
- …. See Topic Details
Principles of Physics ePrep Course
What You Get
I. Free Textbook
“Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text” authored by RA Serway and JW Jewett Jr, 5th Ed., is one of the most popular textbooks on Physics at the university level. This book is designed for a one-year introductory calculus-based physics course for engineering and science students. This textbook is therefore best suited for this Principles of Physics ePrep course. Also, please note that A-level physics is not calculus-based and this physics course is at a higher level than A-level physics..
II. Free Consultation
As some physics concepts can be difficult to comprehend, in addition to providing good learning materials such as video lessons, a retired NTU professor is acting as the tutor. A retired professor has a lot more time for you than a full-time professor. You can consult him via email or WhatsApp.
III. Materials at e-Prep Course Site
1 Notes, video lessons and PowerPoint files.
2 Answers/solutions to all questions/problems in the textbook.
3 Online exercises.
4 Bonus learning materials on discrete mathematics.
IV. Digital Certificate
A digital certificate will be issued if you have successfully completed the Principles of Physics e-Prep course and passing all the tests at the end of each of the ten compulsory chapters.
Principles of Physics ePrep Course
Samples of Course Materials
1. Video Lesson (Kinematics)
2. Problem Solving (Forces)
Question: An adventurous archaeologist (m=85.0 kg) tries to cross a river by swinging from a vine. The vine is 10.0 m long, and his speed at the bottom of the swing is 8.00 m/s. The archaeologist doesn’t know that the vine has a breaking strength of 1,000 N. Does he make it across the river without falling in?
3. Objective Question (Conservation of Energy)
Question:
A ball of clay falls freely to the hard floor. It does not bounce noticeably, and it very quickly comes to rest. What, then, has happened to the energy the ball had while it was falling?
(a) It has been used up in producing the downward motion.
(b) It has been transformed back into potential energy.
(c) It has been transferred into the ball by heat.
(d) It is in the ball and floor (and wall) as the energy of invisible molecular motion.
(e) Most of it went into sound.
Answer: (d).
The energy is internal energy. Energy is never “used up.” The ball finally has no elevation and no compression, so the ball-Earth system has no potential energy. There is no stove, so no energy is put in by heat. The amount of energy transferred away by sound is minuscule.
Sample of Discrete Mathematics (Solving Logic Circuit Problem)
Question:
Solution: