Motion, Forces and Newton’s First Law of Motion

Categories Physics

Course Description

Motion, Forces and Newton’s First Law of Motion is a core physics module that introduces the essential concepts behind how objects move and interact. From the subtle shift of a leaf in the wind to the precise trajectory of a spacecraft, motion is everywhere—and governed by predictable laws.

This lesson breaks down the building blocks of motion and introduces Newton’s First Law, laying the groundwork for deeper exploration into classical mechanics. Whether you’re a student, athlete, engineer, or simply curious, this course connects physics to the real-world movements we experience every day.

What You’ll Learn

🏃‍♂️ By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:

    • Define motion as the change in position of an object over time
    • Distinguish between:
      • Speed – the rate at which an object moves (scalar quantity)
      • Velocity – speed with a direction (vector quantity)
      • Acceleration – the rate of change of velocity over time
    • Apply formulas such as:
      • Speed = Distance ÷ Time
      • Acceleration = (Final Velocity – Initial Velocity) ÷ Time
    • Understand Newton’s First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia):
  • “An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.”
  • Explore real-life examples of inertia, such as:
    • A passenger lurching forward when a car suddenly stops
    • A soccer ball remaining still until kicked
  • Recognize how these principles apply to fields like engineering, sports science, transportation, and space exploration

Who This Lesson Is For

This lesson is perfect for learners beginning their journey in physics or anyone looking to understand the forces and motions that shape our world. It’s especially valuable for students, educators, and professionals in STEM fields

A free course by

Course Duration: 35m
Course level:Beginner
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Requirements

  • Basic math skills for calculating rates and changes
  • Interest in physical science and real-world applications

Target Audience

  • Middle and high school physics students
  • First-year college science majors
  • Educators teaching mechanics and motion
  • Athletes and coaches interested in biomechanics
  • Anyone curious about how and why things move