I. Introduction

University Physics (calculus-based) is the standard physics sequence for STEM majors. It builds physical intuition and the math modeling skills to predict motion, fields, energy, and waves—usually across a 2–3 semester series with lab components.

II. Outline

  1. Mechanics
    • Foundations & Math Tools (units, uncertainty, vectors, calculus)
    • Kinematics (1D/2D, projectile, and relative motion)
    • Newton’s Laws & Forces (free-body diagrams, friction, drag models intro)
    • Work, Energy, & Power (conservative forces, potential energy, energy diagrams)
    • Momentum & Collisions (impulse, conservation laws, center of mass)
    • Rotation & Torque (angular kinematics, rotational dynamics, rolling motion)
    • Gravitation (fields, potential energy, orbits)
    • Oscillations (damping, resonance)
    • Waves (superposition, standing waves, sound)
  2. Electricity & Magnetism
    • Charge & Coulomb’s Law (force between charges, charge distributions)
    • Electric Field (field lines, superposition, continuous charge: line/surface/volume)
    • Gauss’s Law (symmetry arguments, flux, standard geometries)
    • Electric Potential (potential energy, voltage, equipotentials)
    • Capacitance & Dielectrics (capacitors, energy stored, dielectrics)
    • Current & DC Circuits (Ohm’s law, resistivity, Kirchhoff’s rules)
    • RC Transients (charging/discharging, time constant)
    • Magnetism (Lorentz force, Biot–Savart/Ampère’s law core ideas)
    • Induction (Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law, inductance)
    • RL/RLC Circuits (transients, resonance, impedance intro)
    • Maxwell’s Equations & EM Waves (qualitative + key forms; wave speed)
  3. Optics
    • Geometric Optics (reflection, refraction, Snell’s law, total internal reflection)
    • Imaging with Mirrors & Lenses (thin lens equation, magnification, instruments)
    • Wave Optics (interference, diffraction, double-slit, gratings)
    • Polarization (Malus’s law, polarizers, applications)
    • Optical Instruments (microscopes/telescopes basics, resolution limits)
  4. Relativity
    • Postulates of Special Relativity (inertial frames, constancy of c)
    • Time Dilation & Length Contraction (Lorentz factor, proper time/length)
    • Relativity of Simultaneity (events, spacetime thinking)
    • Lorentz Transformations
    • Relativistic Momentum & Energy (E=γmc2E=\gamma mc², kinetic energy, p=γmv)
    • Mass–Energy & Particle Processes (thresholds, annihilation/creation, decays)
    • Spacetime Diagrams

III. Free Books

IV. Video Series

V. See Also

Classical Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Optics, Relativity

  • Math support:
    • Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III