Foundations & Tools · Physics

Build the core tools you’ll use in all of Physics.

Start with units, vectors, graphs, and calculus-based tools — the foundation for Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Waves, Thermal Physics, and Modern Physics.

Foundations & Tools topics

Core foundations in this track

Work through these in order for a strong base, or jump directly to the tools you need right now.

Start here

Units, Dimensions & Measurement

The language of physics: how quantities are defined, measured, and combined.

What is physics
Physical quantities & SI units
Derived units
Dimensional analysis
Precision, accuracy, and uncertainty
Significant figures

Core tool

Scalars & Vectors

Represent physical quantities in 2D and 3D so you can analyze real systems.

Scalars vs vectors
Vector components (2D & 3D)
Vector addition and subtraction
Unit vectors
Dot product (scalar product)
Cross product (introductory)

Core representation

Motion Graphs & Representations

Learn to read and create graphs that describe motion in time.

Position–time graphs
Velocity–time graphs
Acceleration–time graphs
Meaning of slopes and areas
Interpreting motion from graphs

Mathematical tool

Calculus Tools for Physics

Use derivatives and integrals to build motion and field models.

Derivatives in motion (v = dx/dt, a = dv/dt)
Integrals in motion (area under curves)
Using calculus to build motion equations
Simple modeling with differential equations

Skillset

Problem-Solving Strategies in Physics

A systematic approach you can reuse on any physics problem.

Identifying knowns and unknowns
Representing systems with diagrams
Modeling assumptions
Systematic multi-step problem solving

Practice

Practice & Exercises

Reinforce foundations with mixed problems and quick checks.

Units & dimensional analysis drills
Vector practice (components & operations)
Graph-reading and interpretation sets
Error, uncertainty & significant-figure exercises
Mini mixed sets connecting multiple tools
Exam-style data interpretation questions