The Nature of Physics
PHYS 101 · Module 1
This module introduces physics as the study of nature at its most basic level. Students learn how physicists ask questions, measure the world, use units, and check ideas with dimensional reasoning.
Lessons in this module
What is physics?
Physics is the study of matter, energy, motion, forces, waves, electricity, light, atoms, space, and time. This lesson explains why physics is both practical and deeply connected to everyday experience.
The scientific method
The scientific method is a flexible process for testing explanations against evidence. This lesson explains observations, hypotheses, predictions, experiments, data, and revision.
Measurement and units
Physics depends on clear measurements and shared units. This lesson introduces physical quantities, SI units, prefixes, uncertainty, and why units are part of the meaning of a number.
Dimensional analysis
Dimensional analysis is a method for checking whether equations and unit conversions make physical sense. This lesson shows how units can guide reasoning before detailed calculation.
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