Start with Physics Foundations. Work through the lessons, practice each idea, then use the reading and video resources below.
This is an introductory study guide. Becoming a professional physicist ordinarily requires substantial further study and research training. GLI does not award college credit or a professional license.
Open the course classroom for lessons and available checkpoints. A foundation certificate covers the named GLI program; it does not qualify you for every career in this field.
Open Physics FoundationsExplore the foundations of physics through measurement, motion, forces, energy, and testing models against evidence.
A physical model links measurable quantities through stated assumptions. Record each value with units and uncertainty, then check whether an equation has the units needed for the result.
Measure an object moving a known distance and record distance, elapsed time, units, and one source of uncertainty.
Position depends on a chosen reference point. Average velocity is displacement divided by elapsed time, while acceleration describes the change in velocity. A negative sign indicates direction along the chosen axis.
Sketch position against time for an object moving forward, stopping, and returning; explain the slope of each segment.
A free-body diagram shows external forces acting on one object. The vector sum of forces equals mass times acceleration. Balanced forces mean zero acceleration, although the object may continue at constant velocity.
Draw and label the forces on a book resting on a table, then explain why its acceleration is zero.
Work transfers energy when a force acts through a displacement. Kinetic and potential energy can change form; include heat, sound, and other transfers before saying energy has been lost.
Describe the energy changes as a ball falls and bounces, including where energy goes during impact.
A useful model makes a prediction under stated conditions. Compare predictions with measurements, document uncertainty, and revise assumptions when evidence disagrees; one matching result does not prove universal truth.
Write a testable prediction for a pendulum, identify one variable to change, and describe the measurement.
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