Physics Ninja: Mastering Work, Energy, and Power

Name: Physics Ninja: Mastering Work, Energy, and Power
Rating: 4.8 (91 reviews)

Comprehensive course including lectures and problem solving tutorials.

Created byEric Meloche, Ph.D.

Last updated 6/2025

English

What you'll learn

Solve a wide range of physics problems using energy concepts.
Understand and be able to apply the Work-Energy theorem to solve problems
Calculate Power
How to calculate the work done by spring forces, gravitational forces, and frictional forces
Understand the concepts of potential energy and conservation of energy
Able to read and understand potential energy curves

Course content

6 sections • 79 lectures • 6h 49m total length

Introduction to Energy Course1:33
Why use Energy?1:22
I've attached the Lecture Notes to this video. Don't forget to download them!
What is Energy?2:23
Kinetic Energy1:48
Example 1: Which has biggest kinetic energy?2:30
Special Case of Constant Acceleration5:58
Connection Between Energy and Force: Work1:29
Definition of Work for a Constant Force3:15
Units of Work1:39
Work: Positive, Negative, or Zero4:36
Example: When the Work is Zero2:53
Example: Lifting a Box2:31
Example: Work done pulling a sled1:44
Work done by Multiple Forces1:54
Example: Revisit Pulling on the Sled5:34
Work-Energy Theorem1:45
Example: Work-Energy Theorem6:58
Work done by the Gravitational Force4:10
Gravitational Potential Energy5:02
Potential Energy and Picking a Reference Point2:24
Connection to Conservation of Mechanical Energy5:43
Problem Solving Strategy for Conservation of Mechanical Energy1:03
Example: Platform Diver5:19
Example: Launching balls off a cliff4:13
Example: Block on a slope with friction10:52
Example: Blocks connected by a rope8:44
Example: Work Energy Theorem applied to uniform circular motion problems6:08
Work done by a position dependent force7:10
Work done by a position dependent force: part 23:31

Introduction to Energy Problem Set0:23
Solution: Problem 16:28
Solution: Problem 23:45
Solution: Problem 37:49
Solution: Problem 43:52
Solution: Problem 5 ( Some Calculus)7:26
The first part of this problem involves a bit of calculus. Part b) is more important where you are asked to apply the potential equation formula.
Solution: Problem 63:51
Solution: Problem 79:09
Solution: Problem 811:25
Solution: Problem 97:29
Solution: Problem 105:53
Solution: Problem 118:50
Solution: Problem 126:02
Solution: Problem 138:38
Solution: Problem 14 (Calculus-based)7:56
Solution: Problem 158:28
Solution: Problem 16 (Part C - Advanced Problem)14:20
Parts (a) and (b) should be straightforward but part (c) is a little harder. Think about what it means for the strings to remain straight (taught).
Solution: Problem 177:11
Solution: Problem 188:55
Solution: Problem 198:14
Solution: Problem 206:42
Solution: Problem 218:55

Requirements

basic knowledge of forces
basic algebra

Description

This comprehensive course covers kinetic energy, work, potential energy, and conservation of energy. The course combines lectures that summarize the important concepts and tutorials that will guide you and help you develop a problem-solving strategy. You'll learn how to apply conservation of energy principles to study the dynamics of systems.

Topics included in this class are:

1) Kinetic Energy, Work

2) Applying Work-Energy Theorem

3) Work done by gravitational forces, springs

4) Power

5) Potential Energy and Conservation of Mechanical Energy

The work-energy theorem is an extremely powerful technique use to solve physics problems.

There are over 40 fully solved problems ranging in difficulty. I've mixed in many conceptual problems as well as algebraic problems to help you practice applying energy principles to solve problems. You will notice that the problems start easy but build. By the end of the topic you'll be solving complex problems dealing with the concept of conservation of energy.

If at any point you don't understand something in my videos please feel free to reach out. I'm always willing to help someone learn. Physics Ninja always has your back!

Happy Learning and I hope you will truly enjoy this course.

Dr. E., Physics Ninja and Expert Physics and Math Teacher.

Who this course is for:

AP physics students
College physics students
First year undergraduate physics students
Students preparing for the MCAT exam
Anyone who wants to learn how to use energy methods to better understand the dynamics of systems

Physics Ninja: Mastering Work, Energy, and Power

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction29 lectures • 1hr 54min

Springs10 lectures • 52min

Work, Energy and Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation4 lectures • 27min

Power4 lectures • 16min

Multiple Choice Questions10 lectures • 40min

Energy Problem Set22 lectures • 2hr 42min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: