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sona1177
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Hi, I was wondering what does a standard introductory, algebra-based course cover first, rotational motion/torque or energy and conservation?
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In a typical physics course, the topics are usually covered in the following order: mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.
Mechanics is usually the first topic covered in a physics course because it provides a foundation for understanding the other topics. It introduces fundamental concepts such as motion, forces, and energy, which are essential for understanding more complex topics.
It is not necessary to cover thermodynamics before electricity and magnetism, as they are both separate branches of physics and do not require prior knowledge of each other. However, some courses may choose to cover thermodynamics first as it introduces important concepts such as energy conservation and entropy.
Waves and optics relate to other topics in physics, specifically electricity and magnetism and modern physics. The behavior of light and other electromagnetic waves can be explained using the principles of electricity and magnetism. Additionally, the study of modern physics, such as quantum mechanics, is crucial for understanding the behavior of light and other waves at the atomic and subatomic level.
Modern physics is usually the last topic covered in a physics course because it builds upon the concepts and theories learned in previous topics. It also introduces more complex and abstract ideas, such as relativity and quantum mechanics, which require a strong foundation in the fundamentals of physics.