--- title: "Physics guide and practice — NextStep" description: "What you will learn in Physics, common challenges, workload and expectations, flashcards, practice questions and vocabulary." url: "https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/physics" site: "NextStep" updated: "2026-11-13" --- [All courses](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses) High school · Science # Physics Physics uses models, measurements, and mathematics to explain motion, forces, energy, waves, and electricity. [Survival guide](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/physics#guide)[What to expect](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/physics#expect)[Flashcards](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/physics#flashcards)[Practice questions](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/physics#practice)[Vocabulary](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/physics#vocab) ## What you will learn - Describe motion with graphs and equations. - Analyze forces using Newton's laws. - Track energy and momentum. - Explore wave behavior. - Explain basic electric circuits. ## Common challenges - ### Choosing a model Before selecting a formula, sketch the situation and list what is known. State assumptions such as negligible air resistance. - ### Direction and signs Velocity and force include direction. Choose a positive direction and use it consistently. - ### Graphs versus paths A position-time graph is not a drawing of the route. Read what the axes measure, then interpret slope or area as appropriate. ## Key concepts Motion Position describes location relative to a reference point. Velocity describes how position changes, and acceleration describes how velocity changes. Net force The vector sum of forces determines acceleration through F\_net = ma for constant mass. Energy conservation Energy transfers between objects and changes form. A complete accounting includes energy transferred to surroundings, such as by heating. Momentum Momentum is mass times velocity. Total momentum stays constant for a system when the net external force is zero. Waves Waves transfer energy through disturbances. Frequency, wavelength, and wave speed are related by v = f times wavelength. Electric circuits A closed conducting path can carry current. Potential difference transfers energy per unit charge, and resistance affects current. ## How to prepare - Practice rearranging equations such as v = d/t. - Review slope and area on simple graphs. - Convert between common metric units. - Review right triangles and basic sine and cosine. ### Study habits that help - Draw a force diagram before writing force equations. - Estimate an answer's size before calculating. - Check units as carefully as numbers. - Explain whether your result makes physical sense. ## What to expect Typical workload Moderate Time outside class Typically about 4 to 6 hours outside class; the math level and school workload vary. Pace New models usually come with worked problems, experiments, and applications. How it is usually graded Problem sets, tests, quizzes, labs, and lab reports commonly determine grades. ### Skills that help - Algebra - Diagram drawing - Graph interpretation - Unit checking ### What teachers usually expect - State assumptions and show reasoning. - Include directions and units. - Follow laboratory and electrical safety instructions. ### Before you start - Typical Algebra 1 skills, with Algebra 2 helpful for many versions - Basic graphing - Geometry and trigonometry as needed for the course's math level These are general descriptions of a typical course. Workload, pace and prerequisites differ by school and instructor, so check with your counselor, advisor or the course catalog. ## Where it can lead - Physics - Engineering - Astronomy - Computer science - Architecture ## Flashcards Card 1 of 10 ## Practice questions Question 1 of 6 An object travels 20 m in 4 s. What is its average speed? 80 m/s16 m/s5 m/s0.2 m/s ## Vocabulary Scalar A quantity with magnitude but no direction. Vector A quantity with both magnitude and direction. Displacement The change in position from start to finish. Inertia An object's resistance to changes in velocity. Work Energy transferred by a force acting through a displacement. Power The rate of energy transfer or work. Wavelength The distance between corresponding points on successive wave cycles. Resistance The ratio of potential difference to current for a circuit element at a given operating point. ## Related courses - [Algebra 2](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/algebra-2) - [Precalculus](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/precalculus) - [AP Calculus AB](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/ap-calculus-ab) [Subject help center](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/courses/help)[Ask NextStep](https://nextstep-transition.spark.site/chat)