Classical Mechanics

Why were Newton’s laws so revolutionary in explaining everyday motion? How do friction, air resistance, and real-world conditions complicate idealized physics models? What makes inertia such an important concept in understanding movement? How are forces represented and measured in modern mechanics? Which real-life motion—sports, driving, nature—do you think best illustrates Newton’s laws?

What does it really mean for an object to 'have' energy? Why do some systems conserve mechanical energy while others lose it through heat and friction? How do engineers use the concepts of work and power to design more efficient machines? What is the difference between potential and kinetic energy in real-world scenarios? What everyday situation helps you understand energy transfer most clearly?

What makes momentum conservation one of the most powerful principles in physics? How do elastic and inelastic collisions differ, and why does it matter? Why can analyzing collisions reveal information about forces that are otherwise hard to measure? How do seatbelts, helmets, and crumple zones use physics to protect people? Can you think of a moment in your life where momentum affected an outcome dramatically?

How is rotational motion different from linear motion? Why is angular momentum conserved in spinning systems like planets and skaters? How do gyroscopes maintain stability even when external forces act on them? Why do rotating objects sometimes behave counterintuitively? What rotating system—natural or engineered—do you find most intriguing?

How does gravity govern the motion of planets, moons, and satellites? What makes orbital motion a balance between falling and moving forward? How do spacecraft use gravity assists to change direction or speed? Why do orbits sometimes decay or destabilize over time? If you could send a spacecraft anywhere, what orbit or destination would you choose?

What makes fluids behave differently from solids when forces are applied? How do pressure differences create wind, ocean currents, and weather patterns? Why do engineers study laminar versus turbulent flow? How do principles of buoyancy and density explain why some objects float? What example of fluid behavior fascinates you the most?