Physics HS 1: Mechanics

Motion, Forces, Energy — Dual View

Grades 9-10 | Truth Carriers Academy

Study Guide (Read First)

“He upholds all things by the word of His power.” - Hebrews 1:3

Table of Contents

1Measurement & Models

What Textbooks Teach

  • SI units, significant figures, uncertainty
  • Models simplify reality
  • Math describes natural laws

What Scripture Says

  • Order comes from the Lawgiver (Jer. 51:15)
  • Creation is intelligible because the Creator is rational
  • Math reflects God’s consistency

Problems with Naturalism

2Kinematics: 1D Motion

Key Ideas

What Textbooks Teach

Motion can be modeled precisely with algebra and graphs.

What Scripture Says

Creation’s predictability reflects Yahuah’s faithful order (Psalm 19:1).

Naturalism Gap

Why is motion everywhere governed by the same math relationships?

Apply

A car starts at rest and accelerates at 3 m/s² for 4 s. Find v and Δx.

3Vectors & 2D Motion

Essentials

What Textbooks Teach

Vector decomposition solves real-world motion (sports, engineering, ballistics).

What Scripture Says

Orderly motion and predictable trajectories reflect design, not chaos.

Try It

Launch: v₀=20 m/s at 30°. Find v₀x, v₀y.

4Newton’s Laws

The Three Laws

Textbook View

Laws emerged from observation and mathematics.

Scripture View

The consistency of these laws reflects the faithful character of the Creator (Heb. 1:3).

Naturalism Gap

Why do these laws hold everywhere and every time? Chance cannot guarantee universality.

5Forces & Free-Body Diagrams

Forces

What Textbooks Teach

FBDs are the universal language for solving mechanics problems.

What Scripture Says

Forces obey consistent laws—evidence of a consistent Lawgiver.

Try It

Draw a free-body diagram for a block on an incline with friction. Solve for acceleration:

6Work, Power, Energy

Core Relations

7Momentum & Impulse

Key Ideas

8Circular Motion & Gravitation

Formulas

What Textbooks Teach

Gravity explains planetary orbits, tides, and satellite motion with one equation.

What Scripture Says

“He stretches out the north over empty space, and hangs the earth upon nothing.” (Job 26:7) — gravity displays His sustaining power.

Design Note

Gravitational constant G is finely tuned; small changes would make stable orbits impossible.

Compute

Find centripetal acceleration for v=10 m/s, r=5 m. m/s²

9Simple Harmonic Motion (Preview)

Basics

10Design in Mechanics (Review)

What We See

“The heavens declare the glory of El; the firmament shows His handiwork.” - Psalm 19:1

Final Reflection

How do Newton’s laws and conservation principles strengthen your confidence in a rational Creator?

Answer Key (Selected)

U2 equations as listed; U3 range formula; U4 laws stated; U6 relations; U7 definitions; U8 formulas.