Physics 5A

Physics 5A is the first course in the introductory Physics 5 sequence, which is the physics major-oriented "honors" introductory physics sequence. It is a three unit course.

Overview

Physics 5A explores basic tenets of classical mechanics, espousing fundamental principles about how things move, collide, turn, wave, and flow. The end of the course also features discussion of special relativity, the theory governing the behavior of objects moving at close to the speed of light. While oft-described by students as more mathematically strenuous than Physics 7A, it is also an excellent preparation course for upper division physics courses.

Prerequisites

Math 1A, Math 1B may be taken concurrently.

Student Comments

“For mechanics, I'd really recommend spending a lot of time on oscillation because it comes off too often everywhere else. But since the 5 series is relatively new, I think it should be mentioned that it is pretty helpful to have 53 concurrently with 5A because of the math background.” – Teresa Du, undergraduate physics

“I think the most salient piece of advice is definitely just to tell people to do work in the reading room right? It's where you find people to help you with the problem sets, and it's where you find friends.” – Clay Halbert, undergraduate physics/philosophy

“Take the 5 series and if it’s totally overwhelming then you can easily drop to the 7 series (other way around is more difficult but people still do it). PS most people feel overwhelmed by the 5 series… find some friends to study with.” – Katie Latimer, physics/chemistry alumna

“The vast majority of this course is about mechanics but in a very challenging way. The last two weeks are about special relativity. The questions on problem sets and exams will almost always require single variable calculus (both differentiation and integration). These are significantly harder than the ones you see in Physics C AP Mechanics. Recommended only for intended physics/astrophysics/engineering physics majors who have taken AP Physics C Mechanics.” – Andrew Hsu, undergraduate physics/astrophysics