Sciences · Foundational
Physics Instruction.
Physics is the study of how the physical world actually works — and the science that underwrites every engineering discipline. Well-taught physics turns memorization into understanding.
Vinai Sharma teaches physics as a small number of powerful principles applied honestly. Every formula is derived, every problem is diagrammed, and every unit is checked.
Book a Free ConsultationTutoring Plan · Rates · AvailabilityCourse Snapshot
Physics at a glance.
The essentials every student and family should understand before beginning coursework or tutoring.
- Course Level
- Grades 9 – 12 / College Introductory
- Duration
- Full academic year
- Prerequisites
- Algebra 1 (algebra-based) · Calculus (calculus-based)
- Standardized Alignment
- NY Regents Physics · AP Physics 1 & 2 · AP Physics C
- Format
- One-on-one live online tutoring
- Coverage
- Algebra-based and calculus-based physics
Section 01
Course Overview
Physics is built from a small number of conservation laws and force laws that describe everything from a rolling ball to an electromagnetic wave.
The course begins with kinematics and Newtonian mechanics — motion, forces, energy, momentum, and rotational dynamics. Each of these is built up from a diagram and a small set of principles.
The second half develops waves, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and — at the AP or college level — an introduction to modern physics. Every topic is anchored to real experiments and honest problem-solving.
Section 02
Major Units
The core structure of the course — every student progresses through these units in a deliberate, connected sequence.
- Unit 01
Kinematics
Motion in one and two dimensions; projectile motion; kinematics equations.
- Unit 02
Newton's Laws & Dynamics
Forces, free-body diagrams, and Newton's three laws.
- Unit 03
Energy & Work
Kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy, and the work-energy theorem.
- Unit 04
Momentum & Impulse
Linear momentum, collisions, and conservation of momentum.
- Unit 05
Rotational Motion
Angular kinematics, torque, and rotational dynamics.
- Unit 06
Gravitation & Circular Motion
Uniform circular motion, gravity, and orbits.
- Unit 07
Waves, Sound & Optics
Wave phenomena, superposition, and geometric optics.
- Unit 08
Thermodynamics
Temperature, heat, and the laws of thermodynamics.
- Unit 09
Electricity & Magnetism
Electric fields, circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction.
- Unit 10
Modern Physics
Relativity, quantum mechanics, and atomic physics.
Section 03
Complete Topic & Subtopic Tree
Every topic covered in the full course, broken down into the specific subtopics Vinai Sharma teaches one-on-one.
Classical Mechanics
Kinematics
- 1-D motion
- 2-D motion
- Projectiles
- Relative motion
Dynamics
- Newton's 1st law
- Newton's 2nd law
- Newton's 3rd law
- Friction
Energy
- Kinetic energy
- Potential energy
- Work-energy theorem
- Conservation of energy
Momentum
- Impulse
- Elastic collisions
- Inelastic collisions
- Conservation of momentum
Rotation & Gravity
Rotational Kinematics
- Angular displacement
- Angular velocity
- Angular acceleration
Rotational Dynamics
- Torque
- Moment of inertia
- Angular momentum
- Rolling motion
Gravitation
- Universal gravity
- Orbital motion
- Kepler's laws
- Gravitational potential energy
Circular Motion
- Centripetal force
- Banked curves
- Vertical circles
Waves, Sound & Thermodynamics
Waves
- Wave structure
- Transverse & longitudinal
- Superposition
- Standing waves
Sound
- Speed of sound
- Doppler effect
- Resonance
- Beats
Optics
- Reflection
- Refraction
- Lenses
- Diffraction & interference
Thermodynamics
- Temperature & heat
- Specific heat
- Laws of thermodynamics
- Heat engines
Electricity, Magnetism & Modern
Electrostatics
- Charge & Coulomb's law
- Electric field
- Electric potential
- Capacitance
Circuits
- Ohm's law
- Series & parallel
- Kirchhoff's laws
- RC circuits
Magnetism
- Magnetic force on charges
- Magnetic field
- Ampere's law
- Faraday's law
Modern Physics
- Photoelectric effect
- Atomic structure
- Special relativity intro
- Wave-particle duality
Section 04
Skills Developed
The underlying skills every student builds in this course — the durable abilities that carry through to advanced coursework and standardized exams.
Conceptual Understanding
Learning why the science or mathematics works — not just which button to press.
Problem-Solving Fluency
Breaking multi-step problems into manageable, repeatable moves.
Precise Notation & Language
Writing arguments cleanly enough that another mathematician or scientist can follow them.
Quantitative Reasoning
Choosing the right structure and estimating whether an answer is plausible.
Independent Study Habits
Reading a textbook, working through examples, and self-checking without a teacher present.
Exam Readiness
Sustained accuracy under timed conditions, on both school exams and standardized tests.
Section 05
Common Student Challenges
The patterns Vinai Sharma sees most often — and exactly how each is addressed during tutoring.
Section 06
Why Physics Matters
Why this course is one of the highest-leverage academic investments a family can make.
Engineering Prerequisite
Every engineering major begins with introductory physics. Weak physics stalls entire STEM trajectories.
AP Physics Score Impact
AP Physics C in particular is a strong signal to selective universities and can earn college credit.
Regents Requirement
The NY Physics Regents is one of the science options for a Regents diploma.
MCAT Foundation
Roughly a quarter of the MCAT tests physics concepts directly.
Quantitative Reasoning at Its Best
Physics develops the habit of turning a real situation into a mathematical model — the core skill of every quantitative field.
A Way of Seeing the World
Physics students learn to trace phenomena back to conservation laws and force laws — a durable intellectual toolkit.
Section 07
Connections to Other STEM Subjects
How Physics connects to the rest of the Vinai Sharma curriculum — the courses it prepares students for, and the exams it supports.
Algebra 2 & Precalculus
Trigonometry, vectors, and function analysis are used in every physics unit.
Calculus
AP Physics C and college physics are inherently calculus-based.
Chemistry
Thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics bridge chemistry and physics.
Engineering
Statics, dynamics, and electromagnetism are direct extensions of introductory physics.
MCAT
Physics and math reasoning appear across the Chem/Phys section of the MCAT.
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Every astronomical concept — orbits, spectra, stellar evolution — is applied physics.
Science & Math Library
Comprehensive Physics Formula Sheet.
A single premium reference covering every formula, definition, and result the course expects — organized by unit, written by Vinai Sharma. The full sheet is being authored and will be published in the Science & Math Library.
Visit the Science & Math LibraryPhysics Formula & Reference Sheet
Every key formula, definition, theorem, and reference students need — organized by unit and cross-referenced to the topic tree above.
- Kinematics
- Newton's Laws & Dynamics
- Energy & Work
- Momentum & Impulse
- Rotational Motion
- Gravitation & Circular Motion
Free Resources
A growing library of premium references.
Curated reference material for every Physics student. Full guides are being written by Vinai Sharma and will appear in the Science & Math Library as they are published.
Physics · Formula Sheet
Every equation, constant, and unit for AP-level physics in one reference.
Physics · Free-Body Diagram Guide
The standard framework for translating any mechanics problem into a diagram.
Physics · Circuit Analysis Guide
Series, parallel, Kirchhoff's rules, and RC circuits with worked examples.
Physics · Wave & Optics Guide
Superposition, interference, and lens problems in one reference.
Physics · Rotational Motion Guide
Angular kinematics, torque, and rolling motion with worked examples.
Physics · AP Physics Study Guide
A calibrated review plan for AP Physics 1, 2, and C examinations.
How Vinai Sharma Teaches
A six-step path from first call to full mastery.
Every student follows the same disciplined arc — from an honest starting point to sustained fluency in the material.
- Step 01
Initial Consultation
A no-pressure conversation about goals, timeline, and current coursework.
- Step 02
Diagnostic Assessment
A focused diagnostic identifies exactly where each unit of the course stands.
- Step 03
Personalized Learning Plan
A written plan mapped to the student's timeline, coursework, and academic goals.
- Step 04
Concept Mastery
Underlying concepts are rebuilt where needed — every skill stands on real understanding.
- Step 05
Guided Problem Solving
One-on-one whiteboard instruction on every difficult problem type in the course.
- Step 06
Assessment Preparation
Targeted preparation for school assessments, standardized exams, and course finals.
Study Plans
Four premium tutoring timelines.
Each plan is a starting framework. Every student's actual schedule is customized after the diagnostic assessment.
Intensive
Focused refinement for students already at a strong baseline heading into a major assessment.
Discuss This PlanStandard
Targeted work on the highest-impact units of the course plus consistent problem practice.
Discuss This PlanComprehensive
Full concept review, unit-by-unit mastery, and periodic assessment checkpoints.
Discuss This PlanMastery
The deepest preparation — foundations rebuilt, every unit mastered, ready for the next course in the sequence.
Discuss This PlanFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions families most often ask before beginning tutoring in this subject.
Ready to Begin
One-on-one physics instruction with Vinai Sharma.
Book a free consultation to discuss your student's current coursework, goals, and timeline. Every plan is built from an honest starting point.
Begin
Start with a focused strategy conversation.
The strategy session is the first step of working together — a focused academic planning and diagnostic conversation used to understand the student before any ongoing academic support begins.
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