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HyperPhysics

HyperPhysics is a physics reference built by Carl Nave at Georgia State University. Instead of linear chapters, topics are connected as concept maps, so a reader can move from one idea to related ones in a few clicks.

Areas include mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, sound, quantum physics, nuclear physics, relativity and astrophysics. Many pages combine a short explanation with the relevant equations and an embedded calculator that computes a result from entered values, for example for lens equations, fluid flow or radiation.

Old style site 😉 and no https, but valuable information … and fast loading

The site is free, needs no registration and is a quick way to refresh a physical principle or to find the governing formula with its variables defined. The pages are concise, so it works best as a reference and not as a full course.

Disciplines: Physics, Education, Engineering, Astronomy, Chemistry.
Free alternative to The Physics Classroom, Khan Academy.
HyperPhysics compared with The Physics Classroom and Khan Academy
HyperPhysicsThe Physics ClassroomKhan Academy
Structure: Content is divided into small linked pages that were originally built in HyperCard. Concept maps show how topics connect, and a sidebar holds the full index, so a reader moves between related ideas and not through chapters.Structure: The site is organised into a tutorial, Minds On Physics modules, a calculator section, review sessions, worksheets and more than 150 lab ideas.Structure: Content is organised as courses with videos, articles and practice questions.
Scope and level: Topics span physics and astrophysics, with sections on mechanics, modern physics and astronomy, plus links to chemistry, geophysics and biology. It originated as a copy of lecture materials for physics courses.Scope and level: The site is developed primarily for beginning physics students and their teachers, and the materials are aimed mainly at high school physics and chemistry.Scope and level: Physics courses are listed at middle school, high school and Advanced Placement level (AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2).
Calculation and interactive tools: Many pages include JavaScript calculations for formulas and standard problems, so users can test what-if questions numerically.Calculation and interactive tools: The site offers HTML5 interactives that run without plug-ins, as well as Concept Builders and a CalcPad. More than 140 interactives are listed.Calculation and interactive tools: Practice questions are part of the offering.
Authorship and cost: The site was created in 1998 by Carl Nave of Georgia State University and is copyrighted by him. A paid USB version is also offered.Authorship and cost: Tom Henderson wrote and developed the site, and a software engineer bought it in 2024. Most materials are free and supported by advertising, while teacher tools, ad-free options and downloads are paid.Authorship and cost: Learning is always free, and the organisation is a non-profit funded by donations and grants.

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