Louis La Minh Hoang

In my recent physics lesson, we shifted our focus away from Earth and into the vast universe with the topic of space physics. This lesson felt especially exciting because it connected physics with astronomy, turning equations and concepts into explanations for real cosmic phenomena.

We began by studying gravitational fields and orbital motion, understanding how planets, moons, and satellites move under gravitational forces. Instead of just using formulas, we focused on the reasoning behind stable orbits, escape velocity, and why objects in space experience weightlessness even though gravity is still acting on them. The idea that continuous free fall creates orbiting motion was a key insight.

We also explored motion in space, where there is little to no air resistance. This made Newton’s laws much clearer and more powerful, as objects continue moving unless acted upon by a force. Problems often involved analyzing spacecraft trajectories, velocity changes during maneuvers, and how small forces applied over long periods can significantly alter motion.

Another important part of the lesson was energy in space systems, especially gravitational potential energy. We examined how energy changes as an object moves farther from or closer to a planet, and how this affects satellite speed. These concepts required careful thinking rather than heavy calculation, since the challenge was visualizing motion on a massive, cosmic scale.

We also touched on space-related phenomena such as artificial satellites, space stations, and basic ideas behind rockets. Understanding how thrust, mass, and fuel efficiency interact helped explain how humans can send objects beyond Earth despite gravity’s pull.

Overall, this lesson showed me that space physics is not just abstract theory. It is a powerful application of core physics ideas, extended to extreme scales. Studying it made me appreciate how the same laws we learn in class govern everything from a falling object on Earth to the motion of planets across the universe.