Welcome to your PHYS 151 study hub
PHYS 151 — Mechanics & Heat — is the calculus-based introductory mechanics course at CSULB. Lima's section uses Chabay & Sherwood's Matter and Interactions, which builds the whole subject around the momentum principle (a generalization of Newton's 2nd law) instead of starting from $\vec F = m\vec a$. This site reorganizes the material into 12 study modules, embeds every PDF from Canvas, and walks you through real practice problems one step at a time.
📚 12 Core Modules
Mapped 1-to-1 to the syllabus chapters — vectors through angular momentum, plus thermal physics.
🔢 Formula Vault
Searchable database of every equation, in Chabay/Sherwood notation, with variables and SI units.
🧠 Real Problem Solver
Walkthroughs of actual practice problems and past quizzes, revealed one step at a time.
📅 Course at a glance
| Instructor | Carlos D. Lima · HSCI-246 · carlos.lima@csulb.edu |
| ISA | Clara Chun · HSCI-220 · Clara.Chun01@student.csulb.edu |
| Meeting | M / W 5:30–6:45 PM · HSCI-105 |
| Office hours | Mon 9–10 AM (Lima) · Wed 11 AM–12 PM (Chun) |
| Textbook | Matter and Interactions, Vol. 1, 4th ed. — Chabay & Sherwood |
| Final exam | Wed May 13, 2026 · 5:00–7:00 PM · HSCI-105 |
| Grade weights | 40% Exams · 20% Quizzes · 20% Lab · 15% WileyPLUS HW · 5% Participation |
🗺️ Topics covered
Tap any topic to jump to its module.
⚡ How to use this site
- Read the module — get the cheat-sheet, definitions, and plain-English translation.
- Open the linked PDFs from the module page to see Lima's actual notes / problems.
- Use the Formula Vault — every equation in the course with variables, units, and "when to use it."
- Try the Problem Solver — work through the problem yourself first, then reveal one step at a time.
- Hit the Self-Test — 10 quick concept questions with explanations.
🔢 Formula Vault
Every equation you'll meet in PHYS 151 (Lima section). Search by name, variable, or topic.
🧠 Step-by-Step Problem Solver
These are real practice problems and past quizzes from Lima's course. Try the problem first — only reveal a step after you've made an attempt.
📝 Self-Test Quiz
10 concept-check questions covering the full course. Wrong answers come with an explanation rooted in Chabay/Sherwood's framework.
📄 Course Documents
Every PDF from Canvas, grouped exactly the way Lima posted them. Click View to read inline, or the filename to download. Many of the practice problems are scanned/handwritten — open them inline to see the diagrams.
🌐 Curated Web Resources
Outside-the-classroom resources for every topic — interactive simulations, open textbooks, and the best short videos online.