How do you guys know this information, so readily available to you?
Years of flying and teaching, and spotting the same basic misconceptions cropping up in many students.
It is true, you don't have to understand this stuff, you can pass the ATPLs by rote learning, but a solid understanding of the basic physical quantities and laws of motion makes it hugely easier.
Too many people (and too many poorly written aviation books) muddle up important (but relatively simple) concepts. Here's 10 off the top of my head:
IAS is not a speed.
Momentum is not the same as Kinetic Energy.
Momentum is not inertia.
Kinetic Energy is not a vector.
Force is not the same as Power.
Lift is not defined upwards.
Weight is not Mass.
Weight doesn't change when you pull G.
Moving objects don't need a force to keep them moving.
Accelerations are caused by unbalanced forces, not vice versa.
pb