1. Introduction
Introduction to classical mechanics and fundamental principles
What is Classical Mechanics?
Classical mechanics studies how objects move and how forces cause that motion.
It is the foundation of all physics, describing motion from everyday objects to planets.
Key concepts include vectors, forces, energy, momentum, and Newton's laws.
Why Study Classical Mechanics?
It explains how vehicles accelerate, how projectiles fly, and how collisions occur.
It is fundamental to engineering, robotics, aerospace, and all physical sciences.
Applications
- Vehicle dynamics and transportation
- Structural engineering and construction
- Sports science and biomechanics
- Space mission trajectories
Prerequisites
- Basic algebra and trigonometry
- Understanding of position, velocity, and acceleration
- Vector notation
Module Breakdown
- Newton's Laws: Newton's law of universal gravitation and its applications
- Dot Product: Scalar product of vectors, calculating work and projections
- SUVAT: Equations of motion for constant acceleration kinematics
- Cross Product: Vector product, calculating torque and angular momentum
- Friction Static and Dynamic: Forces opposing motion, coefficients of friction
- Energy: Kinetic and potential energy, work-energy theorem, conservation
- Momentum and Impulse: Conservation of momentum, impulse-momentum theorem, collisions
- Introduction to General Relativity: Brief overview connecting classical mechanics to modern physics