Classical Mechanics | Physics | MIT OpenCourseWare
This first course in the physics curriculum introduces classical mechanics. Historically, a set of core concepts—space, time, mass, force, momentum, torque, and angular momentum—were introduced in classical mechanics in order to solve the most famous physics problem, the motion of the planets. The principles of mechanics successfully described many other phenomena encountered in the world. Conservation laws involving energy, momentum and angular momentum provided a second parallel approach to solving many of the same problems. In this course, we will investigate both approaches: Force and conservation laws. Our goal is to develop a conceptual understanding of the core concepts, a familiarity with the experimental verification of our theoretical laws, and an ability to apply the theoretical framework to describe and predict the motions of bodies.
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Introduction
Course Overview: Classical Mechanics
- Subject: Introductory physics curriculum focusing on classical mechanics.
- Core Concepts: Space, time, mass, force, momentum, torque, and angular momentum.
- Historical Context: Originally developed to solve the motion of planets; later expanded to describe a wide range of physical phenomena.
- Primary Methodologies:
- Force-based approach: Analyzing dynamics through forces.
- Conservation laws: Utilizing energy, momentum, and angular momentum as a parallel problem-solving framework.
- Learning Objectives:
- Develop a conceptual understanding of fundamental physical laws.
- Gain familiarity with experimental verification of theoretical principles.
- Acquire the ability to apply theoretical frameworks to predict and describe the motion of bodies.
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