Classical Mechanics (Student Physics Series) - Softcover

Cowan, Brian

 
9780710202802: Classical Mechanics (Student Physics Series)

Inhaltsangabe

The study of mechanics plays a central role in physics for a whole variety of reasons. It was one of the earliest of the quantitative sciences, and had immediate practical applications. These ranged from the study of the motion of projectiles in warfare to the motion of the planets, predicting the seasons, eclipses, etc. At the present time, even though superseded on the very small scale by quantum theory and on the very large scale by the theory of relativity, the mechanics of Newton is perfectly adequate for treating a wide spectrum of problems from the • ’"etic theory of gases to the motion of space vehicles. Furthermore, the science of mechanics is regarded by many as the epitome of a good scientific theory and for this reason is studied by philosophers and social scientists alike as an exemplar of the ’scientific method’. We shall commence in Chapter 1 with a brief historical outline of the development of mechanics, mentioning the names and dates of the main participants and summarizing their contributions. Preface vii Chapter 1 Newton’s laws 1. 1 Historical introduction Primitive ideas about mechanics were exemplified by the state­ ments of Aristotle (384-322 Be), who asserted that a force was necessary to maintain motion. Furthermore, he believed that there were different laws for heavenly and earthly bodies.

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Reseña del editor

The study of mechanics plays a central role in physics for a whole variety of reasons. It was one of the earliest of the quantitative sciences, and had immediate practical applications. These ranged from the study of the motion of projectiles in warfare to the motion of the planets, predicting the seasons, eclipses, etc. At the present time, even though superseded on the very small scale by quantum theory and on the very large scale by the theory of relativity, the mechanics of Newton is perfectly adequate for treating a wide spectrum of problems from the · '"etic theory of gases to the motion of space vehicles. Furthermore, the science of mechanics is regarded by many as the epitome of a good scientific theory and for this reason is studied by philosophers and social scientists alike as an exemplar of the 'scientific method'. We shall commence in Chapter 1 with a brief historical outline of the development of mechanics, mentioning the names and dates of the main participants and summarizing their contributions. Preface vii Chapter 1 Newton's laws 1. 1 Historical introduction Primitive ideas about mechanics were exemplified by the state­ ments of Aristotle (384-322 Be), who asserted that a force was necessary to maintain motion. Furthermore, he believed that there were different laws for heavenly and earthly bodies.

Reseña del editor

This volume provides a clear, concise and self-contained introduction to classical mechanics and covers all the material required by a student taking a first course in the subject. The book is written in an enjoyable and easy-to-read style and treats the subject from a modern standpoint. The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations are developed in a final chapter and the author shows how these formulations lend themselves particularly well to the more modern areas of physics such as quantum mechanics. The text includes a substantial number of worked examples and there are exercises (with answers) for the student. This book should be of interest to first year undergraduates taking a course in classical mechanics.

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