Classical Mechanics

In this course, we will study the theory of Newtonian Mechanics, describing the kinematics and dynamics of material points and extended objects. In particular, we will start with a description of Physics as a scientific filed of study and sketching the corresponding method of investigation. We will follow studying the kinematics of material points, in one and higher dimensions. Subsequently, we will introduce the concept of force and energy, thus studying the dynamics of material points based on Newton's principles. Particular cases will be considered, as elastic, gravitational, and friction forces. These concept will then be extended to discrete and continuous material systems, with the introduction of rotational kinematics and dynamics.

Throughout the course, we will use many mathematical tools and concepts the students may not be familiar with. Hence, when necessary, we will first introduce these mathematical aspects, applying them to the needs of the course.

Course Outline

Midterms

Midterm 1

Midterm 2

Assignments

Assignment 1 Solutions 1

Assignment 2 Solutions 2

Assignment 3 Solutions 3

Assignment 4 Solutions 4

Assignment 5 Solutions 5

Assignment 6 Solutions 6

Course Notes

For a more complete set of notes, please refer to Notes

Lecture 1 (Video) The fascinating physics of everyday life

Lecture 2 (Video) Vectors, what even are they?

(Extra) Notes on the rotation of a system

Lecture 3 (Video) Linear transformations and matrices

Lecture 4 (Video) The paradox of the derivative

Lecture 5 (Video) The Brachistocrone

Lecture 6 (Video) The world's biggest vacuum chamber

Lecture 7 (Video) Galileo Galilei - in a nutshell

Lecture 8 (Video) Does Water Swirl the Other Way in the Southern Hemisphere?

Lecture 9 (Video) Foucault's Pendulum

Lecture 10 (Video) Pendulum Waves

Lecture 11 (Video) What is Energy?

Lecture 12 (Video) Optimising a Trebuchet

Lecture 13 (Video) Mechanical Energy Conservation

Lecture 14 (Video) What IS Angular Momentum?

Lecture 15 (Video) What is Gravity?

Lecture 16 (Video) Why the solar system can exist

Lecture 17 (Video) Feynman's Lost Lecture

Lecture 18 (Video) Simple Harmonic Motion: Crash Course Physics

Lecture 19 (Video) Coupled Oscillators

Lecture 20 (Video) THAT Black Hole picture ⚫

Lecture 21 (Video) Slow Motion Flipping Cat Physics

Lecture 22 (Video) It's Rocket Science! with Professor Chris Bishop

Lecture 23 (Video) Walter Lewin demonstrates moment of inertia

Lecture 24 (Video) Backspin Basketball Flies Off Dam

Lecture 25 (Video) Anti-Gravity Wheel?

Lecture 26 (Video) Crazy tic tac bounce!?