1st Edition

Predicting Motion

By Robert Lambourne Copyright 2000
    255 Pages
    by CRC Press

    254 Pages
    by CRC Press

    Predicting Motion presents the core ideas of Newtonian mechanics, starting from Newton's laws and the idea that changes in motion are predictable given the forces that cause them. Richly illustrated with questions and answers for self-assessment, it carefully introduces concepts, such as kinetics and potential energy, linear momentum, torque (the rotational analogue of force), and angular momentum, and explains their role in predicting motion. Although no prior knowledge of this topic is required, the book focuses on the significance of differential equations in making such predictions. It also provides an up-to-date treatment of mechanics with accounts of relativistic collisions and the implications of chaos theory for the future of the solar system and for galaxies that contain black holes.

    Introduction

    FORCES AND NEWTON'S LAWS
    Voyager's Odyssey-An Example of Newton's Laws
    Newton's Laws and the Definition of Force
    Some Familiar Forces
    Forces and Motion
    Closing Items

    WORK, ENERGY, AND POWER
    Power
    Escaping the Earth-An Application of Energy
    Work and Kinetic Energy
    Work and Potential Energy
    Power
    Energy in Oscillating Systems
    Closing

    LINEAR MOMENTUM AND COLLISIONS
    Discovering the Atomic Nucleus-An Example
    Linear Momentum
    Collisions and Conservation Laws

    TORQUE AND ANGULAR MOMENTUM
    Precession-An Example of Rotational Dynamics
    Torque
    Equilibrium and Statics
    Rotational Energy and Moments of Inertia
    Angular Momentum

    CHAOTIC MOTION
    Is Motion Always Predictable?
    What Is Chaos?
    Examples of Chaos

    CONSOLIDATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
    Introduction
    Overview of Chapters 1 to 5
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Basic Skills and Knowledge Test
    Interactive Questions
    Physica Problems

    Answers to Questions
    Index

    Biography

    Lambourne, Robert