Session Overview
In week 1, we introduce Newton's three laws of motion. We use them to write an equation of motion. Equations of motion require the evaluation of displacements, velocities, and accelerations. The study of motion is called kinematics. In this course, we use vectors to describe the motion of rigid bodies. The equations for vector displacements, velocities, and accelerations are developed in the first week. Billiards is a game that requires a familiarity with Newton's laws. Image courtesy of fictures on Flickr. |
Assignments
Problems and Concept Questions
Each problem set has concept questions paired with most problems. Answers to the concept questions are handed in before the overall problem set is due. You should therefore answer the concept questions in each problem set while watching the video lectures for the week. Then, use the Concept Question Answer Key (below in the Check Yourself section) to check your work before continuing to work on the problem set.
Please note that if your answer to the concept question is incorrect, it is likely that you may start down an unproductive pathway to a solution. Try to fully understand the answer to the concept question before you begin the regular problem.
Handouts
Suggested Reading
- [Hibbeler] sections 12.1-12.6, 13.1-13.6, 16.1-16.6, 16.8.
Videos
Lecture Videos
- Watch
Lecture 1: History of Dynamics; Motion in Moving Reference Frames
Lecture 1: History of Dynamics; Motion in Moving Reference Frames
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 175MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 175MB)
- Video Chapters
- Modeling in dynamics
- History of the study of dynamics
-
An example deriving equations of motion using Newton's laws
An example deriving equations of motion using Newton's laws
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 175MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 175MB)
-
Introduction to kinematics using reference frames and vectors
Introduction to kinematics using reference frames and vectors
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 175MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 175MB)
-
Moving frames: translation and rotation
Moving frames: translation and rotation
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 175MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 175MB)
- Video Chapters
- Watch Notation Systems, a supplementary video which describes the two notation systems used in this course and how they interrelate.
- Watch
Lecture 2: Newton's Laws and Describing the Kinematics of Particles
Lecture 2: Newton's Laws and Describing the Kinematics of Particles
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 232MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 232MB)
- Video Chapters
- Purpose of concept questions
-
Kinematics: describing the motion of particles and rigid bodies
Kinematics: describing the motion of particles and rigid bodies
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 232MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 232MB)
-
A review of Newton's three laws of motion
A review of Newton's three laws of motion
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 232MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 232MB)
-
The importance of inertial reference frames
The importance of inertial reference frames
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 232MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 232MB)
-
Newton's 3rd Law action and reaction forces
Newton's 3rd Law action and reaction forces
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 232MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 232MB)
- Definition of center of mass
- Example finding center of mass of a rod
- Video Chapters
Check Yourself
Concept Question Answer Key and Problem Set Solutions
The solutions are presented in two files, one with the answers to the concept questions, and one with solutions and in-depth explanations for the problems. Work the problems on your own and check your answers when you're done.
- Problem Set 1: Concept Question Answer Key (PDF)
- Problem Set 1: Problem Solutions with Explanations (PDF - 1.1MB)