This Spring semester, calculus-based course examines the basic principles of classical mechanics with special emphasis on conceptual and mathematical problem-solving.  Topics include linear kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, linear and angular momentum, rotational dynamics, gravitation, and static equilibrium.

Course Objectives

1. Correctly use the fundamental units of mechanics and the corresponding unit systems, convert from one set of units to another, and solve problems using significant figures.
2. Apply the general and special relationships between the kinematics variables to find unknown values.
3. Apply the kinematics variables to problems in more than one-dimension using vectors.
4. Apply Newton’s laws to a multitude of situations in order to determine the acceleration of an object (or an unknown force if the acceleration is known).
5. Calculate work, kinetic energy, potential energy, and use the conservation of energy in situations involving work done by conservative and non-conservative forces.
6. Perform calculations involving the center of mass, momentum and impulse, and conservation of momentum.
7. Use the kinematics equations appropriate for rotational motion to solve equilibrium and general rotation problems.
8. Solve problems where gravity plays a significant role.