Lecture Notes on Mechanics

This book is for students who are familiar with an introductory course in mechanics at the freshman level. With an emphasis on perspectives that are more fundamental and techniques more advanced than those given in most introductory mechanics textbooks, the book illuminates on notions where vectors are coordinate free, presents the importance of reference frames (inertial and non-inertial) to mechanics problems, the role of Galilean Relativity on invariance and covariance of physical quantities, a framework to perform calculations — free from the constraint of a fixed axis — in rotational dynamics, and others. Moreover, it provides clear links between concepts in mechanics and other branches of physics, such as thermodynamics and electrodynamics, so that students can possess a more complete view of what they learn within the confines of physics.Contents: Vectors as Coordinate-Free SystemVector Representation of KinematicsGalilean Theory of RelativityNewton's LawsEnergy and WorkLinear Momentum and Newton's Law with Variable MassesThe Fundamental Mechanics of Rotational Motion
Readership: Junior undergraduate students in Physics and Engineering. Lecturers of Physics and Engineering courses, looking for ideal materials to ease students' learning. Mechanics;Newton's Laws;Energy and Work;Momentum;Rotational Motion0Key Features:This book puts forth perspectives, concepts and methods that are usually skimmed through in freshman courses due to their advanced nature and insufficient timeWhile advanced in nature, the materials covered do not approach the difficulty of a sophomore's course in mechanics based on Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamicsThis book serves to bridge the gap between these two levels