Education21c

Mechanics

Key Lectures

Supplementary Articles

Supplementary Videos

Interactive Tools

Prerequisites

The language of physics is mathematics. Therefore, you should have adequate knowledge of maths before you learn physics. You should have completed Basic Mathematical Physics first. But if you cannot wait, you should first study the following lectures. 

  1. Plotting Elementary Functions

  2. Plane Polar Coordinates 

  3. Vectors, Scalars, Pseudoscalars 

  4. The Essence of Calculus: Chapter 1

  5. Differentiation: definition and basic derivative rules 

  6. Implicit differentiation 

  7. Differential Equations 

Key Lectures

Nature of Physical Laws

I. Prof. V Balakrishnan, Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Fundamental Constants and Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional Analysis and Scaling

Fundamental Forces of Nature

Kinematics in a Plane

The Finite Rotation Formula

Motion in a Circle: Acceleration

Newton’s Laws of Motion​

Conservation Laws & Newton’s Equations

Conservation of Angular Momentum

Two Body Scattering

Two Body Collisions-Kinematics

Conservative Forces

Central Potential & Central Force

Two Body Central Force Problem

Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion

Pseudo-Forces

More on Kepler Problem- Satellite Motion

Summary: Mechanics-Heat-Oscillations

II.Prof. Walter Lewin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

This excellent lecture series involves not only theoretical explanation but also classroom experiments to explain the concepts The lectures on Mechanics, Heat, and Oscillations. The topics can be seen as the title of the videos.

MIT Physics I: Classical Mechanics Lecture series

Full Playlist 

III. Tutorials

  1. Dr.Michel van Biezen discusses several problems in Mechanics. Select the video topic-wise his webpage 
  2. Problem sets by Prof. Adam Burgasser, MIT Opencourseware
  3. Exams by Prof. Adam Burgasser, MIT Opencourseware  
  4. Problem sets Classical Mechanics (2016), MIT Opencourseware 
  5. Problem sets Classical Mechanics (2005), MIT Opencourseware
  6. Exams Classical Mechanics (2005), MIT Opencourseware

Simulations

  • These simulations of various experiments in mechanics and oscillations are developed by Erik Neumann. The experiments include pendulums, coupled pendulum, mass-spring, collision, circular motion, Brachistochrone, molecule motion, etc. You can see the difference in the dynamics of processes by varying different parameters such as length, mass, gravity, etc. You may also read the physics equations used in the simulations. Click HERE to go to the simulations. 

Supplementary Videos

  1. Newton’s Second Law of Motion Demonstrated in Space Station 

  2. Newton’s Third Law of Motion Demonstrated in Space Station 

  3. Kinetic & Potential Energy Demonstrated in Space Station 

  4. Conservation of Angular Momentum Demonstrated in Space Station 
  5. Gyroscope (Angular Momentum, Torque)
  6. Intermediate Axis Theorem (Tennis Racket Effect) 
  7. How Earth Moves 

  8. Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains the Tides

  9. Coriolis Effect 
  10. Spinning

Supplementary Science Education Articles

  1. Dynamics of a Spool-Block Atwood System, The Physics Teacher 58, 173 (2020)
  2. Equations Governing Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion , Resonance 14, 1166-1170 2009
  3. The Brachistochrone , Resonance 22, 2017
  4. A Journey Along some Well-Known Curves , Resonance 9, 2004
  5. Dawn of Science – The Paths of Planets,  Resonance 16, 582, 2011 – (Prof. T Padmanabhan explains the history of detection of planets in solar system.)
  6. The Mystery and Beauty of Total Solar Eclipses, Resonance 7, 29, 2002 
  7. Friction at the Atomic Scale, Physics 6, 102, 2013