Predicting Motion
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Summary
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.
Table of Contents
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
