Classical Mechanics

Newtonian, Hamiltonian and Lagrangian descriptions of motion.

Fun with mechanics!

Can you find the angle at which the projectile travels furthest when launched at 40 m/s? What if you launched it at 30 m/s? Does the angle change?

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Watch how computational dynamics helps two quadrocopters not only balance an inverted pendulum, but also throw and catch it amongst themselves.

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Introductory lectures

A basic introduction to Einstein’s thinking---one that assumes no prior knowledge, just an open mind. In one short hour, Prof. Shankar breaks down Einstein’s theories and formulas for a lay audience.

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Complete courses

This course provides a thorough introduction to the principles and methods of physics for students who have good preparation in physics and mathematics. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and quantitative reasoning.

Instructor: Prof. Ramamurti Shankar, Yale University

Topics covered: Newtonian Mechanics, Special Relativity, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Waves

Course level: Beginning Undergraduate

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This course provides a delightful introduction to classical mechanics, the theoretical underpinning of modern physics. The course begins with a discussion of the allowable laws of physics and then delve into Newtonian mechanics. It then proceeds to present three formulations of classical mechanics respectively by Lagrange, Hamiltonian and Poisson. Throughout ...

Instructor: Prof. Leonard Susskind, Stanford University

Topics covered: Newtonian Mechanics, Hamiltonian Mechanics, Lagrangian Mechanics

Course level: Advanced Undergraduate

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Supplementary resources

These lecture notes are based on material presented in both graduate and undergraduate mechanics classes, which Prof. Daniel Arovas have taught on several occasions during the past 20 years at UCSD.

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